Quote: natalya zahn

I agree with Angela and would definitely give this guy some time in his new digs, combined with dedicated OB and bonding sessions to reinforce his position in the pack (that is, under YOU) and make him feel more secure.~Natalya

Me too. A bond with this kind of dog is huge! You read him before his switch is flipped and he reads you before you need to respond. That type of relationship takes time and lots of it! In the meantime get Kim involved NOW and do not place him in a situation where he can fail or practice the bad behavior. Angela and Natalya sum it up quite nicely.

I'm not the most advanced trainer and I have a dog like this (resource guarder with dogs). He had one incident when he was about 2 years old and luckily I had him on leash when he was accosted by an off leash pup while carrying his ball back to the car. He nailed the pup on the snout and broke skin. HUGE lesson learned by me and hopefully the owner of the puppy.

With that being said, I have followed the protocol laid out by Natalya and have been incident free for 8 years. Again I have no great skills or abilities but know what it takes to manage a situation; I think if Kim knows this doesn't have to happen if she keeps him out of these situations she may feel more confident.

It has become much easier over the years because I spot immediately (this is our bond at work) when he starts to think about owning something, all I have to do is say "HEY" and occassionally add a body check to end the posturing. By the way he is very social and plays well with other dogs (that he and I know and are under control too) as long as there are no high value items involved and I am vigilant and end his play time at the first attempt at direct eye contact with another dog, that is my cue.

Duke actually sounds like my kind of dog; there must be something wrong with me, but I do love those pushy, love of life bad boys (of course in the canine species only).

 Quote: Sheila Buckley

Duke actually sounds like my kind of dog; there must be something wrong with me, but I do love those pushy, love of life bad boys (of course in the canine species only).

Yeah, like I mentioned, I'd love to keep him and spend the time, because he has such potential. If I didn't travel so much for work, I would. I'm lucky that a good pal is willing to watch Casey when I'm on the road, and she's easy-going enough that she can handle the switch from my apartment and me to his house and him, and still behave properly.

I can't trust Duke to do the same, and thus my dilemma. It's not fair to him, but I'm not sure what other options I have.

 Quote:

I can't trust Duke to do the same, and thus my dilemma. It's not fair to him, but I'm not sure what other options I have.

Just as Natalya said: Get his owner involved in your work. Unless she has formally given him up and is not interested in working with him.

The owner needs to see how you work with him and learn how to do the same. She also needs to follow the pack structure work outlined in Ed's article. This work is not difficult (heck, if I can do it...) and it will pay off.

A positive step, I think:

I skipped breakfast for both dogs this morning. I've done it from time to time with Casey since I've had her, just to enhance the reward and bond I create when I provide her with a meal.

Decided I'd try it with Duke, too.

The usual morning routine: A quick walk first thing to pee (them, not me!) while the coffee brews, I shower and drink a cup of coffee, and we go for a good long brisk walk. Back to the crates, a rawhide chew for each in the crate, etc.

Come home from work, put a handful of kibble in my pocket, and do what y'all told me to do: Work basic obedience with Duke alone. Sit, get a piece of kibble. Down, get a piece of kibble. He lunges for a rabbit, I correct, he looks at me, and a piece of kibble. Y'all know the drill.

Back to the apartment, grab Casey, we all walk. Get back home, and....

... Duke goes to Casey, starts licking her ears, grooming her.

Maybe we've taken a positive step to getting over the conflict.

Maybe.

Dinner time, I gotta run. Just wanted to tell everyone your ideas are working, and express my profound thanks. I'll be keeping at it, will keep ya posted.

 Quote: jeff brosius

Maybe we've taken a positive step to getting over the conflict.

Just wanted to tell everyone your ideas are working, and express my profound thanks. I'll be keeping at it, will keep ya posted.

That's excellent Jeff. Great work.
You're on the right track - just remember to TAKE IT SLOW and don't let excitement about your progress lead you to "test" things too early (not that it sounds like you are )... even if it seems like he's improving rapidly - it never hurts to be conservative in these situations...

Here's to continued success!
~Natalya

An update:

Duke went back with Kim yesterday after 11 intensive days of hard obedience work with me and rigid pack structure exposure.

I think we came to an understanding as the week progressed. I fixed that flat on my bike, and every day this week, we'd go for a ride... Duke trots beside, I ride. Tues, Wed, and Thur, I took both dogs, and they ran nicely beside each other. A couple corrections when Duke would look towards Casey rather than straight forward, but no other issues.

I gave Kim a printed copy of Ed's free eBook "Establishing Groundwork with Adult Dogs" and we discussed elements of pack structure. He won't be getting high-value items like bones or rawhides unless in the crate. Ditto for her other dog, so they get a sense of being equals. She's also going to have BOTH sleep in crates at night, instead of Duke in a crate and Abby free in the house.

I appreciate again all your help. This was an enjoyable and rewarding learning experience.

GOOD JOB!!!

Give yourself a pat on the back!