Quote: randy allen

I don't like voidance training per se at all and use it only as a last resort for any problem.

For the moment I wouldn't allow child and dog together at all, even under supervison until some other (afore mentioned)foundations are in place.

I totally agree with this. In order to apply compulsion corrections properly the dog must be performing the actual behavior that needs to be corrected. In this case it’s regarding a child and their things.

The dog has already shown you how it performs around toddlers. This should never be allowed to happen again meaning the dog should never be in a position to even have to think about or make a choice to act inappropriately.

Once the dog has solid obedience under his belt (collar) and the pack structure is firmly in place… again meaning that the 3 adults are able to focus undivided attention on say a cat, without so much as a flinch from the dog, I may consider starting very distant desensitization.

As well, I just wanted to note – I don’t know exactly what Vince went through to get to where he was at but I don’t believe the adult in this situation did anything malicious intentionally. It was a lack of pack structure and guidance that led this drivey dog to make inappropriate choices when he felt he could no longer defend himself from a young child.

The lack of leadership, inappropriate corrections and no outlet for his tremendous drive developed into a very scared and confused boy. Of all the horror stories we hear, I truly believe that neglectful ownership (and I don’t mean lack of food/water) is one of the worst thing that can happen to a dog. It manifests itself into all sorts of behavioral issues that otherwise caring owners never see coming.

Oh, and thanks for the great compliments guys. There are some incredible animals out there, that given a second chance can truly amaze you.