I think I have purchased a pom with bad genes. She came with AKC papers and a DNA verification but she is showing alot of bad qualities. Shes 9 week old and she has growled and really tried to attack my hand in the last few days- I ahve only had her 6 days now. My question is with professional training and obediance classes will I be able to "re-program" her to be a gentle loving dog that will not bite as a 1st reaction to something she doesnt like or since she may have come from a bad bloodline will I have to muzzle her and keep her away from kids for the rest of her life? I understand and know the differance of puppy playfulness and behavior- I had a pitbull puppy and she never showed this type of aggression.
2007-12-29 06:00:31 · 10 answers · asked by js_heather 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
This question is much to broad to be answered with any certainty by anyone here, but I'll see if I can give a decent answer.
Aggression can be caused by many, many different problems. One of which is the one you mentioned above, genetics. If the problem is in fact genetics, the problem is much greater then if it is an environmental factor.
The best thing to due , as mentioned by most of the people above, is get you and your dog into training immediately. The longer you wait the less likely you will be to have success. Also, deal with someone who deals with and trains dogs with aggression problems. They will be the most experienced and give you the best chance at success. Many average trainers are not really able to evaluate a trouble dog properly and end up messing up the dog more. Or even worse make you think the dog's problem has been taken care of when in fact they have not. This of course leads to a much worse situation on down the road when you trust the dog with children. A person who knows about and specializes in these things will be able evaluate your dog and give you an honest answer about the chances of success with him.
I hope this helps and good luck.
2007-12-29 07:29:17 · answer #1 · answered by mike S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's good and bad news here. The good news: it is possible to train out aggression. SEEK PROFESSIONALS HELP. DO NOT ATTEMPT BY YOURSELF. Be prepared for a LOT (a lot a lot a LOT) of consistent HARD work. Time, paitentence and CONSISTENCY. She is young so training with a professional that deals ESPECIALLY with agression problems. (check the phone book, many specialize in certain fields, find one that deals with agression. Talk to MANY and find one you trust) The bad news: over breeding is causing a lot of behavioral problems in popular breeds. One genetic problem that is being overlooked when breeding is called random aggression disorder. Poor breeding leads to a chemical imbalance in the dogs brain and causes them to lash out randomly. I speak from expierence because I had a dog *came from a "backyard breeder/puppy mill-I was uninformed at the time* that we had for 5 years. Smartest dog I've ever had but as she grew up she begin basically going insane. She'd love you one second, bite you the next. After having to put her to sleep our vet mentioned that it could have been this disorder. Have her seen by a vet, a medical condition like poor eyesight/poor hearing or something that is painful will make her fearful, and when a dog is afraid they bite. Good luck.
2007-12-29 06:16:40 · answer #2 · answered by starrdancer482 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes! She can be "reprogrammed" especially since she's young!
Be careful who you take her to. There are a lot of people out there who claim to be dog trainers that cannot correct this type of problem. Take her to a professional dog trainer who has experience dealing with aggression!
Do not be fooled by people claiming to be dog behavior consultants or psychologists. Although they do exist, that term has become a fad since Cesar Milan hit the Discovery channel.
Ask to see a demo dog ... anyone who trains dogs should be able to show you one they've trained.
2007-12-29 11:36:20 · answer #3 · answered by Kimberly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you must make sure that all family members are consistant with her training. Also, I would get her into an obedience and socialization puppy class when she is the appropriate age. Do not let her get away with this behavior. If you let her win, it will only complicate matters. Good luck.
2007-12-29 06:18:32 · answer #4 · answered by Julie D. 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Have you ever watched the Dog Whiperer? Although they say not to attemp what he does there are a lot of great things and easy tips on how to handle dogs such as you stated.
Sounds like you are being tested already and you better nip them in the butt now before it becomes a major issue. Do not show fear because they win and they are the master. Be sure you are the "pack leader" and she learns this quickly.
My dog now 3 and mini doxie still has tons of attitude but she has yet to act on it. She still tests me all the time but I continue to put her in her place. It's all about being "pack leader!"
2007-12-29 06:14:50 · answer #5 · answered by GMC 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you have already got a cat then it is unfair to get a puppy as good. If you have got obtained spare time and concentration, provide it to the cat. The cat's now not going to be pleased having to reside with a puppy - they are usual enemies. I can handiest say - Poor Cat!
2016-09-05 13:42:02 · answer #6 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most def. needs training! just goes to show not all breeders care about their dogs. i think the dog is salvageable, but i would keep it away from the kids for now. sorry you have to deal with this. :(
2007-12-29 06:14:35 · answer #7 · answered by rblankenship_rblankenship 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Thats not the breeding necessarily its the lack of proper training and socializing.
2007-12-29 06:59:42 · answer #8 · answered by Freckles... 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
With love and affection she will becaome gentle...first she will not growl at you anymore then she will not growl at anyone...gl!
2007-12-29 06:09:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes she can be trained - it will take time and patience but will make you AND her happier in the end
2007-12-29 06:04:36 · answer #10 · answered by island3girl 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋