Training an aggressive dog?

Question

I have an 80lb 10 month old Sharpei/St. Bernard Mix. He is wonderfully obedient with me and he listens well to me. I have a problem with him, whenever someone walks past him in the alley he acts like he is going to attack them. Even cars. If I am outside and I see this, i immediately yell No to him and he stops and trots back toward me. When I took him to the vet, I muzzled him, and he attempted to bite the vet when she put his rabies tag on his collar. He seems fearful of strangers, yet is overly aggressive. If I bring him in the house and someone is already there, he is fine, but if he is in the house first he acts aggressive and scared. (He hides behind me and barks). I am moving my children back with me and need to really curb this behavior. I have introduced them to him with the muzzle and he was fine. I like this dog, but love my kids more. Can he be trained out of this behavior?

My children are only 8, 7, and 4. I keep him always on a chain or leash. I dont let him roam.
I had him muzzled and allowed the children to call his name and talk to him then slowly I let them pet him. He was fine. BUT I know better than to leave a child with a dog alone. That will never happen and I am always outside when they are. This dog is completely fine with other animals and not aggressive with them at all, even strays.

Answer 1

This sounds like fear aggression. It may be worked with, but it will take time, patience, dedication, and a lot of work.

Please contact your vet office and ask them to recommend a dog behaviorist to help you.

How old are your children? Contact me and I may be able to help...just send an email to [e-mail]

Answer 2

You are living with a potential risk and danger to your children and community.

I strongly recommend that you seek a behavior consult with a behavior counselor or behaviorist.

With behavior like this - you should really seek professional consultation and not accept non-qualified advice.

The International Association of Animal Behavior Counselors
http://www.iaabc.org/consultant_locator.htm

Certified Pet Dog Trainer
www.ccpdt.com

Selecting the right professional
http://www.k9aggression.com/Help/lists.html

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
http://www.avsab.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=53

Cornell, Tufts, Davis, Purdue Universities have animal behavior clinics.

Visit:www.k9aggression.com for more insight

Aggression is an emotion that can be 'normal' or 'maladaptive'. The only way you are going to 'train out of this behavior' is if your dog has brain surgery or is euthanized. You can do a lot of behavior modification to help him improve with his behavior in some situations but will require management for the rest of his life.

There are some teleclasses that you can listen to on the topic at: www.raisingcanine.com

Also, you might want to talk to an attorney about your risk and liability - homeowners insurance.

Please - for your sake and for the dog - get professional help and take 'common' advice as that - non-professional.

Answer 3

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aL1q2

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 4

Sorry. This dog is showing typical signs of fear aggression. This is the most dangerous form of aggression in dogs. It is possible to train away this behaviour in most dogs, but you would need a lot of time, commitment, and a very experienced trainer/behaviourist to work with. In your position, I would definitely suggest that you do not keep the dog. He may be lovely, but your children have to come first, and this dog will bite.

I'm so sorry that I can't be more positive on this one, but you have to be strong and put your family's safety first.

Answer 5

Your dog really is afraid and covers it up with aggression. Unfortunately, he could bite if scared enough. You are smart to want to curb this behavior. I would seek out a private trainer that would come to your house. Usually it only will take one session and you can continue to work on it yourself. I had a German Shepard like this (she passed from old age). She was so loyal and listened when I gave a command, but was fearful of strangers and the Vet. With training, he can get better. The trainer will teach him and you how to act towards your dogs fearful situations so he will not have this problem anymore!

Answer 6

Your dog is like a teenage male right now. He is trying to work out his position in the "pack." This is a phase that many dogs go through at that age. At least he respects you.
If your children are remotely old enough, teach them to train the dog. Get the dog to obey at least one command from them. This will put them above the dog in pack dominance.
Also have them give the dog treats, whether or not they are old enough to say "sit."
Get some of your children's unwashed clothes into the house before they come, so the dog knows their smells.
If you haven't already, socialize the dog with some children. At least let him watch them play, and if possible let them pet him and give him treats.
Since this is a really important matter, I would also recommend seeing a professional trainer. If you don't know one, you could ask at your vet or at a local pet store. Or, if you see a well-trained dog, ask the owner.

Answer 7

Well, you have let this get out of control by not letting the dog know who is in charge. I am bothered by the phrase "I yell NO to him and he trots back to me". Is he actually OFF leash??????? I hope not because you are asking for a ton of trouble if that is the case!!!!!!!
You need professional help ASAP!! I would NOT let kids near this dog at this time. He does not see you as the alpha, and therefore YOU cannot really control him. Muzzle is NOT a long term answer.
If you have not done so already...neuter him!!!!!!
This is an accident waiting to happen, so be very rpoactive NOW!!

Answer 8

This may seem too obvious but I would consider ringing a dog trainer. There is a doggy school here in Australia called Bark Busters and they seem to know a lot about dogs. Dogs are very territorial protective pack animals if this is any help.

Answer 9

try not to yell at him when he does this. this dog CAN be trained out of this habit. go down next to him when he does these things and hold his collar and pet him and very gently tap his muzzle and hush him. if he is scared, yelling won't help. and he is still young. plenty of young dogs do this it's called insecurity humans do it too we just don't bite very often. lol. he will grow out of it with a little patience. keep him under very careful eye around the kids until he gets used to them. just as a precaution. just like he is used to you he will grow accustomed to them. however do not underestimate him. if he feels threatened he may very well bite even tho he seems like he won't bite he could suddenly turn around a bite a child's hand that is petting him. keep him wiht you a lot and again try not to yell at him too much he will only grow worse without a kind hand.

Answer 10

it sounds to me like he is protecting u and i think maybe it is gonna take a long drawn out process for him to accept the kids.
he can b trained but u may need professional help and make sure until u know that he comes in after the kids.
u don't say how old ur kids r and this could make a difference, i don't think i'd trust him around a toddler.