I'm really not convinced this is a dominance issue.

A dominant dog, would not want to be with you all the time, for starters.

Disclaimer: I am neither a behaviourist nor a vet.

That notwithstanding, here's my four cents.

1. Get a complete and I mean complete physical workup done on the dog. This means not only a physical exam but also full blood workup, T4 test, Cushing's test, whatever you can afford and are willing to do. If there is a physical problem with this dog, all the behaviour training in the world cannot help you.

2. He sounds like he is terrified. Perhaps with a little dominance mixed in. By the age of 10 months this dog has had four homes, and it sounds like he doesn't have the nerves to handle it. This dog needs MAJOR work from the sounds of it. If you are willing to help this dog you will need professional assistance. And not just any trainer, one that has real experience turning aggressive, terrified dogs around. Those trainers are out there, find one, find out what methods they use and get references from difficult cases they've worked on.

3. In the mean time you are doing things correctly. Keep him separated from your other dog, crate crate crate, and muzzle him when he is out to protect your wife and yourself. Continue keeping him on leash. And, as Alyssa suggested, exercise.

4. Establish a very strict routine. Routines really help nervous dogs. Begin marker training and have your wife do it too. I have found (in my LIMITED experience) that increasing opportunities for praise improves a dog's attitude. Give him lots of chances to be right.

After one year however, he should have settled in. I would have to say that this dog will need work. Have him assessed by more than one trainer/behaviourist and see what they say.

Edit: Took me so long to write this that like 10 posts happened in the mean time.

I also don't think it's dominance but without seeing the dog it would just be a guess. I'm betting fear aggression. Fearful dogs don't always manifest fear in the same way.

 Quote: Mark Stuart

11:00 was 11:00 pm.

Oops!:laugh:

Still, little short walks are easier for some dogs to recover from. I imagine a lean, athletic vizsla would be one of those.

 Quote: Mark Stuart

But if i have to run the dog 5 miles a day so he won't bite people, that seems to just mask the problem. He still has the same dominance issue, but now is just too tired to act on it (after runs).

Not really. Extra energy can make the most obedient dog a moron.

What makes you think that this dog is dominant? (or exhibiting dominant behavior?)

I posted too late to edit, but it's possible that you are misinterpreting this dog's behavior.

It sounds like you have a lot on your plate with this boy. I have dealt quite a bit with aggressive dogs, both large and small, and there are many types of aggression. This dog appears to be exibiting dominant fear aggression, in my opinion. Something that you might want to look in to is Dr. Nick Dodman's "Nothing In Life Is Free" program. It is a reward based behavior modification program and having done this myself with many dogs, I can tell you that it may well be beneficial for your boy. You can check out the information at this link http://www.k9aggression.com/Aggression-Treatment/management.html and see what you think. I have also done the "medications" route with mixed results. (Honestly, more negative than positive) I have to agree with everyone else here suggesting more exercise. More importantly, it is what you are doing while you are walking. Along the way, you might want to add in obedience exercises and make this dog use it's mind as well as it's body. Teach the dog to trot/run along side a bike, that way you can go further without expending more energy but the dog will definately get a work out. The Visla is a VERY energetic dog and there is nothing more true than the old saying "A tired dog is a happy dog!" Above all, get a full medical workup and include a thyroid panel. I have had 2 confirmed cases of severe aggression (both dogs had been labeled as having "Rage Syndrome")caused by thyroid problems and both cases were greatly improved when the dog was put on medication. Good luck with your boy!

Appreciate all the advise from everybody. I taught him this week to run on the treadmill, so I think I'm going to combine that with more walks and training. we also have a vet appointment on Thursday, i will get all these tests done.

Without getting into all the details about his dominance, there were many signs that he has stopped doing and i didn't mention. And every "professional" we have seen has told us he is a very dominant dog that would be very hard to train.

Again thanks everybody.

 Quote: mark stuart

Without getting into all the details about his dominance, there were many signs that he has stopped doing and i didn't mention. And every "professional" we have seen has told us he is a very dominant dog that would be very hard to train.

NO! By all means, give the details.

I know squat about dominant dogs, but the whole back story might help those here that do know help you.:smile:

One of those pro's also told you to alpha roll your dog, too.

Yes, details, PLEASE!