Aggressive Dog

[dcg2341]

Hi,
I am helping a friend with a very problematic dog, and I would like to get some tips and points as this case is not simple and I would like to try as many ways as possible to solve it.

This is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and he has some issues-
He is aggressive towards people, growls and bites (not a biting to kill, but still a strong bite). He is possessive of random things, as well as my friends bed. As her husband wants to go to the bed he growls. He also being aggressive if his two owners are hugging or kissing. He would get out of control if someone rings the bell, and often bite. He is also refusing to go in the crate.

I was trying to give him a treat today and he nipped my hand.

He was in obedience training that didn't help.

I am going to try various technics to deal with him, and I would love you to add up some tips and links here. I would also think it's impotent to address his genetics by giving him something to "kill". Any advice on how to do that?

 

[Criosphynx]

Hes insecure.


Perhaps you have been dealing with him as if he is "out to get you" and not like he is afraid of the things he goes after?



what have you tried already specifically?

 

[stardogs]

Sounds like this dog needs a qualified on-site professional. A veterinary behaviorist, Certified Dog Behavior Counselor (IAABC title), or maybe a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT title) would be a good place to start.

 

[lizzybeth727]

Sounds like this dog needs a qualified on-site professional. A veterinary behaviorist, Certified Dog Behavior Counselor (IAABC title), or maybe a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT title) would be a good place to start.

Agreed! There are way too many variables for us to discuss here, but a behaviorist could probably discover most of the problems in a consultation, and then just work up a plan to solve them.

 

[dcg2341]

I am a fresh certified dog trainer, and she was trying to go to some tiners with no luck.

I'm just wondering about new technics and tips to add up for my training plan.

 

[Criosphynx]

I am a certified dog trainer, and I do have an plan of how to deal with this case, but there is always a lot more to learn so I'm here to find some new ideas.

I havn't worked with the dog yet, just been intreduced to him.

Then a couple things...one do you have a mentor you can ask?



and two...I ask again, what has already been done with/to the dog specifically.


or three, if you've never seen this before, best to advise them to seek out som'one that has.

 

[lizzybeth727]

I am a fresh certified dog trainer, and she was trying to go to some tiners with no luck.

I'm just wondering about new technics and tips to add up for my training plan.

When I was a new dog trainer, one of the first things I did was research to find a behaviorist I was comfortable referring clients to. I think this is extremely important, because you will occasionally come across cases that you are just not experienced enough to solve.... I still certainly do! I also followed up with the behaviorist I chose, and she was very open with me about what she did for the clients and how she came to those decisions. And, once the major problems were solved and the clients were ready to do the training that I WAS experienced enough to help them with, they chose to come back to me because I did help them before.... and the behaviorist suggested they go back to me.

I have since moved and lost contact with the behaviorist, but it's ok because I don't work with pet dog clients anymore.... But even so, I'm still always on the lookout for more experienced trainers and behaviorists that have talents in areas different from mine, that I can refer clients to if I need to. It's so important to build rapport with your collegues; calling on each other to help is always a win-win situation!

 

[Zoom]

I've met a few other Wheatens with similar issues. The poor breeding in many of these dogs these days have led to pretty unstable animals. One dog I was working with would get so upset by being confined in *any* way, even behind a baby gate, that he would literally throw a tantrum that included jumping up and down like a little kid. Another would get so worked up in the mornings that he would run inside looking for someone to bite. I'm not a huge fan of these dogs after they turn 6 months old

As far as the issues you're facing, you are going to need the assistance and expertise of an on-site behaviorist. There are going to be a lot of subtle cues that you will need to learn to look for when dealing with a dog that has no issue biting. As far as the bed thing goes for now, the dog cannot get on it, period. If he does, lure him off, reward and then prevent him from getting back up. If they can catch him eyeing the bed before he jumps up, verbally correct (just a quick "ah-ah") and redirect. The "addressing his genetics" in this case does not need to include "killing" things. That's most likely not part of his issues. His issues are stemming from something else...a genetic poor temperament most likely. It's not the end of the world and can be worked with.

What have you tried so far? What have the people done before they contacted you?

 

[adojrts]

NILIF and Crate Games would be a great start. And any corrections type training with a dog like this will only make it worse.

 

[dcg2341]

Thanks for your posts, some of it helps.

I have met the dog in a neutral territory, while most of his problems occur at home, and before I go to their home I am doing some research. I have my way to deal with it, but as much views and info I can get the better.

The owner tried other behaviorists that did not help.

I have 2 mentors/teachers, each have 30 years of training, but I don't think they are good for this case. They deal with aggression with corrections and if that doesn't work they use the shock collars. I was asking them about the case and as much as I appreciate their experience their point of view is different then mine.

 

[Saeleofu]

I think they key was to find other behaviorists you are comfortable with.

Not asking on some random internet forum. Even with all the experienced people here, it is still the internet.

 

[Criosphynx]

counterconditioning and desensitization. No corrections. At all.

 

[lizzybeth727]

The owner tried other behaviorists that did not help.

It would still be nice to know, a little more specifically, what the other behaviorists did. I hope that this will be a discussion topic between you and the client before you start working with her dog.

I think they key was to find other behaviorists you are comfortable with.

Not asking on some random internet forum. Even with all the experienced people here, it is still the internet.

Seriously. If the trainer has drastically different viewpoints than yourself, what do you expect to learn from that trainer? Not really enough, I'm guessing, to actually consider them a "mentor."

 

[marfak9]

I agree. Although your intentions are good, without the necessary knowledge and experience, it's possible to do more harm than good for this family. Knowing when to refer to someone else and what kind of professional to refer to, is so important.
To clarify, when you are searching for a professional, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants certification would be CDBC, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, or CABC, Certified Animal Behavior Consultant if certified in multiple species.

Sounds like this dog needs a qualified on-site professional. A veterinary behaviorist, Certified Dog Behavior Counselor (IAABC title), or maybe a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT title) would be a good place to start.