Jason
Don,

I am at a loss. You certainly did not get those training methods (hitting your dog with a stick? Raising your hand at your dog?) from any tape that Ed has ever put out. Maybe you should reconcider this "professional" help that you've recieved. I totally agree with J Parker on this and rest assured I'm concidered one of the boards "meanies

Let me explain we were at close quaters, I was no more the 3 ft away from a mean sounding GSD and a peiece of meat he wanted. The stick was the only soft object, I could have used, the next option was a samuria sword. I did hit the dog with the nunchuka across his flank then his head because hitting on his flank made him mad. He moved back and started barking. I told him "You must have lost you mind", he left the room.

I called him back and put him at a down at my feet. He was in a forgiven mood, head down between his feet. This just about solved him wanting to test me. I know that Ed' recommend the hanging until he doesn't want the toy or object again. But with teeth so close, I didn't have time for that.

Now when we play tug, he makes sure not to bite my hands going so far as to release and grab the tug further away from my hands. When I twisting hands on either side of his head. Hows that for trust? Please I may not sound like I need help. But I do, what do I have to do Shout "HelP!!!"

What do you mean a "a board meany" like Ed you tell it like it is? or a BSer?

Richard Cannon

* First, using a Nunchuck for a correction is not training it is abuse.

I respect your opinion here, but read what I wrote Jason. I had know other choice accept to take him on bare handed, or deadly force. I care about this dog, it was necessary and it worked.

* Second, this dog may be dominant but there are much better ways to deal with this than to try to beat him into submission.

I don't hit him now, I don't even push him around, I tell him to move or lie down.
Now that what I'm talking about, what are they?

You are teaching the dog that dominance and control are gained through force. That means he can gain control by the same methods. Now you are going to have to fight with the dog to maintain control. Not a good situation.

He's not worry about dominating, his position seems secure, now Mulan will challenge another dogs that I bring in the family. She is more dog aggressive.

Mulan would not dare challenge Mat, even though she may push him around in play.

Thanks for the advice, I need it. I bought an 10 acres last year, and I plan on getting three more dogs just like Mat. And I don't want to get my ass bit off, when they are young adults. This land is 50 miles from the city and anybody else, that would be bothered. There is the neighboring Rottie owner/friend 10 acres away.

Chuck F.

Nunchuck? And who is it we say has the aggression problem???

Please read what I wrote Jason and Richard.
Are you telling me you have never faced down one of your trainees during learning session?

If so what method did you use? And after reading my comments critict me? Constructively, please. The dog barely felt the sticks, I pulled the strikes making them slap with the side of the weapon rather then the corner where the real power is. For the weak at heart.

1st Sifu,

I have trained for years in the martial arts so I can appreciate all of the gadgets you speak of, but I must admit...forgive me for saying....this is a bizzare thread! It sounds like a strange episode of Kung Fu or something. Thankfully for the dog's sake you didn't grab the sword! All kidding aside, I in no way meant to be dis-respectful. If you were in a dangerous situation and you felt that you needed to protect yourself than so be it. I just couldn't resist!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

This Sifu guy is a joke. I don't believe one word he posts. The stories change as the heat comes down on him.

Chuck F

I don't care if you believe me, all I'm asking for is information on training tips to improve my dog. I'm not trying to prove anything to you are any of the boards reader.

The username 1st-Sifu means nothing, if you notice that the anicent weapons have Okinawan/Japanese base line. Though a part of the Chinese art.

What I am asking is help with my dog, I could give darn if you believe what I've experinced.

It is good that you have studied, be advised there those who practice swiming, and there those who swim.

I empty my cup and ask for your help with my dog, I am satisfied with who I am.

VanCamp

This Sifu guy is a joke. I don't believe one word he posts. The stories change as the heat comes down on him.

Thank you for your confidence, I would rather you help me with my dog. Then try to tell me that things did not happen like I know they did. Since you where not there, you only speculate. I may have gone about it all wrong, if this is true then this is what I would like to hear.

How you have changed the attitude of a dominate dog that you have handled?

And you will notice, I will take what I can use and except but not implement what I feel won't work for me and my dog. I will never say you did not do or experince what I have not seen. Everybodies reality is what they have lived.

Don,

I also enjoy eastern thought. You will not find many of things more yielding than water and yet over time it can move mountains. You need to get into that same frame of mind when you train your dogs. China has seemingly laid down for every conqueror it has faced and yet it is still here today. The key is relentless persistence like the river cutting through the mountain. Use your martial arts training and take your feelings out of it when you give your dog a correction, as if it were coming from a third party; A correction machine if you will. You are on your dogs side and it is your job to help your dog find the way to avoid these corrections. Only then will this dog appreciate the value of his handler. Only then will you have the relationship that you really want with your dog.

I couldnt agree more with what Jason just wrote. Never pit yourself against the dog if possible, let him associate his correction with the mistake, not you. I know this is VERY tricky at times, and when your not the one whos in biting range of a snarling dog its much easier to criticise. I dont blame you for using the chucks if you did so sensibly, anyone who reaches for a dog in defense is nuts. I had a dominance problem with a 6 month old Dobe pup and the bed. My wife started the problem by letting the dog sleep with her while I was at work. Naturally, at 6 months he got a little ballsy when I tried to push him off. He snarled, and even bit at me once or twice (not hard). Persistence and patience is all I can recommend. NEVER let the dog win, no matter how much he scares you, but dont lose you temper either.

If you have gotten in to the position that you feel you have no other option than taking a weapon of any kind to your dog there are several things wrong. First, never engage in training if you can't make a realistic correction. Don't do things in training that the dog isn't ready for as demonstrated by a step by step process.

Second, if the confrontation is over a command that you can't enforce switch the command to what the dog is doing anyway. Now the dog is reinforced for the command it is doing. This will give you an opportunity to get in to the proper training situation so that you can make a realistic correction and create a good training session.

Earlier in this thread Don asked if anybody has done something similar with a dog. For me the answer is an emphatic NO! If you are so afraid of your own dog that you feel a need to use a weapon of any kind to make a correction then get rid of the dog. Get it into the hands of someone that can handle the dog. I don't think the case here is that Don can't handle this dog, he made a very poor training descision. He created a situation he couldn't win appropriately and had to make a choice based on a lack of knowledge. Hopefully this situation won't be repeated. I have been in a similar situation with several dominant dogs and have the scars to prove it. What you have to do is get out of it quickly and get into a situation you can control. The dog needs to understand that you are in control and don't need any back up to control his behavior. If you don't establish that you can create a situation that the dog thinks that it can win if you don't have the weapon, and that is an infinitely worse situation.