Constructional Aggression Treatment

[Paige]

I'm so proud of you and Ella for making progress! It's awesome to hear. Like I said Ella's DA is actually a reason I never let my dogs off leash in public anymore. I'd hate to set off a dog who's owner is working so hard to help.

Woohoo. Go Ella!

[Baxter'smybaby]

I am glad to hear that she is making improvements--I am cheering you both on!

[Chewbecca]

thank you, guys!!!
I'm really proud of her and hope to continue to see improvements. If she does good next week, we're thinking of switching environments, maybe.

[Boemy]

GO ELLA! I'm so happy to hear she's getting more relaxed around other dogs.

[Sch3Dana]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chewbecca
If we meet a DA, loose dog on the streets, it doesn't matter HOW her behavior has changed/not changed towards dogs, she's screwed anyway.

Completely agree! Non reactive dogs would very likely react in this situation and for good reason.

I agree that most dogs will want to react to a DA dog. But a reliable down stay works wonders for controlling your dog, calming the approaching dog and freeing you to chase off the loose dog rather than fighting yours. I lived in LA for years with a dog who would like to fight and only once had a dog fight in spite of the constant barrage of out of control, off leash and, yes, DA dogs running at me. (The one fight happened when I was not paying attention and puppy Marco was attacked by a stray chow chow- surely did wonders for his future attitude towards strange dogs )

Another example- I trialed my dog at the world championships for schutzhund. Before the trial, all the dogs have to participate in the parade. We had 80 or more intact male (mostly) malinois on one football field, lined up within 3 feet of one another. I only saw one dog aggress on another dog and none of the dogs around him reacted. Training. Almost all of these dogs will fight if not under control. But the control is there and the dogs know that fighting is not allowed.

My point is- control is possible. It may not be easy, it's not the same thing as a non-aggressive dog who will not fight, but it's a heck of a lot better than nothing. I'm excited to hear that the CAT is working - it is such a smart way to change a dogs attitude about neutral dogs - but I think you may want to consider some additional training for those times when the dog is not neutral. I can't imagine how many fights Marco would have had in LA without his rock solid down. Talk about a crazy place to live with a DA dog. I have had only a handful of these incidents since moving to Phoenix. In LA it was a weekly, if not daily event.

[Chewbecca]

I work on a "watch me" command with Ella.
This is why I believe that, when faced with my trainer's dog during this constructional aggression treatment, she eventually sits and looks me straight in the face and does a "watch me" without being cued to do so, BECAUSE I've worked on it so much with her.

You really expect my naturally DA pit bull to do a complete downstay when a dog aggressive dog attacks her?

I sure don't.

[corgipower]

I am so happy to hear about the improvements with Ella.

[ihartgonzo]

Go Ella! Go Becca! ; D

[GSDlover_4ever]

Originally Posted by Chewbecca

I work on a "watch me" command with Ella.
This is why I believe that, when faced with my trainer's dog during this constructional aggression treatment, she eventually sits and looks me straight in the face and does a "watch me" without being cued to do so, BECAUSE I've worked on it so much with her.

You really expect my naturally DA pit bull to do a complete downstay when a dog aggressive dog attacks her?
I sure don't.

I dont think she meant if a dog actually attacked. I dont expect my dog to take that either. Thats a direct threat DA or not. Postering and a dog approaching you, yes a dog should be able to down stay while YOU deal with the agressor (BEFORE it has time to "attack"). You can tell if a dog is coming straight at you and you wont be able to stop it. It takes time and dedication and I respect you for that.