After watching Ed's DVD, I have a question. Is it necessary/beneficial to begin to introduce the ecollar correction for something the dog knows, such as COME, before using it to correct aggression?

This dog is not conditioned to the collar yet and obviously, therefore, is not collar literate.

the situation at hand is that the dog (2 yo. Cocker) rules the roost. or used to. She was showing resource guarding and territorial aggression (to her owners). All freedom has been suspended and she is coming along nicely with leash walking, sit and stay using traditional methods.

As a young pup, she protested (growled and snapped) at the owners for trying to confine her to the crate. So they put the crate away and the dog began to make her own rules. The crate is back in her life, and it is like Custard's Last Stand with this dog! She will willingly run in, but if she leads the journey to the crate she growls the whole way and has even turned around to growl and challenge her owner who was following her to the crate. So, now she does Sit and Stay before being given the crate command. She will growl and attack if you reach down to close the door though. We have rigged a back tie (used to correct the aggressive display) and a rod attached to the crate door for safe and no nonsense shutting.

So, this is the situation that I feel may be changed quicker with an ecollar. I don't think it is a quick fix, it will take reps, but one that will get through to her without added handler frustration/interaction. As in the behavior corrects itself without a NO.

Your thoughts please =) I will fill in any answers you need to give appropriate response.

Thank you!
Michelle Carter

Aren't Cockers cute? I have a Blue Merle myself but don't have your friends problem. This is a rank issue that needs to be addressed without trickery (closing the door with a rod) to show this dog who's in charge. Prime candidate for the dominant dog collar.

Is this the only issue the dog/owner have? I doubt it unless the dog for some reason relates the crate to a bad experience.

No, not the only issue. the most unresolved. The Cocker has been building up fences all over the house.

For example, owner leaves, returns to room and dog guards the room.. Resource guarding for stolen items, etc..

Exercises in leadership and limited freedom have so far been very productive. Dog will now do a leave it from items on floor (as a progression from introductory training)

The dog has very limited freedom (on leash all the time) and will respond to a NO and gentle leash correction for any space guarding. Dog will now COME, rather than stay and guard.

it's this crate issue.... i believe majorly stemming from the imprint during puppyhood (protest and avoid). it's like the final frontier...the last place the dog is trying to 'own'. There have been no fear issues around the crate. I read it as simple objection.

thanks for your response!

Michelle Carter

Can anyone help me with this:

Is it necessary/beneficial to begin to introduce the ecollar correction for something the dog knows, such as COME, before using it to correct aggression? the DVD doesn't mention it in the aggression section (although they are talking about dog aggression, I thought it would relate)

thanks,
Michelle Carter

Ed does mention that the E-collar could put the dog into a higher drive or aggressive state if using the e-collar wrong?

Don't know much more than that, sorry

Adam

 Quote: michelle o'baugh

Is it necessary/beneficial to begin to introduce the ecollar correction for something the dog knows, such as COME, before using it to correct aggression?

I don't know the perfect answer but I would say yes. Reason, so the dog understands the stim is a correction for either inappropriate behavior or disobedience, make sure it is at the lowest setting possible that still gets their attention and makes the correction.

Once the dog reacts appropriately and you're confident he understands what the stim is for, then use it for aggression although it can be tricky. The stim for aggression is higher, sort of a level-10 from the collar, to communicate to the dog this elevated behavior will get an elevated correction thus convincing the dog they do not want that to happen again. This is where you REALLY have to know your dog and know the exact point where the nick or constant stim should be administered. It's like learning to correct your dog all over again. I'd bet this will make your dog nervous and weary after receiving a full on correction like this and could create more problems. I say this just from watching my dog and his reactions but I'm talking about teeth bared, growling, facing me telling me "this is my spot and you're not going to tell me otherwise". That's why I say know the dog because they could get too worked up with the collar for it to do anything positive. Ed mentioned in the collar DVD about making another video for the collar and aggression. I hope he makes it.