I have a dog for three years now and he always has been a nervous and scared dog, but lately he's becoming more and more aggressive to people he doesn't know. The other day he almost bitten a man how passed near him on the street. Can you suggest any effective method to end this behaviour?
2006-08-14 13:05:34 · 26 answers · asked by cifurtrue 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First off - has he been fully vet checked.
You dog may have health issues that are causing this.
Pain and discomfort can cause even the sweetest of dogs to get crabby.
If you are taking a walk with your dog carry (in your hand not your pocked) a bottle of bitter apple.
When your dog starts to make aggressive moves towards someone or something else use your leash hand to grab him by the mouth, spray him in the mouth with the bitter apple (several pumps - not just a half harted spray) and tell him to LEAVE IT in a firm voice.
You don't need to yell, but you must be in control and firm.
Then continue to walk.
If this behavior has been progressive it will take several walks for this to curb his aggression.
If health is not the issue - than there is some reason why this dog thinks he needs to be alpha on the walks.
One way you can help him understand that YOU are alpha is to not let him get ahead of you on the walk.
Keep him close to your side (this will also prevent him from being able to bite people) and slightly behind you.
When he starts to forge (get ahead of you) simply stop and tell him to sit (help him to sit if he does not).
Wait for both of you to be calm and start again.
Keep him on a short leash, and if people approach you just say something like "I am training my dog, please walk on my side not his".
Most people respond well to politeness.
Good Luck!
2006-08-14 16:36:46 · answer #1 · answered by Freeadviceisworthwhatyoupayfor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, first I would take him to the vet and have a FULL thyroid panel done on him. Make sure they do a full panel otherwise it's pretty much a waste of money. While they are at it have them test for Lyme's, even if you don't think there are ticks where you are. Both these problems can cause serious behavior changes.
If his health checks out I would be looking for a good obedience instructor. Not the ones you find at petsmart!! You will also need to work on your relationship with the dog. He may not be trusting you to be a good alpha and keep him safe. There are many books and tapes that will help with building the RIGHT relationship with your dog. Check out dogwise.com they have a very nice selection.
Good Luck!!
2006-08-21 08:30:51 · answer #2 · answered by custombraids 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic channel. I hope you have access to this. If you watch a lot of his shows you may come to understand your dog's behavior better and maybe make some changes in the way you handle him.
They always say "Do not attempt ......." etc. And I still feel that it will deepen your understanding of your dog's problem and give you a great deal of insight into his behavior.
2006-08-14 13:18:17 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best advice I can give you, which comes from my husband (who has a ton of experience in canine behavioral training) said to put a muzzle on him, then take him out for a walk frequently, around as many people as possible until he stops this behavior. If you need/can afford a personal canine behavioralist, contact Steve Johnson at skerrjo1@yahoo.com. Good luck!
2006-08-20 19:06:09 · answer #4 · answered by Danni 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recently bought a "pinch collar" for my pit bull because as she gets older, she gets stronger! I live in the city and have always had a difficult time walking her because she always pulls toward people. She is not aggressive, she just wants to say hi to everyone! I was amazed at how wonderfully this thing worked.
2006-08-22 10:58:30 · answer #5 · answered by kbirbs1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are children that have behavior problems that are being treated with various medications. I have heard that some of the same meds used on humans are now being used on dogs as a effective way to treat this behavior. Call you vet and discuss your options.
2006-08-21 09:24:31 · answer #6 · answered by Gentle Giant Canines 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your have a dog with a longer nose you can get a halti harness. It looks like a muzzle but it is not realy one. But with that you can control the dog better by turning the head. I know you can buy this at a vets office or maby even petsmart.
2006-08-14 13:23:38 · answer #7 · answered by Justsomegirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is a scared dog than bring people over to soicialize with the dog. and put a full restraint over him by putting him on the a leash and a muzzle to keep him from attacking or biting the guest and if he starts to growl tap his nose to remind him that he can't do that.
Hope that it helps and Good Luck!
2006-08-21 11:21:16 · answer #8 · answered by loraina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do NOT ignore him when he is bad. Bad behavior needs to be corrected. Such a shame people think to ignore bad behavior. That's such passivist behavior and has no place in the dog world.
2006-08-20 16:00:28 · answer #9 · answered by Jennifer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Problems with pooch
http://www.brandypup.com/Dogs/healthtrainbehavior.html
http://www.brandypup.com/Dogs/aggresion.html
2006-08-19 06:40:18 · answer #10 · answered by cm30324 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋