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re: I need some advice about my dog

Posted on 11/3/16 at 11:00 pm to
Posted by Goose
Member since Jan 2005
22276 posts
Posted on 11/3/16 at 11:00 pm to
Looking for aggressive dog socialization programs in my area, but only finding in home training. He needs controlled socialization. I could muzzle him and go to the dog park, but I don't know how well this would work TBH. If he shows aggression to the wrong dog, it may be curtains for him. We have a lot of dogs in the neighborhood, but hell, he's already attack two of them, so i doubt anyone wants to schedule a play date.

Posted by jcaz
Laffy
Member since Aug 2014
15601 posts
Posted on 11/3/16 at 11:41 pm to
You haven't called this guy yet?


Don't put him down. Try more. If you have to keep him contained and away from kids and other dogs.

How to help dogs
Posted by CptBengal
BR Baby
Member since Dec 2007
71661 posts
Posted on 11/3/16 at 11:57 pm to
quote:

He gets locked in and i cant break his attention.




because you arent the alpha.

you failed.
Posted by fishfighter
RIP
Member since Apr 2008
40026 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 12:11 am to
OP, he is a dog. You need to get him around other dogs away from home. Choke collar is a must to start with.

As far as around a new born child, the dog will adjust, but always be on your guard. Dogs sense a change in people. Hell, my two just knew something is not right me today. I had surgery. They chilled and been at my feet from the time I got home. Give your pup a chance.
Posted by Sparkplug#1
Member since May 2013
7352 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 1:44 am to
Get it a dog muzzle, that's what I use on my SO.
This post was edited on 11/4/16 at 2:51 am
Posted by Goose
Member since Jan 2005
22276 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 2:02 am to
quote:

because you arent the alpha.

you failed.


If he does something bad, something he knows he isn't supposed to do and I catch him. He immediately rolls on his back in a submissive position. When we walk, he walks at my heel, sits, stays, all that. But when he see's "prey", I can't get his attention.

Like I said, I got him when he was 2 or so. He came from a co-worker whose friend adopted him from the ASPCA, but got into a motorcycle accident and had a traumatic brain injury. I have no idea what happened to him in the past. Bad owner, abuse, being fought... he has always been good natured with the kids that are in and out (other than some rough play when the 8 year old wrestles around with him here and there but no out and out aggression).

Anything alive that isn't human, he will kill. Bugs, Lizards, etc... stand no chance. He pounces on them like a cat and smashes them with his paws (which is convenient with palmetto bugs that get in). Rabbits, and Squirrels he gets whiny and wants to pull in their direction. Cats he stares down, no sound, and wants to take off after them.

With dogs, he approaches, they smell each other. He then gives a "dominant" posture with ears back. When they go to walk away, he strikes. Grabs them by the back of the neck and tries to "shake".

The first time it happened, the eight year old let him out on accident. The neighbors lab had gotten out as well and they met in my front yard. I wasn't at home for this one, but apparently he grabbed her neck and wouldn't let go. She dragged him about twenty yards to her house and the neighbor used his pinch collar in his nose to get him to let go. His face and legs were torn up from her defensive bites and scratches.

This attack, his pinch collar came apart and he sprinted. I have been trying to break him of this, but when he smells freedom, he's off like a shot. I can usually get him to come to me by opening my truck door and he'll jump in thinking he's going for a ride. But my other neighbor came home during this and got his attention. When his wife opened the front door, their little 15-20 pound shihtzhu ran out. I was walking over and saw my dog sprinting that way. They smelled each other and the shihtzu came to greet me and bang he was on it. Shook her two good times while on top of it and I grabbed his tail and top of his jaw and he released.

I have watched a bunch of videos tonight on youtube, most showing dogs that are terrified of other dogs, leading to their aggression. Mine isn't that. He will be docile, meet a dog, and then the dominance starts and leads to an attack.

I have decided, that I am going to go back to basics with training obedience and try introducing him to dogs with a muzzle on starting with 1 or 2 dogs and working up to the dog park. I'm going to give it a month and see where we are at after, then make a decision on his future. When I'm not at my house, he has to be in the game room until I'm home so that I know he won't get out. Hopefully we can break him of this because he really is a sweet, good dog.



Posted by lsu480
Downtown Scottsdale
Member since Oct 2007
92876 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 2:35 am to
Someone should put you down, a-hole!
Posted by MBclass83
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2010
9355 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 3:59 am to
With a child, there's no way I am trusting this dog. It's not worth the risk and liability.
Posted by 7thWardTiger
Richmond, Texas
Member since Nov 2009
24670 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 4:18 am to
.22 to the skull. Be done with it. Not worth the risk.
Posted by lsufanintexas
Member since Sep 2006
5011 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 4:51 am to
So we have the same issue. Let me tell you, some dogs can't be fixed but you can at least try.

WE have a professional trainer training our 10 months old lab mix right now at a board and train program. He is an odd duck. On leash, he is aggressive with other dogs, off leash he is fine. The trainer also noticed he has territorial and non-neutered dog aggression issues. The trainer is working with our dog to cure the socialization issues by having him work with all dogs of many different temperaments, etc.

So far so good so you may want to give that a try. Try reaching out to a dog behaviorist to see if you can get help.

But I'll be honest, if I had a new baby on the way, I'd get rid of the dog.
Posted by tigerfan5959
Member since Jun 2010
299 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 5:48 am to
You need to contact Bill Ryan out of
Mississippi . He specializes in breaking dog aggression. Website
Posted by Rouge
Floston Paradise
Member since Oct 2004
136799 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 6:01 am to
Can't teach an old dog new tricks
Posted by heartbreakTiger
grinding for my grinders
Member since Jan 2008
138974 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 6:14 am to
send him to ceaser. You have some good arse neighbors since it sounds like they just kinda blew off both incidents.
Posted by heartbreakTiger
grinding for my grinders
Member since Jan 2008
138974 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 6:19 am to
quote:

He's a killer, you dont understand. He goes for the throat everytime. Its scary to see TBH. The shock collar, muzzle and socialization are all great ideas but i just dont know if theyll break this aggression. He gets locked in and i cant break his attention.


you would be surprised at how well a shock or vibrating collar works. Also you have to dominate the dog. A good grab by the scruff of the neck and pin works well.
Posted by crtodd
Member since Nov 2005
1723 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 6:27 am to
Your plan is a good one, and very well thought out. You are running a huge risk if you don't do something immediately. All it is going to take is for your dog to bite the wrong dog, or worse yet, a person who is trying to pull him off their dog. Then your problem will be a lawsuit or involvement with animal control.

I respect your concern for your new baby, too. And that new baby is going to change the dynamic in your house completely. You can't know when an animal-only aggressive dog will perceive the baby as something competing for your attention, and for the dog's territory. All the attention the baby will get, all the new noises the baby will make that the dog has never heard before, and then in a few months,the baby will be on the floor, right on his level.

One split second in any scenario is all it will take.

Follow your plan, and your gut. But even if he seems to be better, don't ever think something won't set him off again in the future. You'll have to keep a very close eye on him for the rest of his life.

You can't replace your baby. If things aren't quickly changing for the better try to find a home for the dog...making the new owners aware of the issues. If you can't, you tried. I have had a lot of dogs, worked at a vet clinic, and am lucky enough to have the best dog in my life right now. But even I know that there are some dogs that for whatever reason, can't ever be totally trusted.
Posted by SNAKERIVER
Dallas, TX
Member since Mar 2016
385 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 6:52 am to
My daughter'd dog does not like other animals and will attack. She spent thousands on training to no avail. It is just part of the dogs nature. But she is awesome with people. Just keep the dog secure from other animals. Or find it a home.
Posted by LSU alum wannabe
Katy, TX
Member since Jan 2004
26986 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 8:00 am to
quote:


I need some advice about my dog
Not a good owner? frick you buddy. I got him when i was single...now im a father and living in a family neighborhood with kids in and out of the house. Like i said, he is good with people but if he gets out...he's a danger to every pet in my neighborhood. I'm here looking for alternatives...not popping him with a .22 in the back of the skull... save the bad owner bullshite.




Prepare for downvotes and bad owner comments. 40,000 Cesar Milan disciples on this board. Rescue organizations? What "mutt" type? If he at all looks Pitt? Might. Be screwed. That's a tough sell. 2 episodes of biting to the point of blood. There IS a home for every dog. But you better start looking now. Any shelter will probably put an aggressive dog down. We have several "no kill" shelters but many reviews say they do put dogs down? So who knows the truth.

I'd rather be the "a-hole" that put a dog down than the "a-hole" whose kid got mauled.
Posted by FuzzyBearE
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2016
449 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 9:34 am to
I had three separate Shar-Peis, all with similar personality issues. Even down to the "I'm in trouble", go submissive part. All three were 60+ pounds and could do serious damage when they wanted to. He wants to be the Alpha of your pack and any other animals he encounters. You need to break him of this...

That being said - mine never showed aggression to the kids - in fact they were very protective of my little ones and would sleep in front of the crib. Kids could crawl all over them and pull on their tail / ears etc with no problems.

This is a mental issue and short of having Cesar Milan come to you, here are my recommendations.

These may not be Cesar Milan approved methods - but they worked well for me...Your results may vary.

#1 Get professional help - if you can

#2 You must RULE with an iron fist. As someone else stated - you are not the true Alpha in his eyes. He is challenging you. Any disobedience must be dealt with quickly and sternly. I'm not talking about beatings - but a quick poke in the ribs with your fingers will definitely get his attention. If he doesn't snap out of it - force him into a submissive position like on his side or back and make him wait until he calms down.

#3 Long walks / runs with a weighted backpack. A tired dog is a happy / submissive dog.

#4 You can do exercises in an enclosed are like your yard - spend time just out there with him - be aware of what draws his attention - squirrels/birds/whatever and try to snap him out of it with vocal commands. This will give you an idea of what works and what doesn't in a safe area.

#5 Attempt some socialization - this is HARD because you don't trust him. SO far he hasn't done serious damage, so a misstep likely won't be a horrible consequence - I found that mine were more aggressive one on one, but a group of dogs was more intimidating to them so they would calm down. I'm pretty sure this is why Cesar Milan does the "pack" thing - one dog coming into a group can't go in as an alpha - he has to adapt to the group. Still difficult and you are risking a fight - but be aware of his body language and be ready to correct.

#6 Shock Collars work - but be prepared to hear from a bunch of lib-tards how cruel they are...you have to make that choice.

#7 Find another home for him - he looks to be some sort of shepherding mix and they really need to be active and "working"

You can test his volatility with people - give him a special treat like a rawhide or something really delicious like a ham bone. Typically they will take it away to chew on. walk towards him and see if he shows aggression - does he growl? Does he adjust his body position to block you? If not you can try to take the treat and see if he reacts - BE PREPARED - YOU MAY GET BITTEN. Start with a verbal command to "drop" the treat and the see if you can take it. Try sliding it away from him with your foot - if that works you can try your hand. I was always able to get mine to give me the treat - I always gave it back after a minute or so, so they trusted me. If he will bite you around food - he will have no problem biting kids - this would be my major concern.

I hope this helps. I was able to mostly have trustworthy dogs and all my Shar-Peis were great with family and kids.

All of this being said - after the last one passed away, we got a small mutt from a rescue. I just didn't feel that the kids would ever be able to walk "their" dog without my supervision. 60 lbs is a lot of dog and I couldn't imagine a kid trying to control them if anything went wrong and I wasn't around.

Good luck
Posted by chinhoyang
Member since Jun 2011
23379 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 9:41 am to
He needs to be socialized with other dogs.

Posted by Bard
Definitely NOT an admin
Member since Oct 2008
51573 posts
Posted on 11/4/16 at 9:45 am to
quote:

There are dog parks but ive never trusted him enough to go bc of liability issues.


You can't fix the problem if you spend all your time and energy avoiding it.

As others have said, get a muzzle, take him to some socialization classes and if things get dicey at a dog park or on a neighborhood walk, after you break it up put him on his back on the ground and make him stay there until YOU are ready for him to get up.
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