Cartersmum Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Carter is a 3 year old, desexed male Rottweiler whom I love dearly. We socialised him early and he has a lovely temperament - no problems interacting with humans or dogs, but recently we noticed a change. When taking him to the local dog park he started chasing a Pug and had to be pulled away, the lady was a little upset and I explained Carter had never done that before. Last week we went to another dog park (we go there every week) and he had another go at a Pug! Today I took him to the park and he started again on a little Chihuahua. From observing he approaches the little dogs for a sniff but the little dogs react to him and he reacts back, he runs around chasing them and tries to bit them (softly as he has never drawn blood) but he never growls. He is very obedient but it seems when we are at the dog park he gets distracted and doesn't respond to voice commands - he also isn't motivated by food so is proving tricky to train. I want to do some training with him to change this so does anyone have advice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkehre Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 I am sorry you are experiencing some issues with Carter. This must be very disappointing and concerning for you. Please stop taking him to dog parks. He is reactive and has now exhibited this behaviour several times. Once was once too many times. To keep going back to parks is just not very sensible and asking for trouble. Carter is not suitable for this situation at this time. Maybe again with training and time, but if not, don't push it. He can live a very full life without attending off leash dog parks. Our breed already has a bad reputation. Please do not risk any further upsets. His actions have already upset at least one owner, probably three. I know you love Carter. Please engage the assistance of a behaviourist to help you get on top of this serious problem. I wish you all the very best with him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkehre Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 I can highly recommend Steve Courtney from K9 Pro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cartersmum Posted July 8, 2013 Author Share Posted July 8, 2013 Thanks for the advice. Any ideas on why this has started happening? he never had an issue before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mixeduppup Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 There could be a variety of reasons for this sudden behaviour change but no matter how much experience people on the internet have they do not have hands-on experience with your dog so have no way of knowing what triggered his behaviour. The best bet is to contact a good behaviourist and yes, Steve is brilliant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 There could be a variety of reasons for this sudden behaviour change but no matter how much experience people on the internet have they do not have hands-on experience with your dog so have no way of knowing what triggered his behaviour. The best bet is to contact a good behaviourist and yes, Steve is brilliant. agree with this :) I hope that professional help with carter will make things safer . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 I'm hoping that you won't be taking him to the dog park again until this is resolved? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkehre Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Carter is just reaching maturity. This could be his adult temperament? Difficult to say why it has started. Could be a myriad of reasons. Pugs are unusual looking and make unusual noises... if he hasn't experienced them before. The initial incident may have been because of this, and then a bit of a chase (which is likely to have been self rewarding) and this could be the start of the pattern. Then of course another Pug, then another small dog... purely speculation, which really may have no bearing at all, but just to explain one possible reason. The only way of really gaining any understanding is to seek quality professional assistance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andisa Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 (edited) Carter is just reaching maturity. This could be his adult temperament? Difficult to say why it has started. Could be a myriad of reasons. Pugs are unusual looking and make unusual noises... if he hasn't experienced them before. The initial incident may have been because of this, and then a bit of a chase (which is likely to have been self rewarding) and this could be the start of the pattern. Then of course another Pug, then another small dog... purely speculation, which really may have no bearing at all, but just to explain one possible reason. The only way of really gaining any understanding is to seek quality professional assistance. ^ This...a mature male Rottweiler who is more aware of what's going on around him. Pugs can be cocky little buggers and not all dogs (or people) know how to react around them. I have both breeds, my first pug lived with my Rottweilers 24/7, my current pugs are only with my Rottweilers when I am with them. Pugs can be so in-your-face and most dogs hate it - add snorty - snotty noises and anything can go wrong. Pugs (or any small dogs) won't stand a chance with a Rottweiler so don't risk it. Personally I would be avoiding off lead areas from now on and contact Steve. ETA: My male Rottweiler would have been around the same age when he was attacked by a small fluffy dog while we were walking. He is great around dogs but not off lead ferals. Edited July 8, 2013 by Andisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zug Zug Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Ah my sympathy! I too have a dog that gets too revved up and (as a result) has lost his off lead privileges with small dogs. The urge to chase small things is strong in some dogs, and the extra excitement of a lively dog park can raise the stakes considerably. You just can't take chances like this with him. Keep him on lead and get some expert advice. You should not be putting other dogs at risk by hoping for the best, but risking the worst. And your own dog may well also ultimately be put at risk if something awful were to happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobbly Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Another vote for dogs can have a full and happy life with no need to be off leash at the dog park. I met a lady with a little miniature poodle a while back, the poodles best friend was a rottie, a lovely dog, who handicapped himself very effectively when playing with his smaller friend. Unfortunately the rottie, in the heat of a game of chasies, fell on the little poodle, and the poodle ended up with very serious injuries, multiple broken bones and fractures. Even if Carter is or was friendly with smaller dogs, the size disparity makes it too great a risk to take, add in the uncertainty of Carter's more recent attitude toward smaller dogs, and you really do want to avoid allowing him off leash around the littlies. Its the most sensible course of action, if Carter hurts a smaller dog, even if it's by accident, it's very likely you will have to have him put down. another vote for Steve here, especially with regards to issues of dog-dog aggression, which is an issue he solved for me very effectively with my dog some years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Prey drive makes it fun and rewarding to chase small dogs, cats, birds, kangaroo's or whatever. I doubt your dog has suddenly turned nasty, he's just had an exciting experience. Keep him on a leash until you can sort it out. Small dogs are now of more value to him than you are, they are more rewarding, so you will have lots of work to go, so that he can ignore them and focus on you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdierikx Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Carter is just reaching maturity. This could be his adult temperament? Difficult to say why it has started. Could be a myriad of reasons. ^^ This... Carter isn't a puppy any more. He will be asserting himself more now he's an adult. I've had a couple of male Rotties over the years, and 3 is about the age when you see some very big changes in attitude/demeanour - mine became more assertive almost overnight - but with the help of someone well versed in dog behaviour, you can have great results. Please seek the help of a good behaviourist trainer... Carter will love you for it. T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 If you need convincing that he shouldn't be near small dogs, I have posted an article in the News forum about a dog attack in the UK by a larger dog on a small dog - utterly horrific. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Carter is just reaching maturity. This could be his adult temperament? Difficult to say why it has started. Could be a myriad of reasons. Pugs are unusual looking and make unusual noises... if he hasn't experienced them before. The initial incident may have been because of this, and then a bit of a chase (which is likely to have been self rewarding) and this could be the start of the pattern. Then of course another Pug, then another small dog... purely speculation, which really may have no bearing at all, but just to explain one possible reason. The only way of really gaining any understanding is to seek quality professional assistance. Completely agree with this. Prey drive triggered and now this: Small dogs are now of more value to him than you are, they are more rewarding, Good luck with him. He sounds like a lovely dog, just typical of his breed. I would love to see a photo of him, such gorgeous dogs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cartersmum Posted July 8, 2013 Author Share Posted July 8, 2013 Thanks for all your advice. I will not be taking him to a park until this is resolved and I am going to work hard! As requested some shots of my beautiful boy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cartersmum Posted July 8, 2013 Author Share Posted July 8, 2013 another pic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mal1 Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 You've been pushing your luck having him free without appropriate control. Luky for him that something nasty hasn't happened. Use your leash and go see a trainer who's experienced in large breeds. It's time to upgrade your handling skills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted July 9, 2013 Share Posted July 9, 2013 You've been pushing your luck having him free without appropriate control. Luky for him that something nasty hasn't happened. Use your leash and go see a trainer who's experienced in large breeds. It's time to upgrade your handling skills. Such a helpful and caring post .... NOT! What on earth is gained by posting in this fashion? If you'd bothered to read the whole thread you would have seen that the poster has acknowledged, taken on board and will be acting on the suggestions of others. She has recognised a problem and asked for assistance and guidance. NOT condemnation and finger wagging by those who want only to push their own barrows. Too many holier-than-thous on this forum who push those who come on for guidance and assistance away by their arrogance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkehre Posted July 9, 2013 Share Posted July 9, 2013 Thanks for all your advice. I will not be taking him to a park until this is resolved and I am going to work hard! As requested some shots of my beautiful boy! Kudos to you CM for taking on advice. I know you have his best interests at heart and will do everything you can to get on top of his recent undesirable behaviours. Carter looks a beautiful boy, you are so lucky to have each other. Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos. You haven't done anything wrong, socialising dogs when young is never a guarantee for how they will be later on. There are so many more things you can do with him other than off leash dog parks. You can walk him on lead, take him swimming, visiting friends, running alongside the push bike, agility, herding, tracking, sledding, weight pull, carting, obedience... endless different activities available for Rottweilers to keep their minds and bodies active and fulfilled. Sadly I gave up dog parks a few years ago. Though my dogs were extremely well behaved. It only takes someone elses dog to do the wrong thing and still the Rotti gets blamed. I stopped going because of other peoples' perceptions. Your situation is different, but just highlighting that even when our Rottweilers behave impeccably and mixes well with other dogs, if another dog attacks your Rotti, the Rotti will often be blamed, even when it doesn't even retaliate. It seems that many dogs do not like Rottis and owners will tell you that their dog has been attacked by one and therefore has every reason to attack yours also. And be advised that a lot of people frequenting dog parks are not overly dog savvy, do not understand dog behaviours and do not read situations well... though they seem to think the are all dog whisperers. It really is just not worth all the headaches. Owning our breed, as magnificent as they are and as rewarding as it is, we have to be extra vigilant regarding their behaviour as we are already starting off on a lot of the public's wrong foot before they have even met our dogs - guilty before proven innocent. I really don't intend to sound negative, but it is the truth and something that all us responsible Rottweiler owners work hard on every day. Good luck with Carter and let us know how you get on. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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