Dog behaviour advice

[cazowl 10]

Hi everyone

 

Just wondered if anyone knew or could recommend the best way of dealing with dog bevioural problems. I'm in Sheffield 6. Would you try a dog training class where there are lots of dogs or would you try a 1-1 approach with a behavioural specialist? The reason I ask is that it appears to be aggression towards other dogs, although not always every single dog and not always straight away.

 

He's a rescue I recently took on and the centre think he is about 5 years old. He is down as a llhasa apso, but I think he may have a bit of shih tzu in him. We got him as a playmate for our other llhasa apso of about the same age. I also have an older terrier cross mongrel. They all get on absolutely great together. My own dogs are not the problem. He's a lovely affectionate sweet natured little boy who loves cuddles and has settled in very well. I think this is despite being mistreated in the past.

 

We have given him a name and he responds very well, he is learning recall and comes straight back for a training treat now (without any other distractions). He walks well on a harness and follows my other two about.

 

However, while out on walks, (he was extremely giddy at first like a puppy), when he sees other dogs he has started barking constantly and strains to get at them. I have tried introducing him to other dogs slowly and gradually as I thought he wanted to play and he has a sniff at first and then starts barking again and then lunges at them. I have had to pull him back and told him NO even bending down and tapping his nose saying "naughty" as he knows what this word means in the house, but he won't shut up. Yet some dogs, he doesn't do it and is fine with them (90% though he will).

 

The problem is, this is now affecting my other llhasa who now copies and has run at other dogs showing similar aggression (he is normally off the lead when in the park as he has been okay) but now I don't trust him either

 

Anyone had any similar experiences and know the best way to rectify this problem? Admittedly we have only had him a few weeks and I know these things take time, but it's a bit embarrassing as they both look like aggressive little dogs in the park now. I want them to be fine with other dogs and eventually play off the lead happily together.

 

I guess they both need disciplining together and taught it is wrong to do this, but together they can now be a handful in the presence of other dogs. I wonder if it's because one of them is on a lead and one isn't?!? But I daren't let the new boy off the lead yet as he isn't ready.

 

Thanks for any advice/recommendations

Caz

[speedypete0 12]

try dog training classes first & see how he gets on there it sounds as though he just needs socialising they will be able to tell you if he needs one to one training i had a gsd that was just the same not aggressive but giddy dog obedience classes worked wonderfully

[cazowl 10]

Thanks might try that then. There used to be one near Wadsley Bridge, but not sure if it's run there anymore. Will look into it.

[synthpulse 10]

I can give you a big recommendation for Carol Ashmore at Bullseye Training! She's just been helping us with our rescue, and some bad habits our older doggie picked up off him. She's picked up on loads we hadn't, really knew her stuff, and with two weeks hard work from us, we're really getting somewhere. I'd been considering classes but the rescue isn't really suitable for them due to how stressed he is.

 

Barking/lunging is one of the problems we've been having. It's not a quick fix. We're noticing little improvements there but it's going to be a lot of hard work on our part. No miracle cure I'm afraid!! Deff try Carol though if you think a behavioural assessment might help. I was really sceptical as I'd never seen one done before, but I can't sing enough of her praises.

 

https://www.facebook.com/bullseyedogtraining?fref=ts

[amanda holl 10]

I would recommend Boney fido, think they do house visits too. Based at Walkley

[cazowl 10]

Thank you guys that's really helpful. Have already had some tips of a gentleman who runs private classes who my sister knew (his charges are quite expensive to attend his classes) but he gave us some good advice to try to help with socialising skills. It does sound like a long patient process but the results should hopefully be rewarding.

 

Thanks for the recommendations, I will bear them in mind if we don't start to see any improvement in the next few weeks with the tips we were given to try. Do you have any idea how much those people charge for assessments?

 

I know it will be a slow process but it would be nice to get his behaviour more under control before we take him on holiday with us to Cornwall in June

[synthpulse 10]

We paid £30 for a behavioural consultation. Very happy with that, seeings as I'm struggling to find someone based in Milton Keynes to do the same thing for my parents rescue with similar issues for under £150!!!

 

Good luck!

[H_Hounds 10]

I don't think any trainer would allow a dog with socialisation problems top attend a class as it would be diruptive for the other dogs. Also, it is likely that being forced into a hall with lots of other dogs would only serve to reinforce the dog's current behaviour in such situation. It's something that you need to build up to.

 

I would definitely go down the one to one route, and have a lesson as often as you can afford.

 

In the mean time, I would temporarily take the dog on walks by himself without your other two until his behaviour improves. I would ignore other dogs - our own dogs sense when we tense up so if you see a dog and anticipate a reaction you are likely to encourage one - and reward your dog for any calm behaviour. You need to keep a distance from other dogs that your dog is comfortable with and work getting closer to other dogs as your dog becomes comfortable with it.

 

I would definitely have one to one's though with a trainer on recommendations. Good luck, I hope you sort it

[ccit 10]

I agree with HH - don't take the dog to a class. Next, stop taking him out for a walk with your other dog/s. He needs to be walked alone so that you can give him one to one attention. Make the walks short to reduce the stress and to maintain his attention.

 

Buy a harness with a D ring on the chest piece - the Perfect Fit has this. The Mekuti is another suitable one. Attach a lead to it - you will have two leads to hold but you will find that the dog will stop lunging and that you will have control over him.

 

Always have treats in your pocket or a bag. When you see a dog approaching get the dog to watch you (treat in hand) before he sees it. You will have to teach the watch command at home. Would suggest you get him to watch you in the sit position but his attention is the main thing. Keep practising - it will take some time. Be realistic though - the behaviour is established in your dog and you may need to learn to accept this side of his nature. Be grateful that he gets on so well with your other dogs.

Edited February 25, 2015 by ccit

[Evei 10]

Sounds very odd, but after quite a lot of 1:1 training with a reactive dog (we did make small steps of progress) going to an outdoor agility club really helped. As long as they know and other people are aware that your dog needs space it generally works quite well. Gives you lots of time to practice the techniques learnt in a 1:1 situation in a very secure and predictable situation. Because lets face it, other dogs and owners on walks are completely unpredictable and undo all your training, time and time again.

 

All the dogs are on lead, you choose how close or far away you want to stand from other dogs. There are lots of treats and you deal with your own dog who is busy focusing on you/ learning. Group lessons are normally a good 1-2 hours long so plenty of time to slowly get closer to others and it's pretty much the same dogs each week with the odd new person and dog to keep the dog comfortable but still learning new dogs are not a threat.

Edited February 25, 2015 by Evei