Lately I've noticed Mikko's getting a bit too territorial. This "agressation" almost only happens at nite or towards other dogs. What bothers me so much is that I have no control over it.
When I tell him to hush he just continues to bark and lung etc. Is this the norm? He is only 6 months old.....

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Vicki

(I'm purchasing a prong collar this weekend)

QUOTE: When I tell him to hush he just continues to bark and lung etc. Is this the norm? He is only 6 months old..... END

It may be the norm, but it isn't the norm for a well-trained dog.

"No control" means that you're not the perceived pack leader.

Six months is a very common age for territorial, dog-aggression, and other issues to show up. Sort of like the "terrible twos" with a toddler.

I would start or return to long and/or frequent walks, which is the venue for basic training of the "who's in charge" kind when we're talking about house dogs. That's where the house dog learns that he heels; that he leaves your home BEHIND you; that you give the OK for sniffing, exploring, etc., not him; that you are, in fact, his pack leader. This is my advice, because I think the unwanted behavior you're describing is just one symptom of a bigger issue: you are not in charge. The dog is. So you can correct all over the place for this one behavior and still not address the REAL problem.

Have you watched any of the excellent basic behavior videos (from this site and others, too)? It's amazing how much clearer a video can be than words on a page.

And remember that you should feel good about the fact that you're looking for answers and recognizing that you CAN correct the situation!

Vicki,

Sounds to me like your dog may be a little dog aggressive. You should correct him with a prong collar. As for barking at night, alot of dogs become more aware of their surroundings at night and are quicker to bark. My dog barks at certain things at night that he wouldn't care about during the day. Probabaly because it seems stranger at night.

If I remember correctly, this is the same dog that you were asking about because you thought he might be a sharp dog. That just might be the reason. Sharp dogs are quick to bark at things they are unsure of. This doesn't really seem like a territorial problem, but I might be wrong.

What you need to do is put a prong collar on him and teach him to mind when you tell him to do something.

Im thinking he's not so much dog aggressive. He often plays across the street with quite a few dogs my neighbor boards. He has also been socialized with other dogs in the neighborhood with no agressiveness at all. I've been doing this since I've got him so "dog agression" wouldnt be an issue.
Also, as I said, I am going this weekend to get him a prong collar.
Thanks

QUOTE: What bothers me so much is that I have no control over it. END

I really feel that this is not a minor single-issue correction thing, based on the statement above. "No control," to me, means back up and start basic training........there's a pack leader problem.

I have done much of the "alpha" training. I do the walks (on a heel) and inside (my home) he follows basic commands pretty well. During meal time I put him on a "sit & wait" before I allow him his food. I also do "alpha rolls" with him during our play time. Just to reaffirm to him that "I" am "pack leader". So, basicly before he his allowed anything (food, treats, affection) he must work for it.

Thanks,
Vicki

"alpha rolls" are a waste of time, and can be very dangerous.

Kristen is 100% right about the alpha rolls.

They're an old training "myth" that would be best ignored.

QUOTE from Will: Kristen is 100% right about the alpha rolls.
They're an old training "myth" that would be best ignored. END

Well put.

Also, control and respect aren't the same thing.

IMHO, prongs and e-collars are valuable and time-saving training tools. But the fact that you're getting it because (I quote you) "I have no control" makes me keep saying that you might want to back up and start basic training over. Maybe a good video or a good book ... where'd you get the "alpha rolls" idea? I'd consider that book way outdated and toss it, myself. I think you feel attacked, when the posters are trying to help......you keep coming back with "but I do this and this," and it might be good to step back and say to yourself "How is this working? I have no control, and I'm getting an e-collar because my dog ignores my commands."

Why not get a good basic video and start with that?

 Quote:

Why not get a good basic video and start with that?

Or find a local trainer that can work with you one-on-one. We certainly aren't trying to put you down and continually fuss at you, I promise! We ARE trying to help, but I agree that perhaps you need to go back to gaining your pup's respect.

Are you familiar with the "Nothing in Life is Free (NILIF)" or "No Free Lunch" programs? If not, I highly suggest doing a yahoo or google search on either or both and apply it immediately. This provides a foundation for the rest of your training by establishing you as the alpha (non-physically) and gaining respect from your dog. A dog that respects you is more likely to want to please you.