I am not a dog trainer. I have two dogs that were shelter rescues
Knuckles a hound/shepard who is 3 1/2 years old
and Buster a chow/lab/shep??? who is approximately 21 months.
Both dogs have bitten - neighbor and postal worker. The history is long so I won't go into it.
I am currently working with a trainer who trains police and drug detecting dogs for local town and communities. He was recommended by another trainer and a poster on another forum that I belong too.
The question I have is- everyone (other than the trainer) thinks the dogs should be muzzled when we have them out. The general opinion is that this method is only used on police dogs not pets.
The trainer states that the muzzle will frustrate the dogs, and that once we become strong leaders the fear aggression should subside and this problem will be under control.
If you are going to take them out in public, I think that the muzzle is a good idea. YOu have a responsibility to prevent the dogs from biting people. If the muzzle is properly introduced it won't be a problem for the dogs. Obedience training is going to help, but until you have the required control the dogs need to be made safe in some other method.
If you can't be a Good Example,then You'll just have to Serve as a Horrible Warning. Catherine Aird.
linda, i always use a muzzle that leerburg sells item #704A. it doesn't give the dog such restrictions that the dog gets frustrated. i use it for crowded areas, hotels, or any where i think i need to protect my dog from curious people. it also can be use for training a dog that might light you up when obedience corrections are applied.
Why is fear bitting by mutts in the Fight Drive section??
Muzzle those mutts before they bite someone. Not trying to be hard but if yo don't have control of your dogs and they don't have control of their actions. Then you and your dogs are a risk to the people and things you come in contact with. I commend you for rescuing these dogs, but thats only the first part of saving them. Now you have to make them safe to be around. Obedeince and the muzzle, good luck.
Ok guys shouldn't this be moved top the fear bitter section. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
Posts: 5983
Loc: Idaho
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Linda,
I think you're getting some bad advice there. You may want to ask this trainer if he knows that he too will be liable for damages produced from a dogbite case from your animals now if he is giving you advice like this. If another bite occurs while you were following the trainers instructions/advice, he'll be right there in court with you, unfortunately.
And most counties/cities will be *very* unforgiving for a repeat dogbite from known biters.
Ask yourself, is it worth losing my dogs and maybe my income over another dogbite? If the answer is no, MUZZLE them!
if the situations are too overwhelming for the dog to handle at this point, why bother? avoid crowded areas and situations that illicit the fear bites until the dog has a strong foundation in obedience. then you will be able to redirect the focus onto the obedience and slowly re-introduce the social settings. its hard to say for sure without knowing your particualr dog. but if you absolutely have to have the dog in those situations - muzzle it
the first thing to do with these dogs is introduce the muzzle to the dogs at home. I like to use the muzzle that they can eat and drink with for short periods of time and work from there. The muzzles if introduced correctly; the dogs will not even know they have them on when
the time comes for walks etc.
Along with the above-mentioned train these dogs in obdience. The result of you training will make it easier to control these dogs in public. I think Ed sells a tape that will suit your needs. It is a basic ob. video for pet owners.
I do agree with another poster's comment-avoid large gatherings of people or public places where there are people whenever possiable, at least until you have some control over these animals. I would also make sure that you have these dogs in a secure place when at home. The fact that they have bitten two people already shows that you are in over your head. Good Luck and hope this helps.
Originally posted by Linda Wayrynen: The question I have is- everyone (other than the trainer) thinks the dogs should be muzzled when we have them out. The general opinion is that this method is only used on police dogs not pets.
The trainer states that the muzzle will frustrate the dogs, and that once we become strong leaders the fear aggression should subside and this problem will be under control.
Your thoughts and input would be appreciated That trainer and others are wrong who think it. Keep the dogs at home away from people. Use the muzzle when you MUST go out with them. I know you would like your dogs to live a normal dog life but this can't happen.
While you might be able to modify the behavior through conditioning and good obedience training if you know what you are doing. Still, the conditions outside your home will, in time, reinforce or trigger your dog's bad behaviors if they have temperament problems.
The chance is very high they will bite again and it will be your fault. So keep them at home.
I am sure many trainers like to think the training they use will be long lasting but it only takes one incident where the dog thinks he got away with the old behavior before he reverts back to his old ways. It is the unknown reinforcement and unlearning of the training you should worry about.
I wish I wasnt the make of bad news for you but if you listen to it it just might save your dog's life and your butt.
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down. - Robert Benchley
In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog. - Edward Hoagland
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