Roni, do you have any kind of general advice or a basic kind of plan for handling dog aggression with the e-collar? Nothing so specific as far as all the different reasons for the problem but maybe talk about high stim vs low stim or continuous vs the tapping you've discussed in the past.

Steve;
Thanks for your question. I use the collar, first, in obedience mode with the dog. I believe the dog has to understand what the sensation means on the neck. For me, it's not the stimulation,
it's what is paired with the stimulation. So first is collar education thru obedience, progressing thru the distraction phase of dog training. Emphasis is placed on focus work. I want the dog to defer to me, (collar ecourages, and enhances the trainer
in the leadership role)under stress. Once, that behavior is solid, I work thru obedience with the other dog far enough away, that the dog is able to respond to me. The levels on the collar are changed according to the dog's behavior. If the drive is higher the stim must be just above that level in the dog to get him to acknowledge me and what we are working on. I teach in a 4300. sq. foot building, so we respect each dog's personal space, especially the dog with aggression issues. Dogs are aggressive to each other for genetic or environmental reasons, but rules are rules, and antisocial behavior is not acceptable. The e collar used in this way builds confidence in a dog. It's a beautiful thing!!!!!!!!!!!

With that confidence built Roni, do you find the aggression either so diminished or at least so under control that it seems to be gone with many dogs?

Yes,that is exactly the result we see. Owners must be aware that aggression exists and what are the triggers for their dogs.
That's just responsible dog ownership. Genetic aggression towards dog is a part of the dog and definately the most difficult to deal with. Very important for people that have dogs with this issue to educate themselves as much as possible
and make the commitment to be viligant. BUT IT'S POSSIBLE! One of the best books on the body language of dogs is available thru Leerburg, written by Brenda Aloff, Aggression In Dogs. This book is a "must read", for people facing this challenge.

 Quote: roni hoff

One of the best books on the body language of dogs is available thru Leerburg, written by Brenda Aloff, Aggression In Dogs. This book is a "must read", for people facing this challenge.

Roni

I have this book and it is wonderful, I got it on a LB auction although I do not see it on the LB list any longer. I always meant to ask Ed and Cindy why?

They do have Canine Body Language by Brenda Aloff which is a wonderful read as well.

I have one more question please Roni. With male dogs that seem to go through a period of this at that 15-18month age and you've worked through it and have results like you've mentioned, would you say that maybe it's not really aggression and just kind of that testosterone-teen thing?

Steve, determining when a dog is acting aggressively is not easy.
I have had a number of people tell me that their lunging, barking, snarling dog just wants to play. I think this is something that some people just have a "feel for" and others want to explain away unwanted behavior. With that being said, dogs go thru lots of stages, onset of adult behavior between 15 months and 2 years and then again between 2 and 3 in most large breed dogs and a lot of dogs will try on behaviors. At this stage of my life in training, I feel comfortable diagnosing behavior, but it can be tricky. Establishing correct pack structure in your home prior to these stages just makes life so much easier.

Thanks alot Roni. This helps clarify a lot of what I've read and wondered about.