Dog Behaviourist In Wollongong Or Nowra?

[valby]

I have a 10 yr old Shih Tzu cross Maltese that I think is fear aggressive to other dogs. She wasn't properly socialised when young and she doesn't seem to know how to greet another dog at all. I have introduced another female pup last year which she eventually learnt to get along with and even have great games-all aggression stopped. However now I have a 12 week old male AMstaff pup. She is very fearful of him. Even if he comes up to sniff she is growling and snapping and her bottom jaw quivers. They can walk together ok and also sleep on the lounge together fine. When he is bounding around or jumping she gets hysterical.

She is also a barker at other dogs when walking. I have tried everything with her and she just won't stop. She is better on the lead by herself but still barks if she sees another dog.

I am worried I am stressing her out as I found out she is not well after I got the new pup.

What I have been doing is: stopping Halston from jumping on her, I call him away to make him sit and reward him, or if he won't leave it he gets a time out. If she is snapping and won't calm down I put her in her own space until she wants to come back and sit with us. I try to do this calmly

Halston is being good but is not great at backing off when she snaps at him. He just rolls over and squirms around or makes his terrier play noises at her. The more she carries on the more it seems to make him want to chase her around. I guess he needs to learn to back off-how do I teach him this?

I also need to learn to teach her to calm down!

Argh I don't want to make the situation worse. I am doing TOT with them (which Coco and Halston are the best at!!). I also will try and enforce NILIF.

[cwm]

Hi there,

there's a great book called "Control Unleashed" which is really worthwhile reading - available on agilityclick.com, or I'm in Woonona if you want a loan.

Susan Rhind of (Marvellous Muttswww.marvellousmutts.com) is an animal behaviourist.

She runs great classes that involve no interaction between the dogs at all, but help in trying to get them focussing on you instead of the other dogs - and helping them get through that issue.

Caroline

[poodlefan]

I can't recommend someone in that area but it's important that the she not always be removed from near you because she growls at the pup.

Make sure they both get their 'quality' time. He can also be removed.

Small old dogs and big playful pups is a difficult combination.

Edited June 5, 2008 by poodlefan

[valby]

Hi there,

there's a great book called "Control Unleashed" which is really worthwhile reading - available on agilityclick.com, or I'm in Woonona if you want a loan.

Susan Rhind of (Marvellous Muttswww.marvellousmutts.com) is an animal behaviourist.

She runs great classes that involve no interaction between the dogs at all, but help in trying to get them focussing on you instead of the other dogs - and helping them get through that issue.

Caroline

Thanks so much Caroline. I will look at Susan's site. I am thinking of getting a couple of Jean Donaldson books too. I would love to get to Steve's K9 training but just don't think I can get myself up there atm.

I can't recommend someone in that area but it's important that the she not always be removed from near you because she growls at the pup.

Make sure they both get their 'quality' time. He can also be removed.

Small old dogs and big playful pups is a difficult combination.

Yes that's a good point. She does have quality time with us for sure. I have noticed that when we first got the pup she went and hid in the walk-in robe-her safe spot. But now she insists on coming and sitting with us which is good. I am definitely making sure Halston gets time out for jumping on her or not listening when I tell him "leave it". I remove her when she gets hysterical. But like I said I have no idea whether I am doing the right thing.

\

ETA: they can both sit on the lounge either side of me peacefully which is great! We spend alot of time doing that-me in the middle on the laptop trying to get some work done LOL

Edited June 5, 2008 by valby

[MonElite]

you can try www.doggonemad.com.au he also does house visits, and is relativelly local to you

[4 Paws]

I have a fear aggressive GSD and live in Wollongong as well.

I have used Steve from K9 Force as well and made a fair bit of progress so would highly recommend him if you can make it

.I just recently started taking her to obedience at Dapto as well.We also use some rescue remedy formula before hand and just received a product from Greenpet called Nerve Tonic

The 1st time we went to training at Dapto she was shaking like a leaf but has improved over the last 2 weeks.

I don't think she'll ever be a super friendly dog but i'd just be happy to walk past another dog and not have her react whcih does happen sometimes so there is hope

[valby]

I have a fear aggressive GSD and live in Wollongong as well.

I have used Steve from K9 Force as well and made a fair bit of progress so would highly recommend him if you can make it

.I just recently started taking her to obedience at Dapto as well.We also use some rescue remedy formula before hand and just received a product from Greenpet called Nerve Tonic

The 1st time we went to training at Dapto she was shaking like a leaf but has improved over the last 2 weeks.

I don't think she'll ever be a super friendly dog but i'd just be happy to walk past another dog and not have her react whcih does happen sometimes so there is hope

Thanks I am going to see Steve later in the year Do you use the regular Rescue Remedy? I might investigate the Nerve Tonic. I have seen some other Vit b products for pets to ease their nerves. I'm dropping into the vets tomorrow so I might talk to her about what to use. I am haven't heard back from a local obedience school yet-where I would like to take my AMstaff but might have to look into places I could take Coco to get her used to other dogs.

[4 Paws]

I have a fear aggressive GSD and live in Wollongong as well.

I have used Steve from K9 Force as well and made a fair bit of progress so would highly recommend him if you can make it

.I just recently started taking her to obedience at Dapto as well.We also use some rescue remedy formula before hand and just received a product from Greenpet called Nerve Tonic

The 1st time we went to training at Dapto she was shaking like a leaf but has improved over the last 2 weeks.

I don't think she'll ever be a super friendly dog but i'd just be happy to walk past another dog and not have her react whcih does happen sometimes so there is hope

Thanks I am going to see Steve later in the year Do you use the regular Rescue Remedy? I might investigate the Nerve Tonic. I have seen some other Vit b products for pets to ease their nerves. I'm dropping into the vets tomorrow so I might talk to her about what to use. I am haven't heard back from a local obedience school yet-where I would like to take my AMstaff but might have to look into places I could take Coco to get her used to other dogs.

I brought this one off ebay http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...IT&ih=007.I normally give this one on the morning that we go to training and when we get there,also during class if needed

and also have this formula that you give each night ,it's the courage formula http://www.floweressences.com.au/dog.htm#courage

I give my girl 1/2 teaspoon of brewers yeast each night with her tea

Which club are you looking at?

[valby]

I have a fear aggressive GSD and live in Wollongong as well.

I have used Steve from K9 Force as well and made a fair bit of progress so would highly recommend him if you can make it

.I just recently started taking her to obedience at Dapto as well.We also use some rescue remedy formula before hand and just received a product from Greenpet called Nerve Tonic

The 1st time we went to training at Dapto she was shaking like a leaf but has improved over the last 2 weeks.

I don't think she'll ever be a super friendly dog but i'd just be happy to walk past another dog and not have her react whcih does happen sometimes so there is hope

I have a fear aggressive GSD and live in Wollongong as well.

I have used Steve from K9 Force as well and made a fair bit of progress so would highly recommend him if you can make it

.I just recently started taking her to obedience at Dapto as well.We also use some rescue remedy formula before hand and just received a product from Greenpet called Nerve Tonic

The 1st time we went to training at Dapto she was shaking like a leaf but has improved over the last 2 weeks.

I don't think she'll ever be a super friendly dog but i'd just be happy to walk past another dog and not have her react whcih does happen sometimes so there is hope

Thanks I am going to see Steve later in the year Do you use the regular Rescue Remedy? I might investigate the Nerve Tonic. I have seen some other Vit b products for pets to ease their nerves. I'm dropping into the vets tomorrow so I might talk to her about what to use. I am haven't heard back from a local obedience school yet-where I would like to take my AMstaff but might have to look into places I could take Coco to get her used to other dogs.

I brought this one off ebay http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...IT&ih=007.I normally give this one on the morning that we go to training and when we get there,also during class if needed

and also have this formula that you give each night ,it's the courage formula http://www.floweressences.com.au/dog.htm#courage

I give my girl 1/2 teaspoon of brewers yeast each night with her tea

Which club are you looking at?

I was looking at the club at Nowra but am unsure because they request the use of a Halti. I posted a new topic about this. How do you find the Dapto club. I lived in Horsley until a year ago and never new Maybe I should make the drive up Saturdays (think this is when the class is held). I really interested in the Fly Ball. Another issue is I am toying with the idea of taking my 11 month old pup too and I will obviously need my OH to come with us (a dog each) and he works most Saturdays...

[4 Paws]

the Dapto club is realy good,it's at the showground but you go in just across from the police station.

They don't really recommend halters at all which is good.I take my 2 dogs alternate weeks so theres no reason you couldn'd do the same.

The obedience is 8.30 am saturdays,although they don't start till 9am.The flyball and agility are tues and wed nights

1st 2 lessons are free and you only join the club once you've had you 2 lessons

[valby]

the Dapto club is realy good,it's at the showground but you go in just across from the police station.

They don't really recommend halters at all which is good.I take my 2 dogs alternate weeks so theres no reason you couldn'd do the same.

The obedience is 8.30 am saturdays,although they don't start till 9am.The flyball and agility are tues and wed nights

1st 2 lessons are free and you only join the club once you've had you 2 lessons

That sounds really good. I love the idea of trialling the two lessons first-and taking them alternative weeks! I'm going to look at those remedies too, can't hurt We've all just been for a long walk..Coco and me, then MJ, Halston and me-phew I know I'm tired, but ahh there is peace and quiet

[4 Paws]

the Dapto club is realy good,it's at the showground but you go in just across from the police station.

They don't really recommend halters at all which is good.I take my 2 dogs alternate weeks so theres no reason you couldn'd do the same.

The obedience is 8.30 am saturdays,although they don't start till 9am.The flyball and agility are tues and wed nights

1st 2 lessons are free and you only join the club once you've had you 2 lessons

That sounds really good. I love the idea of trialling the two lessons first-and taking them alternative weeks! I'm going to look at those remedies too, can't hurt We've all just been for a long walk..Coco and me, then MJ, Halston and me-phew I know I'm tired, but ahh there is peace and quiet

Great let me know when you may be coming along so i can introduce myself.There's a couple of other Wollongong DOL'ers who have recently started coming along(well the slack'os have only come once but than things came up and they couldn'tget back yet but i think they will be returning soon )

here's there website http://www.scdtc.org/

here's a link to the Greenpet Nerve tonic,i havn't given it to her yet but will for a couple of days before we go to training next time,it contains skullcap,rosemary,hoops,elder and vervain http://greenpet.com.au/product_info.php?cP...;products_id=66

I noticed Dogtech have a naughty dog class and they make you use a halter as well

Edited June 7, 2008 by 4 Paws

[valby]

Thanks 4paws!! I have just contacted them about obedience. I will def. let you know when we can join in!!

That's crap about the halter. With the Nowra club its for all newbies :

I'm starting with Halston and MJ at the classes and then once I can see Steve in September I will take Coco (the troublemaker LOL) to obedience too.

[4 Paws]

Thanks 4paws!! I have just contacted them about obedience. I will def. let you know when we can join in!!

That's crap about the halter. With the Nowra club its for all newbies :

I'm starting with Halston and MJ at the classes and then once I can see Steve in September I will take Coco (the troublemaker LOL) to obedience too.

thats great!They have the meet and great classes for beginners every week so you could come anytime.The other 2 DOL people are in the beginners class so you'll get to be with them after the 1st week.

[cwm]

Thanks 4paws!! I have just contacted them about obedience. I will def. let you know when we can join in!!

That's crap about the halter. With the Nowra club its for all newbies :

I'm starting with Halston and MJ at the classes and then once I can see Steve in September I will take Coco (the troublemaker LOL) to obedience too.

thats great!They have the meet and great classes for beginners every week so you could come anytime.The other 2 DOL people are in the beginners class so you'll get to be with them after the 1st week.

LOL, Yeah I'm one of the slackers - god I would hate having to try and stick a halter on Jemima - I've tried all sorts of introductions of one and it just drives her totally insane (well, more insane than normal ) - I think she'd do herself so much harm in one of those - the way she leaps and carries on sometimes.

Valby, look out for a mad ridgeback puppy as well (well, she's nearly 8 months and is probably nearly full size) when you come along - that's me! Caroline

Julie, would love to hear about Steve's training - I am keen to get Jemima along to the next drive training workshop.

[valby]

Thanks 4paws!! I have just contacted them about obedience. I will def. let you know when we can join in!!

That's crap about the halter. With the Nowra club its for all newbies :

I'm starting with Halston and MJ at the classes and then once I can see Steve in September I will take Coco (the troublemaker LOL) to obedience too.

thats great!They have the meet and great classes for beginners every week so you could come anytime.The other 2 DOL people are in the beginners class so you'll get to be with them after the 1st week.

LOL, Yeah I'm one of the slackers - god I would hate having to try and stick a halter on Jemima - I've tried all sorts of introductions of one and it just drives her totally insane (well, more insane than normal ) - I think she'd do herself so much harm in one of those - the way she leaps and carries on sometimes.

Valby, look out for a mad ridgeback puppy as well (well, she's nearly 8 months and is probably nearly full size) when you come along - that's me! Caroline

Julie, would love to hear about Steve's training - I am keen to get Jemima along to the next drive training workshop.

Can't wait to see the ridgeback pup!!

[valby]

So I took Halston to a local puppy preschool. He was trying to interact in his usual staffy way and I was trying to let him play but making sure he backed off if the other dog had enough. Anyway then the trainer said what you can do is..and then proceeded to try and alpha roll Halston Just for trying to play a bit boisterous--and actually he wasn't being bad at all!!

So needless to say we won't be going back

[4 Paws]

So I took Halston to a local puppy preschool. He was trying to interact in his usual staffy way and I was trying to let him play but making sure he backed off if the other dog had enough. Anyway then the trainer said what you can do is..and then proceeded to try and alpha roll Halston Just for trying to play a bit boisterous--and actually he wasn't being bad at all!!

So needless to say we won't be going back

where was that at valby?

[valby]

So I took Halston to a local preschool. He was trying to interact in his usual staffy way and I was trying to let him play but making sure he backed off if the other dog had enough. Anyway then the trainer said what you can do is..and then proceeded to try and alpha roll Halston Just for trying to play a bit boisterous--and actually he wasn't being bad at all!!

So needless to say we won't be going back

where was that at valby?

It was at Berry. I'm going to ring the Dapto school tomorrow cause they haven't emailed me--we might just go straight to a proper obedience class. An old friend from school who is Delta accredited runs a puppy preschool in Nowra but I don't know when the next will run.

[cwm]

Valby, it might be a drive, but the puppy preschool at Balgownie Vet is really worthwhile - Trevor Chittenden is Delta trained.