Deejay

Oh dear, I never should have written the words "same" it definately is not the same. I shall go and edit my original post for you. Better still, i'll just delete it all together, this is just a complete waste of time!

This is just getting hilarious!! Where's the little smiley guy holding the popcorn! I really need it! I should have used my better judgement than to post here.

Oh the pooooor other owners, setting our vicious dog on them so unsuspectingly... Sorry can't help myself. I'm wondering if you're referring to the original post instead of mine??

I think its irresponsible and wrong to judge someone like that before you've even met someone or their dog. As I said above this is a different case to the original post, the dog has never EVER been agressive in the time I have known her, my dogs play with her all the time and she is a lovely dog. I really really really really really realise now I shouldnt have posted it here. I just figured they would have a similar training technique or suggestions.

Thanks for that, I think the focus thing could help them with the other problem too I think they already looked up that website and were going to meet the fellow that runs it. I will remind her about following it up.

For city dogs that dont have yards big enough for them to chase a ball etc, I dont think its fair they shouldnt ever get to know the freedom of being about to have a big run around. I feel that by saying "dont use dog parks" and only walking on a lead, seems to be just avoiding the problem. Thats not training, thats avoidance!

Thanks for all your replies, I really appreciate it. They have a very small backyard the dog needs to get out and be play. I think its unfair to keep her from being walked and have a ball thrown for her. So I believe, yes she would be happier out with a muzzle on than at home for the rest of her life. Just to give you more information, they've already tried a few trainers and behaviourists. They've paid heaps unfortunately (this is in relation to a different problem) which has helped but I just assumed other people on the forum might have been through something like this and could offer personal advice instead of paying hundreds again!! Just to also note, I get the impression you guys think my mums dog is really vicious. The dog is not as bad as the original posters dog at all, she is generally really great with other dogs, she plays here with our dog when they can visit (not very often though) I think sometimes she just gets a bit over the top. I haven't actually seen her "have a go" at another dog but as far as I am aware its nothing really vicious, but obviously they prefer to stop the negative behaviour incase it progresses to anything dangerous. I guess at the end of the day if no one has been through this before, there's not much point in me posting this! Problem is that you can pay thousands going through trainers trying to find the right one, it is a very financially difficult road to take!

Stop taking the dog to dog parks. Why on EARTH would you take a dog which you KNOW has a history of attacking other dogs to a dog park??????? I won't use dog parks anyway and this is just one more example of why. Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately they live in the city, they are only allowed to use the dog parks. There's virtually no-where else to take her within a 20km radius (maybe more) of there house (unless someone around Cammeray can suggest anywhere?) Mum works full time so during the week they really do need to use a dog park.

Hi there Loveleroy. Sorry to hear about your situation. The fact you have come on here and asked for help means you obviously really want to sort this out From what I have read on this thread, it sounds as though you are the problem (understandably), not the dog (sorry if that sounds awful just trying to help... you need to get yourself counselling regarding the attack and also I would suggest joining your local dog training club so in the meantime you can be in a safer environment around people who will support you. You can't let the rottweiler attack ruin yours and your dogs life, its not fair on either of you, you owe it to the dog to make this work, even if it means driving to the next suburb to walk him or finding someone to walk/jog with if it initially helps you to feel safe. He will handle being a backyard dog until you find a solution. Or find someone else to walk him until you can get some emotional help regarding your fears from the dog attack. Best of luck, dont forget to come back in and tell us how you get on. *Definately report the dog attack to council, these idiots need to be stopped.

Really I have no problem if someone wants to register the labradoodle as a breed, its never going to affect me because i'd never own one. Hardly anything is purebred these days if you look back through their lineage. I find it fruitless in a way to put effort into stopping these things, people will get their way eventually anyway if there is a lot of people wanting change. My parent's own a labradoodle from an apparently very popular "breeder" and its a complete nutcase, making their lives hell, its heartbreaking for them. It blindly bolts for no apparent reason. After doing some research I would strongly suggest people stay away from this cross! Sorry if that is offensive to anyone, its just my personal opinion from experience!

Thanks so much everyone for taking the time to reply. I spent time with him yesterday and definately the closed hand / open hand and switching hands is working great! I also spent more time playing with him before starting his training lesson, which meant he was overall a lot calmer which also helped. I dont think he has never had any training or treats before (not my dog), so being given treats has been REALLY REALLY EXCITING for him as you can imagine! He's a great dog and very smart, i'm starting to wish he was mine At this stage I have only trained him to sit and down, which he got down pat in minutes I only give treats after he has done something correctly and its always given straight away initially so he associates the treat with the correct command.

Thanks so much for these replies... i'm going to go out and do some practice... Be back with some news soon!

Thanks Jaxx's Buddy, So do I not give it to him if he is rough and also say the word "gentle" just before I give it to him?

Hi all, How do I train a dog not to snatch at my hand when being given treats during training? Thanks

wow Wolf, cant believe how tolerant your neighbours are! All our dogs have to cope with very hot electric fences (we have horses, goats etc). I dont see a problem with it... I have been zapped numerous times, it just means you have a greater respect for the fence, which the dogs also do. My dog can jump over those security chainmesh fences so other than putting him in a run - it is the only thing which would work. With most electric fences it is there to scare you away from it, there is no permanent damage, just gives you a shock. I dont know why they are banned in some areas as it is better for the dog to get a little zap, than get run over or get in a fight or something, which could lead to permanent damage and a lot of pain for the dog. Anyway sounds like you have it all under control, hope everything sorts itself out :p