Well my dog is turning three in november. He was always aggressive from when he was a baby. We've tried to get him out of that habit but it seems to stick. We've tried electric collars (that DON'T hurt him) treats, peanut butter, and now we're turning to the vet in hoping there is some medicine out there to help calm him down. Any suggestions or things we can ask our vet? Right now putting him down or giving him up because of his aggression is NOT an option. Please help!
2007-07-23 12:45:08 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Sorry, I should have added that when he was younger we took him to a proffesional trainer. Has anyone seen that Pennsylvania lottery commercial where that dog runs outside trying to get the newspaper that was too big? Yeah the woman who that dog was trained by trained mine too. But he just seems to use his mouth more than we'd like him to. So to everyone, he's already been trained. We're looking into a behaviorist though.
2007-07-23 12:51:24 · update #1
Have you tried obedience training, the kind that the dog will need to learn to focus on you? Some things you can not get rid of such as aggression but you can make it manageable through training. You would need to find an instructor that knows how to deal with aggressive dogs. Also, have you tried a muzzle?
Stay away from Petsmart and Petco!!
2007-07-23 12:51:48 · answer #1 · answered by Shepherdgirl § 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact a local dog trainer/behaviorist. The behaviorist part is important in that they have training in addition to training a dog to sit, stay. etc. You may need to talk to several before you find someone that works for you. They will be working with the whole family, not just the dog.
Maybe your vet can recommend someone.
Aggression can absolutely be addressed and corrected.
good luck.
2007-07-23 19:50:35 · answer #2 · answered by maxmom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What habits are you trying to rid him of? What does he do?
What were you using the electric collar/treats/peanut butter for?
Is he aggressive towards dogs, people, cats?
You should make a list of his behaviors. It's impossible to tell what you mean by aggression without knowing what he's doing, when and under what circumstances. It's also helpful to know what you did to try and get him to stop and what his reaction was.
There is doggy prozac that is, actually, prozac. It's used for separation anxiety and called Reconcile. There is also Clomicalm which is an older medication used for more generalized anxiety problems. They can be used in conjunction with behavior modification but you first need to understand what he's doing.
2007-07-23 20:29:46 · answer #3 · answered by WooHoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What area are you located in? I would recommend major training sessions, as you've mentioned that he has always been aggressive. Have you seen various shows on Animal Planet? Some training centers will even keep your pet overnight for more vigorous training. Perhaps you can also look into a dog whisperer/psychologist--these actually seem to work! Good luck!
2007-07-23 19:48:17 · answer #4 · answered by frogdog06 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Private Trainer for sure....even a dog who has been aggressive for 3 years has great potential for a complete turn-around through careful training. Definitely try training before medicating.
2007-07-23 19:50:53 · answer #5 · answered by Michelle L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried visiting an dog behaviorist? They can often times help identify the cause of your dogs aggression and suggest a means of fixing it. Its definitely worth a shot.
2007-07-23 19:48:10 · answer #6 · answered by Audrey A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The problem is not the dog. It is you and your family. Find the book, "No Bad Dogs" and find out why you have made or allowed this dog to be in charge. Then put the time and effort into retraining it. If you say you don't have time to do it, give the dog to someone who does. You will have to be consistent. Everyone who interacts with the dog will have to be consistent. If you can't say No! to the dog, give it to someone who can.
2007-07-23 19:51:54 · answer #7 · answered by thylawyer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch Cesar Milan The Dog Whisperer On The History Channel.
You are most likely the cause of his aggression. Cesar is very good at what he does.
2007-07-23 19:49:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Meds are not a cure all having a doped up dog all the time will just lead to other problems But ask about when to use this meds .Because the dope up dog will be no fun and Its not good for dog
2007-07-23 19:50:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the help of a professional trainer. I don't think they make doggie Ritalin. Anyways, I don't think medicating him is the answer. Instead, ask your vet to give you the name of a very good dog trainer or behavior specialist.
2007-07-23 19:48:18 · answer #10 · answered by skye_blue_05 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋