I have a dog that I love to death. She ‘adopted’ my family after the rash of hurricanes we had here in Florida a few years back. Here’s a pic of her…
http://www.watersworld.com/?p=12
I have never really trained her or sought out any official obedience training. We have 3 boys, age 4, 6 and 11 who also love her. My wife loves her, but is concerned.
While this dog is gentle with all 5 of us, every now and then, she’ll display some craziness. She will chase anything with wheels (people on skates, people on bikes, etc). She has never attacked anyone, but she’s big and strong and scares the hell out of people.
Well, a few days ago, I had her tied in my front yard while working on the house. She broke free and attacked a dog that was being walked. I restrained her and will end up paying a fine.
We have our 4th child on the way and my wife worries.
So, after all that, here’s my question:
Can a dog go through obedience training and become more predictable and self controlled?
I would definitely try it! He will probably need more than just the basic obedience training though. He will need behavioral training and some other specific needs type training. There is no harm in trying! A lot of dogs suffer from the same type of aggression.
6 Responses
2010 Mar 10
I would definitely try it! He will probably need more than just the basic obedience training though. He will need behavioral training and some other specific needs type training. There is no harm in trying! A lot of dogs suffer from the same type of aggression.
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Ashley
Sales/Marketing Manager/Dog Trainer
2010 Mar 10
Absolutely, but this doesn’t happen overnight and it takes serious dedication on your part. You will learn each week in class and then you will need to follow up with it at home in between your classes for it to be really effective. From the sounds of how your dog is, I would say to do some obedience training and then consider agility! She seems as tho she may do well in this doggie sport and it’s fun for the whole family!
Your 2 older children are also old enuf to take part in her training as well. It’s a good way to teach your kids responsibility and something that’s fun for them to do. But I have to warn you, if you get into obedience and agility, it is VERY ADDICTIVE! But well worth it!
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2010 Mar 10
I would recommend getting with a professional trainer as soon as possible. Behaviors such as you describe can be modified, but it will take work on your part and should be handled by a competent trainer. Check the following website for a trainer in your area http://www.canineprofessionals.com
It is important that you deal with this issue. It will probably get worse without any intervention, but you can make major improvements with good training! Hope that helps!
References :
Dog trainer/breeder for 20+ years.
2010 Mar 10
Hmm. Depends on the dog. Some behaviors are very, very difficult to correct and you end up adapting your environment to the dog (big fence, for example). My wife breeds and shows and has been a trainer. She is very good so some of that rubs off. What I suggest is take the dog into a training class – you can go to a big box store or a speciality place. Talk to the trainer. Ask around a bit so you find a good one. There are trainers out there who are not well educated and don’t keep up. If you decide to go to classes, keep in mind that you will be learning how to train your dog and it takes commitment on your part. The dog will not come out perfectly mannered. You have to work at it but it can be done in many cases, not all. Since you have small children and the dog is evidentlly aggressive toward other dogs I really would seek out some first hand expertise (don’t rely just on web sites). Good luck.
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2010 Mar 10
A dog can always benefit from training. It sounds like you need to find a good trainer in your area and start with basic obedience. Look for a trainer that offers both private 1:1 sessions as well as group classes. It sounds like your dog needs both training and socialization. Training your dog is a life-long process. Your dog’s training is just like working out for humans, if you don’t use it, you lose it. The more you work with her the better she will get. Also, if you get a fine for your dog not being under control, there is a possibility that you could lose your homeowner’s insurance for having a "dangerous dog". Keep this in mind, dogs are much easier to train then children, once you learn to speak their language.
Good luck.
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2010 Mar 10
Of course. Dogs need leadership and guidance from us. Obedience classes will teach your dog proper socialization skills when it comes to being around other dogs and people in a more neutral setting. And the trainers will show you how to correct any behavior disorders that your dog may haveThe reason your dog attacked the other one is a territorial reaction. Dogs even though are a naturally territorial animal can be taught control. What the o.b classes will teach your dog is to look to you as his leader and will make it to where he doesn’t feel he has to react that way because he will realize that he is not the boss. It all goes back to the pack structure philosophy. In a wolf pack there is a Alpha and an Omega. If an enterloper was to enter the packs territory the first thing that would happen would be that the Alpha member of the pack which is the most dominant would determine through his actions weather or not to attack this intruder or to simply let him pass through, and maybe just chase him out of his territory. The rest of the pack would wait and watch his lead. If the Alpha attacks so does the rest of the pack. What the o.b classes teaches you is how to become this leader in the dogs eyes. The bond that is formed between you and the dog is an unbreakable one no matter what. It also makes the dog so bonded with you that he will do anything to please you. Including refraining from chasing things with wheels and getting into dog fights. He will learn controll. He will see you as his leader and will follow your lead in an attempt to please. Because thats all our dogs really wanna do anyway. Please the Alpha member of their pack. YOU. So yes enroll your dog in o.b classes. It is the best thing that you could ever do for him because it will make him a more stable and dog both mentally and physically.
References :
Police k9 handler & trainer as well as O.B trainer for 12yrs