another pitbull aggression question

I will be working with a certified animal behaviorist out of Colorado.   I talked to the trainer at the animal shelter I adopted all three of them from and she referred me to these people.   Interestingly enough, once I scheduled the appointment and paid a deposit, Tiva stopped attacking Max and things have quieted down considerably.  I have my first appointment on Thursday.   I was supposed to take videos of the behavior and send them to them.....but there has been no odd behavior to videotape.   Max is still afraid to come in so I am assuming Tiva must still be putting out some kind of dominant "keep out" vibe.   I've been taking Max with me pretty much wherever I go but there have been no fights I can see.

The good thing is that these "attacks" have been ritualistic thus far, and not involved blood.  But if the dogs are trying to establish some order, usually what happens is that one will defer to the other, and no more fights ensue.  Or, if they are of similar status, one dog may continue to get on the other dog's last nerve, and the fights will get worse.  I would advise videotaping their interactions, even if there is no fighting going on.  Your behaviorist should be able to read other subtle canine body language signals that can help define the problem better.

ORIGINAL: mrgmfoster

have to take control of all the dogs! don't let them take control of each other take them for walks and have them both walking next to you. when the pit gets snotty correct her and roll her over to let the other dog stand over her then reward her,

NO...NO...NO...

Do not roll any of your dogs over.  This is extremely risky to do if you have not established yourself as leader.  If you were the established leader you wouldn't have to roll the dog.  So, please do not take the risk.  There are loads of other ways to handle this situation.

Start with some obedience work.  I would work with a professional to solve this problem (especially considering the breeds). 

dont get yourself all up in a bunch... i didnt say roll the dog physically, and just because the dog is a pit doesnt make it any different than with other dogs i have more than enough pits to prove that point.

i didnt say roll the dog physically

 
Seems to me that is what you implied...
 
This is what you said....
 

when the pit gets snotty correct her and roll her over

 
It is very different dealing with a pitt as opposed to another breed.  I would be less concerned if maybe we were dealing with a small breed dog.

I agree with mrgmfoster,as a pit bull owner I can say one thing Rory has tought me is that force is NOT going to work with her. These dogs demand respect, treat them as you wish to be treated. By rolling her over like that she will feel helpless, cornered and could lash out.
Now I told myself I was going to stay away from this thread but you asked a question, I'll answer it in my best opinion and experiences, please take no offense.
Now while I think its great you took in a rescue I think it stinks that you have doubts right off the bat but obviously your heart is in the right place. By ownng a pit bull it is your duty not to neglect it or it will have behavioral issues and that gives ALL pit owners a bad name.....not what we need right now. It is your job to stand up for your dog, love it unconditionally as it will you, yet stay educated and aware of its limits and or issues as with all dogs. Good locu, please keep us posted

when the pit gets snotty correct her and roll her over to let the other dog stand over her then reward her, but not until YOU TELL her to get up.

    
 
You can't be serious? That is some pretty risky advise there!
Hopefully you didn't do this!
 
 
Thank you!!!! - To Mic Foster   
 
Hofmann

oops?

I don't care whether you have a Pit or a Pomeranian, there is never a need to "roll" a dog, and doing so has gotten many people bitten.  There are, as Mic points out, many other techniques you can use to address behavior problems.

hello,
  my name is kelly and i had read what everyone had wrote and my concern was a little different.  i have a male pit that is not neutered and he is about 8 months old. im having aggression issues with him where when he does something wrong for ex. chew on an article of my clothing, i slap him in the snout and use a low tone telling him NO! and he raises his upper lip too me.  He does'nt growl or try too bite me but i get so angry when i feel he does'nt submit to me.  So i let him know i am the boss and physically lay him on the ground and put his head to the ground.  He shows fear but i feel like im not getting through too him that i don't want too hurt him but for him too just submit too me.  What do i do?

i slap him in the snout and use a low tone telling him NO! and he raises his upper lip too me. He does'nt growl or try too bite me but i get so angry when i feel he does'nt submit to me. So i let him know i am the boss and physically lay him on the ground and put his head to the ground. He shows fear but i feel like im not getting through too him that i don't want too hurt him but for him too just submit too me. What do i do?

 
Well, if you aren't in the hospital yet recovering from bite wounds, get your dog neutered, then get him to a good class where the trainer will teach you how to be in control while still being humane and nice.
 

For the love of heaven stop slapping this dog while you still have HANDS left.  I'd darn sure bite someone who kept slapping me around.
 
I totally agree with everything that Anne has said  Perhaps you would also benefit from some anger management classes?

And, for goodness sake, get him some appropriate chew objects and pick up your clothes and shoes from the floor.  He's 8 months old - dogs of that age *have* to chew on stuff.  It's how they set the adult teeth into their jaws.  Crate him or contain him when you can't supervise him, and give him plenty of exercise.  That will help.  And, learn to clicker train or use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviors that you like, rather than worrying about having him "submit".  One of the best ways to teach your dog that you are a leader?  Hand feed him for a couple of weeks.  All resources come from the leader.  Get it?

Please follow the advice you were given from Glenda and spiritdogs.  Dogs (and people) don't like to be hit.  Ask yourself this:  Do you want a fear aggressive dog or do you want a dog that WANTS to please you?

Ann, i agree with what you said and i do have too take responsibility whith picking up my clothes, But until yesterday he never chewed on anything he wasn't suppose to. I always provided him with various toys ( rubber chew toys, cow marrow bones, cotton rope tug of war toys) I thought he was satisfied enough not to chew my stuff.  I also want to clear up any conserns about what when i said i slapped him on the snout.  I do not hit my dog, i firmly tap him on the snout only when he does somthing seriously wrong and i always make sure i use the bad boy tone with my voice he knows.  when you said use positive reiforcement what did you mean?  I am going to start hand feeding him for a little while. 

Dogs chew stuff, it happens.  There is no point in smacking him on the nose.  Keep your stuff off the floor, keep chewies for him, keep an eye on him and ride it out.

You need to practice NILIF with this dog, IMHO.  In addition, if it were me I'd have him in an obedience class.
 
Glenda and spiritdogs are both correct.