My dog is a hunter. She came out of the woods at 9 mo. old and lived on a farm for the first 2 years of her life in a pack of 3 dogs. As she lived outdoors, I never properly trained her. Since she was one, she has always had a taste for squirrels. When I moved to Maine, she attacked over 5 porcupines and began showing aggression towards some dogs but not all. I realize d she was unpredictable but I felt like I could control her on a leash. Three years later, as my confidence in her dog relationships was high, I let her off the leash. She began playing with a small dog in a park and then after a few minutes, grabbed it by its neck and nearly killed it. After reading this website I now see her many dominant behaviors I have allowed; sleeping on the couch, first one out the door, sleeping on the floor in my bedroom, and not allowing me to put a metal collar over her head. I want to think I can establish my dominance over her at this point but I am afraid I cannot change her learned ways. I would appreciate any advice!
Thank you,
Rebecca Saunders becksaunders@hotmail.com

Find a local trainer and get to working on her obedience. That is step one. Step two is to keep her on a leash at all times and do not allow her to go near other dogs. See the following post re: what I've been working on with my dog and her dog aggression: http://leerburg.server294.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=000119#000042

If I were you I would use a dog crate if she is in the home. Ed has a good DVD on obdedience training, because you could spend a lot more on a local trainer and you might not get good advice, like what is in that DVD.

Kristen is correct, that you should keep her on leash at all times.......although you probably figured that one out.

Rebecca, Because she was "in the wild"..she had to survive in a natural sense..killing small animals to survive..and perhaps some solo dogs that didn't have a pack to run in.Laying on the couch is not a bad thing..It depending on the dog and its previous enviroment..if allowed could be domination..or it could be that the dog gains trust..in a comfortable place to rest. etc etc. I wouldn't go from one extreme to another with her.The kennel is a good idea..but do it in small steps.Say for instance put her food in it..so she knows that it is a safe place..for her food source.When she willingly goes to the kennel..to eat..perhaps then she will rest there as well..Then proceed to close kennel..just for a few moments at a time..over a period of time..until she trusts. Once she can be closed in the kennel..and feel safety in there..she will look to you for her food source.You have to work on it..if you care about her.. NEVER take her out without a lead.Get a 20 ft or more lead and use a collar she feels safe with. Allow her the freedom in that and while walking her..give her lots of treats for her to come nearer to you..get her mind on..the only food source comes from you. Candace

Dear Candace,
What are some of the benifits of crate training at this age? I understand using a crate to train small dogs but I don't know what she will think if I bring a small kennel into the house at this point.
I did appreciate your advice on bringing food with me when we walk to kewep her attention on me. I absolutely plan on never letting her off the lead from now on, no matter how much she cries to go play with other dogs. It tortures me when I know she is dying to play, but I just can't afford another accident!
Thanks, rebecca

There are many benefits to putting any dog in a crate.You can search through the leerburg site..for many answers.A crate should NEVER be used for punishment.Thats why I said to introduce food into the crate for her..so she knows its a good place.Later you can give her just treats.Bottom line..your dog should go wherever you want the dog to go...whether it be a crate..a car etc. Don't worry so much about her wanting to play and crying....The best thing you can do for her is to control her..and teach her to be obedient.Let her cry all she wants..but demand that she pays attention to you First.. If you have a problem putting a collar over her head..use a flat collar first and adjust it.Leave it on her..then work on taking that on and off over her head.If she does well..give her a treat and much praise.If you were trying to put a "Metal" choke collar on her..it may be that she is afraid of the noise that it makes.So ..sit with her..and jingle it abit..if she turns towards the noise..treat her.The best thing you can possibly do is to find a local trainer..and ask for some one on one advice...so he/she can evaluate and help you. Candace

Rebecca, one thing I would suggest to you is this:

When your dog displays behavior you dont like, say NO loudly, look him straight in the eyes and do not look away. make sure he knows who the boss is. Doing this frequently can help to instill a proper sense of whose in charge.

Let me guess, beyond the animal attack, problems you are having are issues like the dog jumping up on guests? Up on the sofa when other people are sitting there?

for jack bauer: jack,i may not be the brightese crayola in the box,but i would never encourage a lady to get into a "stare down" contest with a grown 5 year old dog .especially one that has the type of "half wild" tendencies that this dog has. if the stare down does not work, some one is going to get bitten ! probably in the face! jmho. john

Jack,
You're right about the jumping on people and the couch. She get sooo jealous when other people are over and sitting on the couch. I have been keeping her off the couch lately and purchased an aggressive dog collar from Leerburg. It makes running with her easier.

Hm, is this a dog that seems to be very protective of its own space? IE, does it somtimes get angry and growl or maybe snap if it is being petted, ect?