Aggression with Certian Dogs

snownose

I simply can't buy into getting rid of severe issues by just concentrating on the wanted behaviors and rewarding them.

If that were the case nobody would have anymore problems with aggression of any kind, be it dog or human.

Would you agree that the absence of something the dog wants, such as attention, or interaction could be construed as a punishment? 

luvmyswissy

Who says debate doesn't help? Is there a rule that says "don't debate on a help thread"?  It is still on topic IMO.  Debates on a help thread give the OP options to "think" about and may help the OP make a decision based on them, their dogs and their issues. It helps people "question" what they were or were not doing. Trying to limit a discussion to "do this" or "do that" makes for a not so informative answer or suggestion.  Especially, when there is much to consider in way of methods.  The OP now can determine if clicker training or other methods is best for them.  It may lead the OP to reserach methods more thoroughly and to understand fully and then make an "informative" decision.. instead of taking someone advise on a dog forum, or maybe, just maybe, it will lead the OP  to a PROFESSIONAL to evaluate because it is now clear to them that the subject and suggestions are controversial and the problem so complex.  If the thread is not getting ugly or going off topic then it should be left alone, stop stiffling!

 I do agree, the personal stuff can be kept out and still the message would be the same.  Ron deciding to stand behind a different method than he did before is unimportant to the whole thread - those disagreements or messages should be taken to PM. 

Great post luvmyswissy!

Wow! I didn't realize that I had started such a controversial topic. So here's the update...

 We went to the park yesterday, Baxter was there (that's the boxer that Conner doesn't care for.)  So Conner wanted to play with Baxter, he chases him a few times, but Baxter wasn't having that. So Baxter's mom and I just made sure they didn't really play together. I just simply redirected him to other friend's anytime he got near Baxter.  But overall he did pretty well. I just had to make sure I stayed near him and talked to him while he was playing.  I did pull him off of a few dogs because he was getting to rough, but overall it was a good day.

Just to let you know that I post what I do to try and help and it is not of disrespect to anyone here, whether they agree with me or not. It was well put by another that you can take all of our options and opinions and decide for yourself. Please, don't be scared off by strong opinions. We all mean well.

Flapping in the wind

Xerxes

Would you agree that the absence of something the dog wants, such as attention, or interaction could be construed as a punishment? 

I don't even like the word punishment.....I am more of a correction type, catch the dog doing something stupid....I correct with a marker noise or I will point with my finger where I need him to go, or I prompt him to sit, lay....whatever..... have you ever dealt with a high octane, full blown energy and pushy dog?

You can pm your answer....I don't care to stay on this playground.

I would like to see first hand how a clicker and a treat would solve the problem of dog aggression.......you know kind of like what happens at the dog park........don't give me excerpts out of a book......hard evidence ladies and gents.

luvmyswissy

 I do agree, the personal stuff can be kept out and still the message would be the same.

Exactly!

Help!  My neutered 14month terrier is a terror when he sees other dogs.  Have tried many things even went to a behavorist.  She had me give him cheese (favorite) every time he saw a dog.  Really tried this one for several days but  pounds of provolone later and gas filled evenings he still hates dogs.  Have tried the clicker method-two clicks and a biscuit when we see a dog approach.  First the noise distracted him but no longer.   HE seems to catch on after two or three times  to the method used and ignores what ever I do.   Very frustrating!  Tried head collar but he lounges forward so forcefully that collar snaps his neck around.  Friend told me I was risking severe injury!   Now I am using a harness with a very short lead.   I have the most control with this without hurting him however he gets frantic upon sighting another dog.   Any suggestions?    Nigel

I am having a similair problem with my 14 month old english mastiff  Her behaviorist gave me a list of things to work with her on if you want me to I'll give them to you.  It seems to help

I would like to see first hand how a clicker and a treat would solve the problem of dog aggression.......you know kind of like what happens at the dog park........don't give me excerpts out of a book......hard evidence ladies and gents.

Well, the honest answer is that it can't, nor can any other kind of training, if you don't do the foundation work before you ever get to the dog park.  But, clicker training can, and does, enable a handler to train a dog to look at them, or to come when called instantly, or to "leave it".  So, the best chance you have to prevent dog aggression anywhere is to socialize your dog early and often, continuing into adulthood.  Train, early and often, for reliable response every single time.  Don't take a dog to the dog park until he knows sit, lie, wait, leave it and come!!!  Too much freedom and laziness about training causes dog fights - no method will make up for inconsistency.  You can say that punishment works, but it only works until the dog reaches the right threshold, and that's true of any training, any environmental influence.  Until you take the same chance that ron2 did, bite the bullet and learn to do this correctly, and give the method the benefit of the doubt, you will always be posting the myths that surround clicker training and not the truths.
 

spiritdogs

You can say that punishment works, but it only works until the dog reaches the right threshold, and that's true of any training, any environmental influence.  Until you take the same chance that ron2 did, bite the bullet and learn to do this correctly, and give the method the benefit of the doubt, you will always be posting the myths that surround clicker training and not the truths.

I sad correction, not punishment.....I see no need for biting the bullet....thank you.....

I hope the OP can find enough advice here to solve the issue

Nigel

Help!  My neutered 14month terrier is a terror when he sees other dogs. 

Hi Nigel! I think perhaps you'd get more responses and ideas to your problem if you started a thread about your dog and his issues. I'm afraid this post is getting buried in another issue and I'd like to see you get the help you need. Just some unsolicited advice.