petal79 Posted March 3, 2006 Share Posted March 3, 2006 I replied to another post with this but I think perhaps I might some advice in this section of the forum. [...] I just got a Ned as a rescue.. he arrived yesterday and bringing him for a walk, I realised he was a little aggressive towards other dogs. But I think I was more worried about what he would do as we don't know his background and reactions - yet. But I would love to know what we can do in such situations to discourage them from being that slightly aggressive? I have been pulling him back on the harness and giving him a firm NO.. would that be the right thing to do? We're also hoping to have him 'ignore' the cat.. not sure how as yet!! But suggestions are welcome!! I am looking at bring him to obedient classes but it might be a little later as I can't afford the expenses for now .. I'm not looking for a free advice to avoid classes but I guess I am after advice on what I can do in the meantime? He's always on a leash whereeve we go now, except for when at home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted March 3, 2006 Share Posted March 3, 2006 Petal 79 I have been pulling him back on the harness and giving him a firm NO.. would that be the right thing to do? Hard to say without seeing the dog and knowing what's causing the aggression. Aggression is tricky stuff, best left to experienced professionals to deal with. Is he agro only on lead, off lead? Lots of variables to factor in. That said, its not the way I'd recommend to deal with it. Until you can have the problem assessed by someone who knows what they are doing, you'd be better off avoiding interactions with other dogs - every time he growls at another dog, he's reinforcing his behaviour. I'd suggest you teach him a focus command and when there is another dog around - get his focus on you with a cue rather than tightening the lead. Most dogs will cue from a handler's anxiety when on or off lead and if you are worried, you might actually be encouraging the display. You can go to an obedience club pretty cheaply... certainly much more cheaply than private lessons. In the meantime, you might like to read the "Handling Onlead Aggression" at www.flyingdogpress.com (look in the free articles section). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petal79 Posted March 3, 2006 Author Share Posted March 3, 2006 Thanks for the advice! I will go onto the website on the weekend for a read. I've only ever had him on leash when we're outside of the house. He seems to pull me over to other dogs but I don't give in as the other dogs are usually not on leash.. and this is a fairly busy street too. I may be reading too much into it but I don't want to take the risk and allow him to walk over for a sniff and risk him being snapped at and then have him retaliate. He introduced him to my OH's parent's dog - a great dane x ridgeback. They had a little toussle outside the gate but it seems like it was to sort themselves out and he got sat on by the great dane.. was a funny sight but it was over in 2 seconds and all was fine. He was allowed into the backyard for a run around, although the great dane was a little suspicious of him - i think he thought Ned was going to be a stayer and he wasn't going to have that! lol! I have to also say he is thought to be 4.. and whilst I would like to think that it's never too late to teach new tricks.. the obedient school might help curb his agression issues.. or apparent aggression issues. I may follow your advise and book him for a session with the school. It wasn't going to be a private session but seems a little expensive - its with ADT ? Or something.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas Posted March 3, 2006 Share Posted March 3, 2006 (edited) If you can afford it, please book a session with a behaviourist/trainer who is experienced in aggression....finding someone through word of mouth is better. Aggression isn't clear cut, there are many different factors and knocking this little issue on the head whilst it's not at its peak is very important. IMO, I wouldn't be pulling him back, that's showing the dog that there is something to be concerned about, I'd rather remember some little things such as: 1) Am I still breathing when I see and approach/pass the other dog? 2) What body language are both the dogs showing me? 3) Am I grabbing at the leash? Transferring my nervious tention to the dog? 4) Am I showing that I am the leader at home? Read up on Leadership Training. 5) Am I using the NILIF method at home? 6) If I don't believe the dog is calm enough to handle an encounter with another dog am I turning and going in the other direction? None of this is in lu of seeing a behaviourist as the dog needs to be assesed as to what 'type' of aggression it is showing so a program can be tailored for your foster pooch. IMO I would not be going to a group training session unless it is advised by a behaviourist as it could make things worse. All the best and please let us know how it goes. Edited March 3, 2006 by sas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petal79 Posted March 4, 2006 Author Share Posted March 4, 2006 Thanks for the advice! I had a quick read of the website poodlefan gave. Was very interesting read. He was better this morning. We sat at a cafe and whenever dogs passed by, I stopped grabbing the harness but had a firm grip of the leash (just in case!) but I got him to sit and lie down and patted him.. he growled a little when the dog walked by but didn't jump up.. it seems like a good start. I have booked him for an obedience class but it will be a one on one for the first lesson so the trainer can assess him - or that is what I have been told! That'll be next sunday. Will keep posted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snobbybobby Posted March 4, 2006 Share Posted March 4, 2006 Thanks for the advice! I had a quick read of the website poodlefan gave. Was very interesting read. He was better this morning. We sat at a cafe and whenever dogs passed by, I stopped grabbing the harness but had a firm grip of the leash (just in case!) but I got him to sit and lie down and patted him.. he growled a little when the dog walked by but didn't jump up.. it seems like a good start. I have booked him for an obedience class but it will be a one on one for the first lesson so the trainer can assess him - or that is what I have been told! That'll be next sunday. Will keep posted! Hi petal, Sounds like your off to a good start! Handling on-leash aggression, to my mind anyway, can be tricky! My dog is getting over wounds inflicted by a dog we meet in the park, usually on leash! Said dog pulled the leash out of its handlers grip and took my dog on My dog was on a lunge lead but still got attacked. Previously, the aggressor had been jerked and growled at when she aggressed. Personally, I think the aggression steadily got worse because of that manner of dealing with it. Maybe right, maybe wrong but, I'm a firm believer in distracting the dog by walking away, being ready with a treat to divert the dog's attention and praising the dog when it ignores the subject of his aggression. When you can afford it, get some behavioural advice if you continue to have problems but, in the meantime, practice what you have read from Flying Dog Press. It's good advice and you sound as if you're nipping what could become a problem in the bud :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petal79 Posted March 8, 2006 Author Share Posted March 8, 2006 Just a quick update to say that after the last few days, we think he may not be dog aggressive at all but probably finding his place with us as a pack.. and also trying to get over the stress of been driven down from another state. 2 days ago I was taking him on a walk and got distracted by OH in a conversation, we took a turn and all of a sudden Ned was face to face with a boxer. But he didn't do anything.. just kind of 'froze' on the spot and I didn't pull him back. I only pulled him back when I noticed the boxer started to show his teeth.. and of course both dogs started yelping.. not what we wanted but I think we both behaved a little better then expected.. ! Can't wait for the session with the trainer this weeked Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Petal 79: But he didn't do anything.. just kind of 'froze' on the spot and I didn't pull him back. Freezing in the manner you describe can sometimes be a precurser to an attack - treat it as a warning sign, not a sign that nothing is going to happen. Stillness in a situation like that is NOT good. Frankly my the hair on the back of my neck stood up as I read that. I don't think you should be complacent around this dog - spend the money and have someone who understands and deals with dog aggression assess him. Pulling him away in the manner you did can sometimes trigger an attack - much better to call him and get his focus on you. Until you know what you are dealing with, you simply cannot afford to be distracted and let other dogs get that close - thank your lucky stars there was no bloodshed. Incidentally, getting a dog to take the 'down' position in the presence of other dogs is asking him to take a posiiton in which he is quite vulnerable - I'd recommend against it. I hate to say this but is seem to me that you don't a real feel for this dog - get him assessed and save yourself some potential heartache. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petal79 Posted March 8, 2006 Author Share Posted March 8, 2006 Petal 79:Freezing in the manner you describe can sometimes be a precurser to an attack - treat it as a warning sign, not a sign that nothing is going to happen. Stillness in a situation like that is NOT good. Frankly my the hair on the back of my neck stood up as I read that. I don't think you should be complacent around this dog - spend the money and have someone who understands and deals with dog aggression assess him. Pulling him away in the manner you did can sometimes trigger an attack - much better to call him and get his focus on you. Until you know what you are dealing with, you simply cannot afford to be distracted and let other dogs get that close - thank your lucky stars there was no bloodshed. Incidentally, getting a dog to take the 'down' position in the presence of other dogs is asking him to take a posiiton in which he is quite vulnerable - I'd recommend against it. I hate to say this but is seem to me that you don't a real feel for this dog - get him assessed and save yourself some potential heartache. I never realised that a freezing manner was a precurser to an attack but I guess we were placed in a position were we couldnt move him without pulling him back and the owners of the other dog didnt move either ? I would say which the distance they had, nose to nose, I wouldnt have like to call him and risk having the other dog nip him whilst he turned around and came to me. Wouldn't that have been just as bad and also with him associating that with me calling him back? I will be bringing him to ADT so it's not like I am not going to spend any money on trying to curb this issue. Will see how that goes with the trainer's assessment. Also, I don't make him go to a down position when faced with other dogs. The dogs are usually quite far, across the other side of the street and he has sighted them or are walking past with their owners, I get him to go onto a sit position or talk to him with my hand under his head so has to guide his eyes to mine. Usually he stays sitting with a little huff and puff or he doesnt see the other dogs until they're way ahead. And yes, I have to admit I haven't got a feel for him as yet.. it's early days yet considering I've only just got him a week ago from a rescue.. On that note, I am taking in your suggestion poodlefan (and the others too).. comments which I appreciate.. I guess I was just wanting to share the little man's 'progress' ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Petal 79: I will be bringing him to ADT so it's not like I am not going to spend any money on trying to curb this issue. Will see how that goes with the trainer's assessment. Good news. Just make sure that the "trainer" is actually qualified to assess a dog's temperament/issues. Not all obedience trainers have skills or qualifications in that area. Did the rescue you got him from do any temperament testing? If they did, what was their assessment of him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 (edited) Petal ... when you 'check in' at ADT for your "First Timer's" Session, leave your dog in the car, if you can, and let them know he's a rescue and you're not sure of his behaviour and suspect aggression issues. Ask them to inform the FT's Instructor, who can then work to make sure that you have the 'space' you require and the appropriate/safe equipment (they'll lend you things if necessary). All the dogs are spaced for safety anyway, but you might find some comfort in knowing the instructor is looking out and after you knowing what issue your dealing with. All the instructors at ADT have a formal background in dog psychology and I know, given your dog's issues, they will assign the most appropriate instructor to your assessment. The behaviourists at ADT (once you're a member) will be able to talk to you in even more depth about Ned's 'aggression' and put you and your dog on a behaviour modification program for you to follow over time. You've certainly taken the appropriate steps to begin with and I congratulate you for that and also for taking on a rescue dog .... good for you and your kind heart. I'm sure Ned is going to look back and thank his lucky stars for finding you. ETA: It could be your own tension resulting from your own uncertainty that's causing the behaviour ... but don't worry - there'll be people there at ADT who can coach you through that too. And don't worry that you don't have a 'feel' for this dog yet (as another poster put it - but I don't think meant harm by it). It's early days yet and this comes with a bit of time, during which you're both working out how to understand each other. Edited March 8, 2006 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffy-Lover Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 petal39 is this Ned from staffy rescue? It looks like the same doggy. If so i would give staffy rescue a call as they will be able to let you know how he is with other dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petal79 Posted March 8, 2006 Author Share Posted March 8, 2006 Hi Staffy-lover, yes he is ned from staffy rescue. He is apparently ok with other dogs.. and was told that he got along well with the other dogs at the rescus so that was why I was a little surprised when he 1st lunged at this other dog.. but I put it down to him having been driven down 10 hours from sydney and not sure about his surroundings. He has settled down alot more since then and is doing very well! I have been advised that it could be my tension on the lead that is causing him to react the way he does.. so we no longer grab him by the harness but get him to sit and distract him. He's really good if the dog is at a safe distance.. so that is something we will have to work on him - dogs in closer range, maybe ? He's such a beautiful little man - nothing sets him off at all and he has the funniest little chicken bark .. hehehe So we're not letting this 'aggression' put us back because we know he's got a great temprement.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffy-Lover Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 oh i thought so. you lucky person, i looooovvvveeeee ned. I have walked him before and he has been fine with others. and he was great with the two dogs next door to him aswell. am thinking that maybe it has to do with being protective of you or something because he wasn't dog aggressive when at SR. I really look forward to hearing updates on this gorgeous guy and PHOTOS please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mina Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 Hi Petal79, I must say I a little suprised with Ned's behaviour. He was with us for 3 months, and although we had not had him one on one with another dog while with us he hardly ever showed aggression to other dogs. He did go for walks on a lead with another dog on a few occasions and he was fine. I took him myself, so I know he is not interested in fighting with other dogs. In saying this though, he appeared to be disinterested in other dogs and was just happy to be with his human. A lot of good advise has been mentioned already, especially the one about the tension on the lead that he may sense when you walk him. Please keep us posted on his training.. never too late to teach an old dog new tricks, I say. Give Ned a bid cuddle from us and if you need to contact us for anything, please call us so we could discuss it in more detail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petal79 Posted March 16, 2006 Author Share Posted March 16, 2006 Hi all, a quick update on Ned! He'll be starting classes at ADT this coming sunday. He behaved very well last Sunday - tho we were given the orange lead as he growled at a Rotti pup when I was waiting to have him registered.. oops But he did ok in the 45min talk with a room full of little pups. We sat right at the back away from the other dogs... He seemed to keep to himself but made fairly loud talking noises when 2 other pups were playing .. seemed like he wanted to play. He only started to feel restless at the last 15mins.. *phew* Yesterday we took him through a park We have walked through the park a couple of times usually staying away from the main stretch but yesterday we decided to go on the grass and he seemed to love walking on grass.. had a few sniffs of other bums and he came out alright, was happy to have a sniff and keep walking when we told him to Although I think another pup was being too bouncy for him when kept pawing Ned on his face - he gave it a growl to say enough was enough. He was even teased by another staffy bitch with sticks in her mouth - Just happy to see improvements.. I can't wait for school Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 :D Welcome aboard to ADT, Petal79! I spoke to the girl who did your assessment ... she tells me Ned was really quite well behaved (save for the feux pa to the Rotty pup, as you mention ). She also liked Ned - and enjoyed chatting with you in the assessment. Great that Ned went so well down at the park too. Maybe you and he are beginning to relax together, now that you're beginning to understand each other. Whatever the case, it's important to show Ned you're relaxed (albeit "at the ready") when there are other dogs around. Enjoy your training with Ned. Hope I get to meet you one of these days. 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