Respect Issues?

[SunnyNJazzy]

My friend, Rachael, has a mini Aussie, Ripley, that is a little over a year old. He is Very hyper and she is planning tot use him for agility etc. He is decently well trained obedience wise but has NO manners what so ever. he takes things off the counter, eats random things/shreds things while they are gone, and has now started this rebelling thing. he has started growling/snapping at other dogs when they get close to "his girl" and she reacts by correcting him and laying him down, and giving the other dog attention. Now Ripley responds by growling and even biting at Rachael! if she corrects again he just fights again... eventually she gets him to stop growling/biting at her but do you have any ideas to go about this in a more effective/better way?? thank you!

[Doberluv]

It's a matter of training, not lack of respect. Tell her to read Culture Clash, by Jean Donaldson. It will totally help her. The dog doesn't know any better because whatever he's doing is working for him. She needs to set it up so it doesn't work for him, but something else (what she does want) does work. Punishing/correcting doesn't help him learn what to do. And too much rough stuff will put a dog on the defensive and can cause lots of problems.

[elegy]

i think she'd do a lot better if she stopped putting him in situations where he can mess up. if he's destroying stuff, he needs to either be crated or supervised.

if he's biting her, she needs to STOP with the corrections, and, honestly, i think she should seek out in-person help to get to the root of his issues.

[Herschel]

Ripley got protective because he thought something bad was going to happen to him or Rachael. So Rachael responded by pinning him to the ground (Ripley was right--something bad did happen). Now, Ripley works even harder to protect himself because he is afraid of being hurt.

Corrections will never fix this problem but they will make it much worse.

[MelissaCato]

The dog doesn't know any better because whatever he's doing is working for him.

He's a herder. The dog is leading the "human pack", he knows exactly what's he's doing. He hasn't even hit his adultlescence yet. I would suggest finding a trainer now and keep him under supervision at all times. Sound to me like the owner isn't experienced with this type dog.

Also, pinning him on his back on the ground or Vet table isn't abuse, a good Vet will recommend this for a period of time in a young pup, usually between 6 -14 weeks, they will even course you on it in the office if your unfamiliar. Doing this between 6 -14 weeks as a young pup, you wouldn't have this problem now. And if he is a very hyper dog like stated in the first post, cratin' him will only make it dangerously worse.

Good Luck.

JMO.

[RedyreRottweilers]

Melissa, you really should take the advice in your own signature.

He's a herder. The dog is leading the "human pack", he knows exactly what's he's doing. He hasn't even hit his adultlescence yet. I would suggest finding a trainer now and keep him under supervision at all times. Sound to me like the owner isn't experienced with this type dog.

Also, pinning him on his back on the ground or Vet table isn't abuse, a good Vet will recommend this for a period of time in a young pup, usually between 6 -14 weeks, they will even course you on it in the office if your unfamiliar. Doing this between 6 -14 weeks as a young pup, you wouldn't have this problem now. And if he is a very hyper dog like stated in the first post, cratin' him will only make it dangerously worse.

Good Luck.

JMO.

Holding any dog on it's back for any length of time is un necessary. Most puppies/dogs will struggle when forced into this position. Some will flail violently and try to bite. This person is trying to get her dog NOT to bite. Obviously corrections and pinning him are not working.

To the person asking for the OP: She needs hands on help from someone in her area who can help. I agree with reading Culture Clash, and also For The Love Of A Dog, and The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell.