Baby Dragon Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 A friend recently rescued an approx. 4 year old mixed breed (we think there is maybe some GR in there) dog. She's fine with people, but when she sees another dog she lunges and barks at it. We think she's had no socialisation with other dogs. Would suggesting she take her to obedience lessons help? Can older dogs learn to be ok around other dogs if they've had no socialisation before? I'm not sure what else to suggest? Does anyone have any other ideas? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Aggression towards other dogs can be difficult to deal with in a class setting to start with. Maybe best to suggest seeing a behaviourist for private lessons. Socialisation is what you do with puppies to get them used to other dogs, so this dog is past that point, so what you would be doing now is trying to change the dog's unacceptable behaviour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 (edited) Agree with Kavik. Your friend's dog needs desensitisation, coupled with training for an alternative behaviour. I would urge your friend to get some one-on-one help with this. If all the behaviour is barking and lunging without escalating beyond that good results with some professional tuition can often be seen fairly quickly. But of course that's difficult to tell one way or the other without first seeing the dog. Taking a dog to class to 'fix' the problem isn't what I usually recommend. Classes provide a controlled environment, true, and are a good place to go when you've reached the stage that your dog is likely to cope, however the usual and best strategy is to keep the intensity of your behavioural training low, so that the dog learns she can cope and is not overfaced and therefore overwhelmed by it all (in which case not much if any learning occurs, other than to further ingrain the unwanted behaviour). Obedience assists in behavioural modification, however by itself it doesn't do much. A dog isn't likely to sit or drop if it is dead scared of something and feels it needs to defend itself. Edited February 3, 2009 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkySoaringMagpie Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Aggression towards other dogs can be difficult to deal with in a class setting to start with. Maybe best to suggest seeing a behaviourist for private lessons.Socialisation is what you do with puppies to get them used to other dogs, so this dog is past that point, so what you would be doing now is trying to change the dog's unacceptable behaviour. Agree with Kavik, ordinary obedience classes aren't likely to be appropriate now that it's gone this far. Even if a club did accept her, it's disruptive for the other dogs. The dog needs someone with a practised eye to observe him and then work out a training strategy. Another option, depending on the severity of the dog's issues, is to ask the local obedience clubs if they run growl classes. If a club does run growl classes they should ask your friend a number of questions about the dog's behaviour before accepting her into the class, and they may suggest she needs a one on one consult anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baby Dragon Posted February 4, 2009 Author Share Posted February 4, 2009 Thanks everyone, I'll pass the info on to her. What are growl classes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkySoaringMagpie Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 What are growl classes? Sorry, should have explained. They are remedial classes designed for dogs that have dog/dog aggression issues but they are not for dogs that are really dangerous. Such classes need to be taught by someone who knows their stuff. The lady who taught them in Canberra was in that category, and she is also a vet. It is hard to find people qualified and prepared to run such classes so they are not common. Growl classes can't accept dogs who have a poor fight/bite ratio. In plain language, that means the dogs that can be accepted growl and carry on a lot but don't do serious damage to other dogs. If a dog has sent other dogs to the vet with serious injuries they need a one on one consult, with someone who knows what they are dealing with. Personal recommendations from other dog owners are best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 I have heard of these but have never heard of any being conducted here? Would have loved to have had the opportunity to see whether Zoe would be a good candidate. For all I complain about her dog aggression on here, she has NEVER hurt another dog. I could take her to Diesel's breeders for boarding and they could have her in a yard with their GSDs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baby Dragon Posted February 4, 2009 Author Share Posted February 4, 2009 Thanks, I'll pass the info on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkySoaringMagpie Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 I have heard of these but have never heard of any being conducted here? The Companion Dog Club in Canberra used to run them but don't any more. I would imagine it's hard to deal with all the associated issues (skilled instructor, insurance, etc) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dee lee Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Wow! They would be perfect for Evie! She acts scary but hasn't hurt another dog. I suspect she is just doing a lot of warning. Does anyone else know of any growl classes in Sydney? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KateM Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Me too! I'd love to know about growl classes. Never heard of them before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 What are growl classes? They are remedial classes designed for dogs that have dog/dog aggression issues but they are not for dogs that are really dangerous. Although not labled as "growl classes" ADT ran these/similar for quite some time at their various centers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now