Wendy,

The 2 things are totally seperate in the dogs mind. Do you play tug-of-war with the dogs? That is a biting game. The dogs that recieve bite training are taught when, how, and why to bite. I think that you will find many fewer unintentional bites by trained dogs than untrained dogs. The trained dog knows what to do and why. In addition during the training you will learn the types of things that will get the dog to bite. With an untrained dog you have no idea other than some guesses.

Yes Richard, we do play tug-o-war with the dogs.
I guess I just need to learn more about schH training. I knew the dogs where taught when, where, and who to bite. But, that's about all I knew. I also was told by a trainer in my area that if I just wanted basic obedience then SchH wouldn't be for my dogs (that was when Zeus was about 4 mnths). Probably bum info. there too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Hi, Wendy. Your story is similar to mine. Here's what I did: basic obedience training at home twice daily (short sessions) and then we went to obedience classes to proof the obedience in the midst of other dogs. We went to three 8 wk. classes altogether over the course of about a year. I didn't tell them my dog could be aggressive toward other dogs. I can read my dog pretty well I think, so I was able to keep her at a point where she was just uncomfortable enough but yet still obedient to me. As time went by, we could get closer and closer to other dogs both with the other dog approaching us and vice versa. Eventually she was well trained enough to obey my command to "leave it" which to her means "don't even look". I've not been working with her as much this summer (my fault for sure) and I can see such a difference. She's tried to get out of our backyard fence numerous times, has been less obedient under distractions of other dogs and in general. I know what's happening: If I'm not the solid leader, then she thinks she has to be the leader. She was much more at ease when I was the leader, so as of the last couple of days I've gone back to our short sessions, more playtime, etc. to give her back the secure relationship she and I both benefit from. I'd encourage you to take your dog to obedience classes. Firming up your leadership position will allow your dog to feel "safer" (best word I can come up with) and will put the dog aggression in your control, rather than his control. At least it worked for us. I cannot trust her off-leash with other dogs yet, but we have come a long ways and I'm very proud of her!

Pamela, when we are the Alpha all decisions are made by us. IMO this releases the stress put on our K-9's when they feel the need to become the Alpha in the pack. You being the Alpha, your K-9 expects you to make all decisions and keep it(the dog) safe from harm. Dogs are like children(my wife hates it when I say this)but they need direction in their daily routines.

Remember that working K-9's need to work, either exercise their minds or their body. Idle working K-9's usually become problem K-9's. Just my opinion.

Remember always end each training session with a positive ending. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I agree with you 100%, Butch. BTW, I tell my husband, "She's just a little girl with fur".

Ack, I think I'm gonna hurl. No offenseto anyone, but there is a huge difference between recognizing parallels between parenting and dog training, and calling dogs things like that. That's one reason I like this board, is when I'm fed up with all the "furbaby" garbage elsewhere, I can come here for a dose of reality.

Sorry, don't mean to raise any hackles, but that "little kid with fur" stuff makes me ill. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> But that's just my opinion, and you know what opinions are like! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Easy, now....it's just a way of verbally expressing affection for our canine family members....it's a whole lot more fun than saying, "I really like my dog" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Little girl with fur sounds an awful lot like anthropomorphizing to me, but hey, whatever floats your boat. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I've just grown to see this forum as an oasis away from that, but that's my personal issue to work on, I s'pose! Kisses to your furbaby! :rolleyes:

Did I say that???????? Somebody spank me.

I'm terrible, aren't I? Where's VanCamp? I'm in need of a correction! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

OK everyone, I by no means equate my two K-9's with children. My dogs listen with attention, obey my commands(directions),very seldom talk back,and appreciate a good correction. That being said. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Animals are not human, can not take the place of humans, but they do give humans something that our own can not. "If this needs to be explained shame on you!"

I always tell my wife that our dogs are companions not children. But we as owners and handlers have the responsibility to provide them with the same care as we do for our children.

Hope this stirs up some comments on a boring night. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />