April 12, 2011
My boyfriend's dog is awful - he doesn't listen and bites me. What should I do? Is this dog even capable of training?
Full Question:
I have read through some of your articles and feedback to relative questions by your audience, yet I still have no idea what to do. I had been with my boyfriend for approximately a year when he came home with a 13 month old shelter pup (German Sheppard mix) which he named Shadow. From the get go it was obvious that this dog had some behavioral problems (he growled & tried to bite the vet at his first check up). [**A little of my history, I have NEVER been fearful of dogs. I have had extremely well trained and well behaved dogs of different breeds throughout my life (Rotti, Golden Retrievers, Newfie)...was even attacked as an adolescent by a relatives Rottweiler & a neighbor's mastiff.]Since the beginning of Shadow entering our relationship, I have struggled to make my place known in the pack. If I sit or lie down on the floor, Shadow will try to sit on me or completely stand over me. Each and every time I try to correct him verbally or forcefully, he'll try to bite me. I warned my boyfriend that this animal needs more than just training because he will never see me as being higher in the pack than he is.
During August of this year, while on vacation, Shadow bit my boyfriend's youngest nephew and nearly took his eye out (just days after I confronted my boyfriend yet again that this dog is dangerous to have around). When I tried to remove the dog from the situation, he went for my hands twice. My boyfriend then paid for a "dog whisperer" to do an assessment on the dog. He must have behaved that day, because the diagnosis was that he was just a sweet animal that could do no harm.
I continued to ask my boyfriend to get rid of the animal. Shadow is extremely willful and 75% of the time will not listen to commands from the pack leader and chooses almost never to listen to me. I find that the dog tries to bite me every time that I try and correct his behavior. For example, the other night, he stood next to me while I was playing cards. When I told him to sit he stared at me. I've been instructed by my boyfriend to force him to sit. Once I did that and tried to return to my original position Shadow bit my hand. Instinctively trying to protect myself, I pulled the injured hand back and swatted him on the nose for biting me. He then went for my hand again...he didn't stop going after me until my boyfriend stepped in.
I have been bitten & nipped at on countless occasions since Shadow first entered my life in March. I again asked that he get rid of the dog, because the first time in my life I am fearful for my safety. He however, refuses. He thinks that the failed training will work this time...I'm sure it will be the same argument 3 months down the road when the dog gets a hold of me again.
Is this dog even capable of training?
Daphne
Cindy's Answer:
This dog needs every aspect of his daily life controlled. NO more freedom for Shadow. He needs to understand that he doesn’t call the shots and the only way this is going to happen is through strict management of his life all the time. This will mean that the way you and your boyfriend have been living with him will be changed dramatically.
It will take a lot of patience and dedication on both of your parts. Obedience training is part of the solution, but how the dog lives with you and how you interact with him are the most important points. For example, DON’T sit on the floor with him. Don’t let him off leash or out of a crate unless he’s on a leash. Don’t let him interact with kids or non family members. He now needs to look to you for everything he wants which includes walks, going outside to go to the bathroom, food, water and attention. The reason Shadow doesn’t listen to the “pack leader” is because Shadow doesn’t see anyone in your house as a leader. It’s as much an attitude as anything which is probably why when you had the dog whisperer there he behaved. He sensed the energy of this person and behaved as a follower.
I’d start with our Groundwork program. I would follow it exactly. Pack Structure for the Family Pet is the DVD that picks up where the article leaves off.
I believe that this DVD could really help you. It’s titled DEALING WITH DOMINANT AND AGGRESSIVE DOGS and was a 5 year project.
You can go to the web page and read the outline of what’s included on the video. These DVDs are not meant to be watched one time. The fact is anyone who needs this information needs to watch it many times because every time they watch it they will pick up new ideas. You may need a muzzle for some of the work, so you won’t worry about being bitten and Shadow learns that using his mouth doesn’t get him his way.
Once Shadow is following the new rules and is becoming more compliant, it’s time to begin structured obedience training. Basic Dog Obedience.
The groundwork article along with the dvds will give you the tools you need to take the control back. It won’t be easy but if you are firm, fair and consistent this dog can be worked with. The level of success will depend on how closely you can stick to the program.
Good luck.
Cindy
It will take a lot of patience and dedication on both of your parts. Obedience training is part of the solution, but how the dog lives with you and how you interact with him are the most important points. For example, DON’T sit on the floor with him. Don’t let him off leash or out of a crate unless he’s on a leash. Don’t let him interact with kids or non family members. He now needs to look to you for everything he wants which includes walks, going outside to go to the bathroom, food, water and attention. The reason Shadow doesn’t listen to the “pack leader” is because Shadow doesn’t see anyone in your house as a leader. It’s as much an attitude as anything which is probably why when you had the dog whisperer there he behaved. He sensed the energy of this person and behaved as a follower.
I’d start with our Groundwork program. I would follow it exactly. Pack Structure for the Family Pet is the DVD that picks up where the article leaves off.
I believe that this DVD could really help you. It’s titled DEALING WITH DOMINANT AND AGGRESSIVE DOGS and was a 5 year project.
You can go to the web page and read the outline of what’s included on the video. These DVDs are not meant to be watched one time. The fact is anyone who needs this information needs to watch it many times because every time they watch it they will pick up new ideas. You may need a muzzle for some of the work, so you won’t worry about being bitten and Shadow learns that using his mouth doesn’t get him his way.
Once Shadow is following the new rules and is becoming more compliant, it’s time to begin structured obedience training. Basic Dog Obedience.
The groundwork article along with the dvds will give you the tools you need to take the control back. It won’t be easy but if you are firm, fair and consistent this dog can be worked with. The level of success will depend on how closely you can stick to the program.
Good luck.
Cindy
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