 Territorial Aggression
#255130 - 10/21/2009 09:15 AM |
Webboard User
Reg: 10-17-2009
Posts: 5
Loc:
 Offline |
|
I live on a ranch with my 2 Border Collies, 1 Heeler & a young stray of unknown mixed breed who moved in 2 1/2 years ago. She was in very rough shape when I found her cowering in 1 of our barns. She's now healthy & very loving but has developed what I would consider a territorial aggression problem which is esclating. Recently, she bite my Fed Ex guy & it was an ugly bite wound. She ran at him from behind with me right there & it was so quick that I was unable to prevent it. I keep her in the kennel when I'm not home but apparently that's not good enough. Any help would be appreciated.
|
 Top
|
|
Re: Territorial Aggression
[Re: Karen Jones ]
#255133 - 10/21/2009 10:06 AM |
Webboard User
Reg: 03-17-2006
Posts: 4203
Loc:
| Offline |
|
In part, you answered your own question.Kenneled when your not home wasn't good enough.Have you done any obedience with her?
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Territorial Aggression
[Re: steve strom ]
#255140 - 10/21/2009 12:17 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 09-24-2009
Posts: 220
Loc: Arizona, Cochise County, USA
| Offline |
|
I echo Steve's response. And since you obviously don't have off leash voice control, what are you using to control her while she's out of her kennel? Until you have reliable control, especially as there is an aggression problem, you should not allow her to run loose.
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Territorial Aggression
[Re: steve strom ]
#255191 - 10/21/2009 10:20 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 10-17-2009
Posts: 5
Loc:
| Offline |
|
Minimal. She comes when I call, she sits & stays. When someone drives into the ranch, unfortunately they all kind of swarm the new arrival & it's at that point I lose control. Many of the delivery people come bearing treats (out of self defense) but that makes the problem worse. Due to the fact that there's 4 of them on a large property, it becomes difficult. My Border Collies are friendly & my heeler is intimidating but actually a coward. The little stray appears friendly but protective.
While I'm trying to keep all under control, it might be a week or 2 until the next delivery person or mail person pulls in. Sometimes when an outsider does arrive, I might be many acres away therefore unless they're with me, they're beyond my
control. Sadly, I don't think I'm much of a dog trainer. I can send them out after cattle. I stop them by putting them down.
I'm considering using a shock collar on my little trouble maker as a method of long range control.
Thanks so much for your input.
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Territorial Aggression
[Re: Karen Jones ]
#255193 - 10/21/2009 10:38 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 03-17-2006
Posts: 4203
Loc:
| Offline |
|
If you can stop the dogs and down them on command when they are working cattle, you should have no problem doing the same with people. If she'll come when called, sit, and stay you've allready got something to work with. If you are out and away where she's not under your control she needs to be kenneled. Also, I wouldnt let them all swarm. Not even the two friendly ones. You'd be surprised how something subtle you didnt notice can trigger things.
Since your out where you don't have regular visitors you should take her to where the people are to work with her. Find a distance where she's interested but relaxed and on-leash work on that sit and down stay.
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Territorial Aggression
[Re: steve strom ]
#255198 - 10/22/2009 07:57 AM |
Webboard User
Reg: 09-22-2007
Posts: 2531
Loc: S. Florida
| Offline |
|
In conjunction with what Steve is saying, if you have a friend who could help out (in a vehicle that the dogs don't recognize) you could set up this type of scenario multiple times to practice.
I think Steve makes a very important point re letting the dogs swarm; maybe a sign for all deliveries for driver to wait in vehicle until you arrive?
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Territorial Aggression
[Re: Lynne Barrows ]
#255201 - 10/22/2009 09:05 AM |
Webboard User
Reg: 10-17-2009
Posts: 5
Loc:
| Offline |
|
You would think that I should have the same element of control when working cattle but there is a difference. The cattle live here & represent a job while the everyone else is an intruder which seems to take things to a different level. Ranch dogs are typically not very well socialized. My young female Border Collie is the exception because she travels to horse shows with us. I can sure try to setting up a similar situation before the roads get icy (no one will want to come out then to help) but feel the need to lock up the other dogs so I can control the situation. FYI, I had hunters pull in here twice yesterday & she didn't appear to have a problem with them.
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Territorial Aggression
[Re: Lynne Barrows ]
#255204 - 10/22/2009 10:30 AM |
Webboard User
Reg: 01-03-2003
Posts: 704
Loc:
| Offline |
|
Hi Karen, I live in a similar situation as you. I have four dogs also. My solution is an e-collar or long line, I never let all four out together, only two at a time. Commands that they have to know and respect are come, sit/stay or down/stay. My goal is for them to come to me when they see a vehicle and stay with me til they are released. In your circumstances the ecollar will be your best friend. Just make sure they understand what you expect from them, otherwise, it isn't fair. Marker training is the most valuable thing you can use. When they even look at you mark and reward. Keep treats in your pockets at all times.
The Leerburg DVDs on Ecollar Training and Marker Training are a good place to start.
Only takes a few minutes a day with each dog for a few sessions to get it all going. You can do it!
Best regards,
Debbie
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Territorial Aggression
[Re: Debbie High ]
#255230 - 10/22/2009 05:35 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 10-17-2009
Posts: 5
Loc:
| Offline |
|
Thank you so much for the advice. I know to those who don't live in this type of situation, it sounds like I want an easy answer (and who wouldn't) but it really is much more difficult than it sounds. Yesterday I heard a vehicle pull in and all 4 dogs come boiling out of the garage. I was working a colt at the time & had to run out of the round pen & up to the house to deal with whatever. Fortunately, it was my treat giving UPS lady, so all was well but it takes me a little time, even at a run, to get back to the house.
This morning I was asking my shoer if he had any problems with the little stray. I looked down & he was rubbing her ears at the time so we both had to laugh. Still & all, what she did to the poor fed ex guy was unacceptable.
Will this procedure translate to when I pull in with a trailer so that they stay put instead of following the trailer? It's hard to park a 30' trailer full of horses & deal with 4 dogs all at the same time. At least they know how to stay out of the way of the tires.
Thanks so much!
|
|
Top
|
|
Re: Territorial Aggression
[Re: Karen Jones ]
#255321 - 10/23/2009 02:48 PM |
Webboard User
Reg: 09-24-2009
Posts: 220
Loc: Arizona, Cochise County, USA
| Offline |
|
Whichever you decide to incorporate of the training tips you've been given, having a sign to ask people to remain in their vehicle so you can gain control; is a good idea. That, and setting up visitor scenarios that you control and are frequent enough for the dogs to gain the benefit of; is much better than relying on trying train them during unannounced infrequent visits by deliveries.
You might try practicing with your set-up visits with one or two dogs at a time, before working with all four.
|
|
Top
|
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
