April 28, 2011
We feel our dog has fear aggression issue - it bit our child. A local trainer wanted $2,000.00 to help fix our problem. What do you think?
Full Question:
I saw a Q/A that you had on fear biting and I was hoping that you could help me out with something...We adopted a female (2-3 years old) lab/boxer (or pit bull not sure) mix. She is a well tempered dog, very loving, plays well with other dogs (from what we can tell) and with cats. She has not exhibited aggressive behavior with the exception that she barks a little at strangers.
The thing is that she is very timid. Numerous times she will roll on her back and freeze. We thought this was a "rub my belly" thing.. However, I have noticed that she appears very scared when in this position and she has snapped at me a few times trying to move her when she is in that position.
Today my son went to give her a hug (he is 3) and it scared her and she bit him (he is OK, just a bit scared).
I have 2 children (3 and 7) and we are wanting to make this work (this dog is perfect for us with this exception). We are not wealthy folks and one of the people that were recommended to us were asking more than $2000 for training.
What would you recommend?
thank you so much for any help you can provide.
Gods Blessing,
Brian
Ed's Answer:
Here is some reading material that may help:
Bottom line is the first step in controlling ANY behavioral problem is to go back to basics and this means a well structured obedience program.
I recommend my dominant dog collar. Many times dogs become too hyper or hectic with prong collar corrections. Some dogs even become aggressive to firm corrections with prong collars. Those dogs need the dominant dog collar. Read the write up and look at the photos of how to size them on my web site.
I recommend that you get my 4 hour DVD on Basic Dog Obedience. You may think you have an understanding of training, my guess is with problems like this you are off track.
As a general rule dogs with weak nerves (fear based dogs) respond well to a sound obedience program that includes a distraction and correction phase. They want to feel comfortable and they find their comfort in minding a strong pack leader.
I think you will find that this information (if you follow it) will solve your problems and for somewhat less than $2,000.00.
You may also want to consider the DVD and eBook I did on Dominant and Aggressive Dogs.
Ed
- Preventing dog bites in children. You can find these if you go to the list of training articles and scroll down.
- You may want to read the article I wrote on GROUND WORK BEFORE OBEDIENCE TRAINING.
- I also recommend that you go to my web site and read the article I wrote on my philosophy of dog training. I think you will get some good ideas there.
Bottom line is the first step in controlling ANY behavioral problem is to go back to basics and this means a well structured obedience program.
I recommend my dominant dog collar. Many times dogs become too hyper or hectic with prong collar corrections. Some dogs even become aggressive to firm corrections with prong collars. Those dogs need the dominant dog collar. Read the write up and look at the photos of how to size them on my web site.
I recommend that you get my 4 hour DVD on Basic Dog Obedience. You may think you have an understanding of training, my guess is with problems like this you are off track.
As a general rule dogs with weak nerves (fear based dogs) respond well to a sound obedience program that includes a distraction and correction phase. They want to feel comfortable and they find their comfort in minding a strong pack leader.
I think you will find that this information (if you follow it) will solve your problems and for somewhat less than $2,000.00.
You may also want to consider the DVD and eBook I did on Dominant and Aggressive Dogs.
Ed
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