Dog Community

Aggressive Weimerainer

Posted : 3/28/2007 9:27:21 PM

Ok, here's the deal. The dog is around 2 1/2 years old. It is male and was neutered about 6 months ago. He is an inside dog and we also have a dalmation that is about 11 years old also in the house. When I am around I can control the dog but he barks alot at people that come over to the house and if there is someone walking down the street he will run out and bark at them. He hasn't been around alot of people. There have been 3 occasions (1 today) where he will act like he is scared and go up behind someone and nip at them. He doesn't growl but he barks alot. At this point I really don't know what to do. He stays at my parents house during the day while I am gone to school. I also have a niece that stays at the house some days but he is totally fine with children and most other dogs for that matter. Any suggestions? Do you think that obedience school and taking him out around other people (with muzzle and leash) is an option or should he just be put down?

Roz

Posted : 3/28/2007 9:59:44 PM

Have you spoken to a certified canine behaviorist in your area? A behaviorist can come to your home, evaluate your dog's behavior, and formulate a behavior modification program that will work for you and your dog.

I recommend the following books:
"[linkhttp://www.amazon.com/Cautious-Canine-Patricia-B-McConnell/dp/1891767003/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-3197320-2436619?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1175136902&sr=1-1]The Cautious Canine[/link]" by Patricia B. McConnell
"[linkhttp://www.amazon.com/Aggression-Dogs-Brenda-Aloff/dp/1591960738]Aggression in Dogs : Practical Management, Prevention & Behavior Modification[/link]" by Brenda Aloff

xtremekustomz

Posted : 3/28/2007 10:17:17 PM

I haven't really talked to anyone yet. I don't live in a location where certified canine behaviorists are fluent.

Jilly's Virtuos

Posted : 3/28/2007 10:31:01 PM

I have a australian shepherd that does that too... I think she's scared that something bad may happen and has to protect u or say Hey don't hurt anything... even if they're scared. That's what my dog does and then if she knows they are nice or like her then she LOVES them and is always happy to see them. I was playing ruff w/ a freind my dog hardly knows and she nipped her because she was thought I was being hurt or "abbused". Then My freind provecd herself and they Absolutly Love eachother! [

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Jilly's Virtuos

Posted : 3/28/2007 10:41:36 PM

Ohh I didn't see the rest of the post u had... If the dog doesn't show teeth/grawl and is loyal to you DO NOT PUT IT DOWN! OR DO NOT take it to the pound! If u take this dog out on a leash w/ a muzzle I guessing he'd feel threatend that he could not protect himself and become aggresive to humans... Same thing w/ introducing dogs to each other or another animal, u don't want one to be on a leash. Every dog has its place; to be a loyal at home companion & protector, show-hotshot, everyone's friend, or something that like quiet and not to be touched but sit on its owner's lap. Your dog probably wasn't socailized as a puppy sadly but can give love to you.[

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Deb

Posted : 3/29/2007 6:41:45 AM

Has your dog really bitten anybody? It sounds from your post as if he's snapped and barked only.

In general, fear aggression is pretty easy to overcome. You want to gradually desensitize your dog to the rest of the world, people, whatnot. You won't get a perfect dog when you're done, but you'll get a dog that can handle being out without reacting if you are good about doing the retraining.

I would talk to a behaviorist or a good clicker trainer, and I would buy the book Click to Calm by Emma Parsons.

Using physical corrections on a dog that is afraid is not likely to work over time. It will work at first, but not over time--you would be giving the dog more things to fear.

Don't put your dog down because he wasn't properly socialized as a puppy. That's the owner's fault--not his, and it doesn't even sound like he hurt anybody.

Good luck!

spiritdogs

Posted : 3/29/2007 7:12:36 AM

ORIGINAL: xtremekustomz

I haven't really talked to anyone yet. I don't live in a location where certified canine behaviorists are fluent.

Then find a positive reinforcement trainer. This is a common trait in fearful or herdy/guardy dogs. You can't really change the dogs genes, but you can probably learn to manage this. In the meantime, don't give him access to situations that encourage this behavior. Go ahead and crate him when unfamiliar people are about.
Trainer search:
www.peaceablepaws.com
www.clickertraining.com
If there is no trainer nearby, I would suggest getting a copy of "Click to Calm" by Emma Parsons.

espencer

Posted : 3/29/2007 10:52:45 AM

ORIGINAL: fisher6000

Using physical corrections on a dog that is afraid is not likely to work over time. It will work at first, but not over time--you would be giving the dog more things to fear.

That would depend on the level of the physical correction, if is a kick in the genitals i agree, a simple touch in his shoulder is still a physical correction but the dog is not going to be afraid of that and will show him that you dont appreciate that behavior

Is always good to have more than one option on training, a professional behaviorist could help

I have a video about a professional dealing with unwanted behavior, in this video they work with the door but you can use the same principle when he barks at the window

[linkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPpIOUCDdUw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPpIOUCDdUw[/link]