posted 02-20-2003 06:22 PM           

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It's not a good idea to correct a dog when it's around something it's already fearful of, as the dog will start to associate the scary thing (whether it's a person, certain room, place, whatever) with being corrected and will go into avoidance. This can cause problems because if the dog is ever actually confronted by the "scary thing" and CAN'T avoid it, it will defned itself in the only way it knows how, with it's teeth. It would be a good idea to find a behaviorist to help you deal with this, as they'll be able to tell more about your situation than people who have never seen the dog in person. They'll probably have you start working on desensitizing her to strangers, and building her confidence.

BTW shmoopie, the people who originally made the alpha roll technique "go public" in their book are actually saying now that it's not a good thing to try with your dog. With a truly dominant dog, you will lose your face trying to roll them over, as they KNOW they're in charge, and won't tolerate such behavior from a subordinate member. Here's a link to the article: http://www.coloradoan.com/news/stories/20021228/lifestyle/665086.html

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Posts: 361
From:Vancouver, BC
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 02-21-2003 03:01 PM            

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MY DOG IS VERY DOMINANT AND HAS NEVER EVER TRIED TO BITE ME OR GROWL WHEN I HAVE ROLLED HIM ON HIS BACK...NO MATTER WHAT; HOWEVER, EVERY DOG IS DIFFERENT AND MY DOG HAS NEVER BEEN MADE FEARFUL OF PEOPLE SO I CAN TRUST HIM. AS PER THIS SITUATION IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONTACT SOMEONE WHO SPECIALIZES IN HANDLING THESE SITUATION AND IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO MEET THE DOG AND FIGURE OUT HOW THE DOG THINKS AND REACTS AND WHY THIS PROBLEM EXISTS.

You'r doing a great job handling your dog. Compliments all the way around.

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From:Harrisburg,PA USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 02-21-2003 10:44 PM            

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Does anyone have a guesstimate on how much behaviorists cost? I havent found one yet but would like an idea on how much its going to cost. I would definitely like to know what is inside my girl's head. And I think one of them would be able to tell me exactly what to do for her cuz every dog is different and this is something that definitely needs corrected cuz it sould get worse. I know she would never bite us and i dont think she would bite anyone as long as one of us our there. But the fact that i dont know is what scares me.

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posted 02-22-2003 12:11 AM           

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I've heard of the costing anywhere from $30-$300 an hour. Local trainers/vets may be able to direct you to one, or this page may be of some help... http://www.apdt.com/cgi/trainer-search?m=0
They have a "trainer search" at the bottom of that page, and if you look around the site, there's a lot of info on finding someone suitable for you/your dog's needs. Some trainers are also behaviorists, or may have a pretty in depth understanding of dog behavior, so even if you don't see anything stating that they're behaviorists, it might not hurt to call and check them out anyway

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From:Harrisburg,PA USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 02-28-2003 11:24 PM            

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Update on Abby. We made a breakthrough. I got a hold of a rottie rescue and spoke to a woman there who is also a behaviorist. I spoke with her for well over an hour. We figured out two reasons she freaks out first she feels way too dominant being higher than strangers when they first come in the house second she starts carrying on when my other dog starts barking. So today my fiance brought a friend over who is good with large dogs. I kept her with me while he came up the steps then I let her go. She was a little scared but ok. I told him to ignore her which he did. We went and sat down and the whold time she would sniff him then run away then come back and do it all over again. When she started to settle down. I gave him a treat to give to her. He had her sit which as soon as she sees a treat she sits so that didnt really surprise me HeeHee. But he gave her the treat and he did it again later. She was such a good girl I was so proud of her and let her know it. We are making huge strides with her. Oh by the way I can now take TWO WHOLE STEPS and she will stay. Yeahhhhh! Im so proud of her. I might sound stupid but it took me a month just to take one step and in a little over a week I could take two. I just wanted to fill you guys in and thank you for all of your advice. You helped me so much in helping her and me. Im new to the world of dog training and want and will have a well trained dog. I need to do my part in showing people that not only a rottie but a rescued rottie can be a lovable, respectable, awesome member of my home and society. Thank you everyone for your advise and words of encouragement.

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From:LOUISIANA,USA
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 03-03-2003 03:49 PM         

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Rottymommy,
I am so glad your baby is doing so good.I am glad if anything I said helped.Good luck ..and keep up the hard work...

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From:Vancouver, BC
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 03-03-2003 05:21 PM            

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That makes me soooo happy for you and your baby!

The hard work really does pay off!

Don't feel too embarassed about the two steps...everyone has to start from somehere and I am pretty sure if you had of owned this dog from day one..none of the problems she has today would exist.

Can you imagine how embarassed I was when I had a behaviorist/trainer come to my home and she asked me if my dog knew the "sit" command...of course he does, he's great at it.....I think this was the one time he didn't obey...oops, I guess he wasn't as trained as I thought.

[This message has been edited by shmoopie (edited 03-03-2003).]

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