April 19, 2011
My 5 month old Shepherd is starting to be dog aggressive. I want to control this behavior before she fully matures. Do you have any suggestions?
Full Question:
I've signed up for your message board, but as it takes a few days I wondered if you could get me started in the right direction.Our European bred Shepherd will be five months old on the 14th. We got her at 3-1/2 months. We are doing well socializing her with people, but when she sees another dog, she strains and lunges with all of her strength to get over to them while barking VERY loudly and aggressively.
Our trainer (who uses many of your techniques similar to your puppy video - but differs on this point), says to immediately let the dogs get together to say hello and they will move on to other business. (She is in puppy kindergarten - and will be in basic obedience in about a month.)
I will say that it works and is a quick fix in class - but I do not see this as a practical or permanent solution with strange dogs out in public. If we can do anything about her dog aggressiveness before she gets any older and stronger, I want to jump on it immediately. (She has not yet had her first heat, but without a doubt has a dominant nature.) Do you have any suggestions for us?
We have learned a great deal from your web site and videos and very much appreciate your help!
Sharon
Ed's Answer:
This may work in class but is a road to disaster on the street. You had better read the article I wrote on how to break up a dog fight without getting hurt if you plan on continuing this practice.
The dog needs to be trained with a dominant dog collar ( read about them on my web site in the equipment section) or a prong collar – I like the dominant dog collar better for this training. The dog needs to respect you as a leader. If it pulls like this it does not respect you. Pure and simple.
Tell the dog no: give the dog a correction. The dog makes the decision NOT TO MIND. Then give it a level 10 correction and when the dog backs off praise it with a calm confident pat – like saying OK YOU ACTED STUPID BUT I FORGIVE YOU NOW LETS GET ON WITH LIFE.
A simple concept that the dog understands. You were fair with the dog, you warned the dog with a voice and a normal correction – then you came down on her like a thundercloud dropping 1” hail. This is very clear for the dog to understand. Its black and white.
I also recommend my 4 hour DVD on Basic Dog Obedience
Also read my philosophy on dog training.
The dog needs to be trained with a dominant dog collar ( read about them on my web site in the equipment section) or a prong collar – I like the dominant dog collar better for this training. The dog needs to respect you as a leader. If it pulls like this it does not respect you. Pure and simple.
Tell the dog no: give the dog a correction. The dog makes the decision NOT TO MIND. Then give it a level 10 correction and when the dog backs off praise it with a calm confident pat – like saying OK YOU ACTED STUPID BUT I FORGIVE YOU NOW LETS GET ON WITH LIFE.
A simple concept that the dog understands. You were fair with the dog, you warned the dog with a voice and a normal correction – then you came down on her like a thundercloud dropping 1” hail. This is very clear for the dog to understand. Its black and white.
I also recommend my 4 hour DVD on Basic Dog Obedience
Also read my philosophy on dog training.
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