Hi everyone,

I bought a dominant dog collar for my 3 year old, dog aggressive Boxer mix named Ollie. I've been working on training her, and compared to how she has been, I guess you could say she is moving in the direction of being dog tolerant (which is all I want!). The e-collar was a big help for her. Using it on training days, I was able to walk her close to strange dogs after some time. It still takes a lot of reminding to get to that, though. It certainly isn't an everyday occurrence. I've found the prong collar revs her into excitement, so I seldom bring that out for dog aggression training. In my efforts to continue to try and correct the issue, I've turned to a dominant dog collar after reading it's reviews on the Leerburg website. I just have a few questions about it:

When using the DD collar, I know I have to left directly up on it and wait till she calms down. Now, do I start lifting BEFORE she even has a chance to become agitated? Or do I lift when/after she becomes agitated? Before might make more sense, but in a way I view it as I don't even have a chance to see how she will react...ergo, will I need it that particular moment? After I lift, do I wait until she is COMPLETELY calm before putting her down? I'm slightly afraid I will make her pass out if she doesn't calm, and I am hoping she is a more sensible dog than that. Is there a real chance she will pass out? How should I act while she is being lifted? What should I do after?

I'm sure more questions will arise, but those are my current ones! Thank you in advance.

am i allowed to bump?

I'm not sure that I'm comfortable giving a 16 year old advice as to using a Dominant Dog Collar.

I would strongly recommend you consult with a professional trainer who is experienced with aggression, and the use of a DD Collar. I don't know you, or your dog, and while I do think that many 16 year olds are perfectly capable of training dogs, including aggressive dogs, by themselves, I don't know if you fall into that catagory.

Um, well, thank you for the advice anyway.

It's nothing personal, and honestly, even if you were 55+ years old, I'd still recommend you consult with a trainer before using a DD Collar.

It's just not something that you can really learn to apply online. You need to actually see it.
Additionally, it's a huge commitment.

Once you decide to use it, there is no turning back. You have to be willing to choke the dog out if that's what it takes. You can't change your mind halfway through.

Yeah, I understand. I've met some local dog trainers before, and heard more than enough stories about the other local trainers. One trainer I've met I wouldn't let touch my dog with a ten foot pole. Others I don't find qualified to deal with my dog, or have just heard bad things about them. My dog is prey driven, but also extremely soft if pushed in the right (or wrong depending how you look at it) direction.

I have a job, but my half my income goes to bills. LOL I don't think I can really afford professional dog training, but I guess I'll have to keep looking. I heard one recommendation on this forum, I've just lagged in contacting that person.

p.s. I am officially 17 as of yesterday, hehe.

But yeah, if anyone else has any comments/concerns/suggestions, feel free to throw them out there!

Have you tried hooking up with a local Schutzhund or Ring club?
Some of the members may have experience in this area, or may be able to refer you to someone who could help.

Happy Belated Birthday!

Yes, I'm glad you brought that up. I've looked for local Schutzhund clubs in my area. Unfortunately, they are either too far away (45 minutes is the closest) or not active. I go to school 8am to 3pm, and then will usually go to work until sometimes 10pm. I work weekends too. Realistically, although I'd LOVE to join a club, I have no time for one. Working at a grocery store, my hours are constantly fluxuating which would make it hard to meet with a club on specfic days.

I know it sounds like I am making a bunch of excuses not to get some professional help for my dog, but life isn't always fair LOL Don't worry, all of this frustrates me too!

Emily, contact the local club and see if they can recommend someone close to you or someone that can come out to your house a couple of times even.

With a little bit of luck you may be surprised at how inexpensive it it, especially when you throw out your age and what you are trying to do.

A lot of people are tickled pink to see someone getting involved and trying with dogs and will work with them as much as possible.

Thank you Betty, that is a good idea.

I am actually leaving to Orlando, Florida tomorrow and won't be back in town until the middle of next week. I will try to remember to do some searching and calling. I was just looking, and found a Schutzhund trainer but he lives an hour and forty-five minutes away from me. Urgh, stupid Sacramento!