A few weeks ago I bought a strong civil dog (18months)from a breeder who had held him back for training in protection sports. This is a serious minded dog that I've had my eye on for a while. This is the first time that I ever had to re-establish a bond let alone with a dog like this. So I figured I had better take a more psycological aproach establishing who's who in our relationship, trying to avoid too much confrontation with him for a while. I've been hand feeding him, obedience for the ball etc, making him wait for me to go through the door first..I've been increasing the pressure in obedience almost daily. Corrections have been introduced, he's responsive, no problems. The transition seems to be coming along nicely. So this morning I bring him in for grub and the S.O.B tries to lift his leg and squirt the couch! I am fairly certain this was not a bladder issue. He was dragging his leash and was on a choke, I caught him just as he was getting started. He got a correction he won't soon forget, and was immediately escorted back to his kennel. Avoidance was generated, no question about that. I know that the previous owner brought him in all the time and he certainly wouldn't get away with that! I (of course) am second guessing how well things are really going with my "psycological" approach. This seemed to me a domminance issue(???), trying to get away with pissing on the couch right in front of me. I worry that I seem way softer of a handler to him than his previous owner as I have tried to avoid applying too much pressure thus far. The bonding seems to be coming along, and the dog is happy to work for me. Should I say to myself that it's time to dive in and start being more firm with this dog, or do you think I'm making too much out of this? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> PS: Yes there are other dogs that take turns being in the house, and that may have been the motivation behind his attemt at a "tag."

Jason,

Nice story. Sounds like your handling things well, and it sounds like you have a good dog. If everything else is going well, I wouldn't make too much out of this one incident. The correction you administered sounded appropriate in my opinion.

You are doing just fine. Long walks, food, playing and grooming are the best ways to bonding. Let him know that his prey items are yours and you just let him borrow them from time to time. When I get a new dog for the first two weeks I am the only one in contact with him. He is with me all day. The key to corrections is fair, quick, forceful but not mad and followed by praise to show no hard feelings. Do not get into a battle with him. If this is unavoidable have him in a muzzle when you do. You are a leader not a dictator. AND HAVE FUN!

But Vince, I had my heart set on being a dictator! Just kidding but, you ought to see a Frenchman train a dog. They make me look like a big sissy and they are very arguably the best in the world. I guess the apropriate thing to do is to slowly add more pressure in obedience and expect more out of him as time goes on, rather than "diving in." PS, Thank you guys for your re-assuring advice. I think things are going pretty good too, but this is a good place to question that.

I'd pee on your couch too, you little sissy. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />


Ha, ha - Saw the pics of your little monster - sweet dog. Did you have any other problems with dominance or aggression the first few days you had him?

No, from the time I got him home and released him from his crate into his kennel things have been smooth as silk, except for jumping up but that has been corrected. Stepping away from it all I'm probably making something out of nothing. But I thought plenty people here have likely "been there" so I thought I'd better get some input.

I agree, it's probably not much to worry about right now. If he's only done this the one time in the three weeks you've had him, you're doing fine!

Jason, it sounds like you're doing a great job with this dog so far. I don't see any reason to increase the pressure on this dog by becomming a hard ass. Take the path of least resistance and you should be rewarded with a better bond. One that is out of love and respect rather than just submission because you become a meannie.

I am curious as to you're experience level handling dominant, rank or agressive dogs. Also is you're new dog social around other dogs and or people? I heard or read someone say something about seeing you're dog's pic so where are they and how can I see them?

Thanks,

Glenn

Glenn, thanks for yor input. Maybe I was not clear on this but in my opinion there is plenty of room to increase pressure on him without being a "hard ass". It was more of a question of whether or not people thought this called for an immediate increase, flirting with hard ass maybe only briefly, if you will, or stick to what I've been doing.(starting to replace hot dogs and praise with praise alone, and pushing for more obedience a little at a time). Remember I started with zero pressure only a few weeks ago, introduced corrections about a week ago and generated avoidance behavior for the first time this morning. In this case, avoidance behavior was a welcome sight considering the other possibilities. I've trained some hard dominant Mastiffs in the past, but none had an "edge" to them like this Malinois does. I also have two other mals and they too don't compare. So far he is fine around my other dogs(he aproaches, they submit), and he is very territorial when strangers aproach his kennel. The latter is not a product of week nerves. He is the biggest challenge I have faced in a dog and it seems to be going really well(so far). I will leave his web photo/info as a private message.

Jason, maybe I was making too much out of nothing. I'll try and find the pic's. I am very new to this board.

Glenn