He bit my neighbor on the hand this morning,generally shows aggression toward strangers and other dogs when he is on his leash,is very protective of his food also and has bitten me a few times.Can this dog be helped,he's almost nine years old and has been like this for a long time.Other than these issues,he's a very good dog.
2006-07-06 05:22:32 · 7 answers · asked by Dorothy O 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Sorry, I'm not in that area but it does sound like you need a behaviorist to evaluate him in person.
His "aggression" towards strangers may possibly be fear.
With a dog that has learned to express his feelings/desires by biting, especially for a long time, my opinion is that they cannot be "cured" but they can be managed. A few years ago I took in an 8 year old basset hound who I think had been trained harshly, because if he thought I was upset with him he would become afraid and growl and bite. He would also bite for nail clipping and a few other things he found threatening. We get along okay now, I have had to learn to modify my behavior to appear non-threatening, he has learned that I will not hurt him, but I am the boss and what I say goes. However, I cannot place him with a new family since I do not consider him "cured".
Until you are able to find someone to help you in person, I have two suggestions. First start him on a program of "Nothing In Life Is Free". Do a search on that term, or NILIF, and you will get lots of information. Also, join the Yahoo group called AGBEH which deals solely with aggression problems in dogs using positive methods for management and rehabilitation.
Good luck, I'm afraid you have a long road ahead of you, but if you are dedicated to keeping and helping your dog the results are worthwhile.
2006-07-06 05:53:18 · answer #1 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are VERY patient, yes there are things you can do. First, buy a leash that wraps over the muzzle (not a muzzle itself). This gives you control of his head. Also, put 2 tbsp of Vinegar in a spray bottle w/ water. Keep it with you at all times. Spray him in the face when he shows ANY aggression. It may take months.
2006-07-06 05:26:52 · answer #2 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog thinks that he is the boss. Do not allow him to eat in the same room as you and do not feed him until everyone else has finished eating, and never out of your hand. Do not allow him to come to the door when you answer it and tie him up at his bed when he tries to be pushy with guests. Keep him muzzled when he is outside. No dog is worth the potential risk to a child.
2006-07-17 08:26:40 · answer #3 · answered by iceni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a purebred basset her name is matilda she is very affectionate to strangers so i dont know how to help u there but i know for aa fact because of ur dogs age that the food aggression cant be helped unless she just started doing it
2006-07-18 03:44:37 · answer #4 · answered by I luv animals 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try the APDT list at APDT.com...
2006-07-06 06:38:15 · answer #5 · answered by petmum 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
erm...he's probably going to soon meet his maker
2006-07-18 18:29:12 · answer #6 · answered by Alex the Anachronistic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.chicagodogtrainer.com/
2006-07-16 15:35:14 · answer #7 · answered by swtigger1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋