Could i get some different recommendations on handler response to 'cheap shots'..... where a fearful adult dog takes a bite out of you as soon as your guard is down?

What are some appropriate immediate reactions when you get bit by a dog with no confidence?

thanks,
michelle <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Is the only answer to give a severe correction, so that the dog fears the repercussions of his actions more than life itself?

thanks,
michelle

Michelle,

I would work on relationship building before going to a correction method. Most dogs tat are "cheap shoting" on the owner are doing it out of fear of the owner and I am not sure that adding to that fear is going to be the best way to go. I would concentrate on good obedience training and establish a positive relationship with the dog first. Don't let your guard down, but try and keep the training and relationship positive.

My experience is that the dog that needs the heavy correction for this behavior is the dominant/confident dog. THey will take the correction and learn from it rather than it vreating further damage to the relationship. There may come a time with the fearful dog that this becomes a last resort, but it is that last step before putting the dog down. A dog with that level of fear of it's owner is never going to be safe in any circumstance.

hi Richard, are you saying you think the best response is no response , because you will deteriorate the relationship?

i am trying to look beyond the conditioning and training the fearful dog needs and jump to the IMMEDIATE ACTIONS that could be taken if someone misses a step, let their guard down or whatever, and the dog takes a shot at you. If this were to happen, what are the response options and their positives / negatives.

for example, i believe Leerburg recommends the response of correction - because the dog absolutely needs to know that this is not ok. the dog therefore does not bite because he is afraid of the repercussions of his actions. This is positive because the dog must know the rules. this is negative because it uses fear against fear.

i was thinking about what we were taught to do with an agitated Mentally Retarded patient , and that was to take them in close, sort of a self defense move, with their back against your chest..and then hug them to you, so that their arms and yours wrap around their body. this would help calm them and restrain them... could anyone imagine doing this to a dog? <shrug> i don't think so, this is a primate style communication. .. however, the effect is to subdue and secure.

is there a response that would subdue and secure a fearful, attacking dog... and is this a useful , appropriate response -- or is correction absolute? i mean a dog just can not go around biting people, he is unsafe.

any more thoughts?
thanks

Here is my thought on this if it was my dog. Learning to read the dog is very important, if you can do it properly you can intervene before the dog makes the attempt. Obedience is critical for this. Most dogs are also fairly consistant with this type of behavior. So it is fairly easy to identify.

Now don't let the dog bite you, if you have to make a correction to prevent it then do it. But spend more time on building the relationship. If the attempt is based on fear, adding fear won't likely help much.

Now a dog that isn't mine it is a different story. I want to make the fear me so it is happy to go back to the owner as that is a happier place for the dog. It might be better to work with an experienced trainer and good guy/bad guy the dog.

A dog that is fearful enough that it goes for the owner has very serious problems. Unless the dog is brand new. Then yes I would correct, and then go to something positive to reassure the dog. If after 6 months to a year it is still happening it is probably a lost cause.

i was renewing the post here in hopes of more input - thanks Richard for your good points, they are well taken, however, my question is specifically addressing WHEN a fear aggressive dog bites, are there any suggested responses other than severe correction? im just curious if there are other options. trying to convince myself really. thanks,

Michelle,

A severe correction is the absolute worst immediate response in my opinion.

I agree with Richard 100% in that it is very avoidable because these dogs exhibit consistent patterns of behavior which should make you able to avoid this kind of bite.

The only severe correction in this situation should be the one already given to the trainer by the dog. It should teach the trainer to keep his/her guard up next time. The dog does not deserve the correction in this situation.

After recieving the severe correction from the dog the trainer's IMMEDIATE RESPONSE should be to suck it up, don't flinch, then continue with the lesson. This will teach the dog that the fear bite will not make you or the training go away. End the session on a good note, lick your wounds, and learn from your mistakes for your next session.

This has only happened to me one time - it's all that it took. Most these dogs just need some patience and trust in the trainer/owner.

There is a time for correction but not at that stage in the game if the dog is biting from fear.