I'm not sure what you think a behaviorist will be able to do for you Eric. I think you've spent so much time looking for a reason why for everything that you ended up with three dogs doing what ever they wanted. Personally, I would forget the whole alpha/beta crap and start separating them so you can concentrate on each ones obedience. And I'd keep them away from the fence too.

Barking like idiots at the ups truck isnt protecting anything and its doing nothing but causing you more trouble.

I'm sorry but I've been trying to follow this conversation and I completely understand given to Eric. However, I for one am misunderstanding why it is being implied that there is nothing to be gained from talking to the behaviorist. From the original post, it sounded like Eric wanted to hear other opinions before he saw the behaviorist come the 21st. Now like I said, hearing the advice given is great, but actually seeing someone who is "qualified", I don't know the credentials of the behaviorist hence the quotation marks, perform in person can be very enlightening. Not to mention, the advice given can be brought to light with the behaviorist as well to see it again worked on in person by someone else. Who knows, this situation might not be as black and white as stated and there could actually be other triggers that are so small that are easily overlooked.

The reason I mainly bring this to light is because I am a visual person and no matter how much I think I understand words on paper, when it comes to dogs, seeing is truly believing. It is best to go into the situation open minded and due to the aggressive nature in this situation, a helping hand in person can be helpful.

- Lamarr

It's really not that black and white and could not be fully understood from the small amount of info that has been presented. Aaron seems overzealous and arrogant so I'm concentrating on those who seem to try and help rather than accuse. The all inclusive judging is obviously not realistic. I must have done something right for Bruno to last almost 6 years without anyone getting hurt. Again, all of this dog on dog is very recent.

I have taken the advice of separation until I can learn more on barrier frustration. I kind of agree with him on the behaviorist but there are some good ones and if I had that attitude I would never find one.

Bruno is my boy and I want to keep him but I have to provide a good life for the others too. Someone mentioned obedience. I planned on obedience for my dogs over the summer. Bruno has been through 3 courses and earned his K9 good citizenship around 20 months or so. Ironic isn't it? We have done alot of work, just have alot more to go.

I don't know what else she is going to tell me either but without a deep understanding of the dynamics at my house and seeing what they are doing, how, when, what I am (or am not) doing, a forum isn't going to be much more effective either. Don't get me wrong, I come here for advice but I'm no professional trainer and I obviously need help. Like another poster said, it's not as black and white as it may seem here, there are many variables I couldn't possibly type here for you all to guess what's going on. I have to try and use the resources available to me.

As of now, Bruno is separated. Once the rain stops I'll figure out some better overhead cover for the pen I have and he'll go there when I can't attend to him. As for the Alpha Beta thing, I already mentioned we observed it made no difference and don't really follow it anymore. The behaviorist told me we should treat Bruno as the lead dog but I will just tell her that is something we are not going to do.

Hey Eric, let me try and do a better job of explaining what I mean without any wisecracks. No one I personally know, and myself included that lives with multiple dogs thinks in terms of alpha and lower dogs or any of that. With 4 dogs, I rotate and pair them up different ways, but I never just let them all alone to do what they want. I'm sure there are people that are able to do that with different dogs, but I don't and neither can you.

I know that I've I tried at different times to apply the different terminology and pack stuff to how I look at my dogs but all I've ended up with is still what Mike and others have posted. We do it my way. Obedience is always key. When you brought in the third dog,like Barbara said, things change a lot. Its very possible that you need to keep them separated completely for now and later whenever they are not under your supervision.

I'm always a little dismissive of looking to a behaviorist to solve these things because I believe that if you don't get yourself bogged down trying to figure out every little dynamic and just concentrate on managing their environment and working on solid ob, you can overide the majority of those issues. In a way, with only two dogs, you probably were able to do that with a lot less effort then it will take with three.

You may not like blunt comments like Aarons, but he's right. You can spend all your time trying to figure out the canine thought process or you can put an end to the problems right now.

I like the morning meal too. Afterwards they all lay at my feet chillin and it is very sweet. I'm still going to see the behaviorist. She mentiones border frustration but called it something different. , keep them separated, work on OB training and tether Bruno when I'm home and can't keep an eye on him. I have also used an E-collar for distance corrections and it has worked. The battery is old so I have to replace it.

I'll keep asking questions and update. Thanx.

Be careful with the ecollar on this, you may give yourself some real serious re-direction problems.

 Quote: eric dziedzic

Gonna be a fun summer huh?!

Yep, but so worth it. I am so glad to read others posted and with valuable information, even if you had to read between the lines the info is relevant if not today, tomorrow it may be.

Keep us posted.....