Dog Aggression - Options For Training And Desensitising

[Paws4Thought]

Hello All,

I have two RR x's, the oldest is two and a half and has, over time, developed a problem interacting with other dogs. He essentially has dog aggression problems (based on excitement and a lack of knowledge of the correct way to interact I think, not anger per se) which means I can't take him near other dogs. There have been exceptions to this rule, but basically when we are out and about, he must be kept away from dogs on the pathway (or any which are often off lead).

He has been through obedience training his whole life. At obedience training, he is kept at a distance but is relatively well controlled. Obviously the plan here has been to gradually densensitise him. This has gone reasonably well, but has plateaued and its still really difficult to get his excitement under control.

I've no idea how he lacks these core dog interaction skills. As a youngster, he was fine, and was well socialised. His obedience training is sound. If he could be trusted to not dash off from a trialling ring, eventually I could trial him. He's smart, and some trainers have said he has pro drive.

He hangs out all day every day with my younger (1 year old) RR x. No problems. At Christmas, he spent a week with GSD x and a Maltese, after only a short 'burst' of stupidity that he got out of his system through the closed gate, and then no problems.

My question to you is - does anybody have some suggestions for more specifically focused training to help desensitise him and help him learn how to interact with dogs more appropriately? I'm thinking some kind of one-on-one work with highly experienced individuals who can help expose him to other dogs over time in an appropriate situtation, but also who can keep good control of things. Does such a person exist, or am I wishful thinking?

I realise a lot of people eventually decide that they just don't let their dogs near other dogs. I want to do as much as I possibly can before I get that far, while he's still young enough to be relatively malleable. Its my responsibility to him, and to other dogs, and at least should any off lead dogs approach him, I wouldn't have to worry as much about the outcome.

I welcome your suggestions, and thank you in advance :rolleyes:

[huski]

My question to you is - does anybody have some suggestions for more specifically focused training to help desensitise him and help him learn how to interact with dogs more appropriately? I'm thinking some kind of one-on-one work with highly experienced individuals who can help expose him to other dogs over time in an appropriate situtation, but also who can keep good control of things. Does such a person exist, or am I wishful thinking?

You can certainly consult a behaviourist who can give you a training program to use with him, to get better focus etc.

Will PM you someone in Brissy :rolleyes:

[Paws4Thought]

Thank you very much, guys, appreciated :D

I've also done the usual thing and sent an e-mail to my network of trusted trainers, behaviourists and experienced dog friends alike, so hopefully we can make some progress.

Any particular details that anybody would like to share would be most welcome. Its often good to hear the stories of people in a similar boat.