I am a dog walker in Burnham, Berkshire and have recently made contact with a lovely couple who have absolutely no trust or confidence in their 2 year old White Alsation. He has not been allowed off the lead for about a year as he was aggresive towards another dog. I took my lab bitch over to visit the dog and we walked down the road with the owner becoming frustrated and angry with the dog as he would not stop lunging at my dog and barking! On two occasions the dog actually nipped my leg so I was glad my baby wasn't in the way - rather me than her! So im sitting here now with a fozen bag of peas on my leg as it's throbbing like crazy! I have suggested that I visit every day with my bitch and that they buy a muzzle. I'm not keen on muzzles but it's either his freedom or my leg! I have also recommended training as poor Tyler is so frustrated and he needs to have some discipline and a few manners. Does any one have any other ideas! I have thought of buying a squirty bottle to distract him but I feel like i'm banging my head against a brick wall. I wish people wouldn't but dogs without realising that they need socialising and discipline.

sounds like a good plan, but please be careful that it doesnt teach your own bitch to behave badly.

Get them the numbers of some good training classes, and try and get the dog out (muzzled) into places with lots and lots of dogs.

It could well be that this dog is in fact reacting to the owners anxiety rather than his own, and that he is frustrated at not b eing able to play with other dogs!

Em

Hi everyone!

Thank you for your advice.

I have two black labs, H the male is four and has been mistreated, he barks at everythink (including me cooking!!). I know alot of his past and have met loads of people who knew him before me and I have had many compliments as most can't even recognise him! My girl is Twist, 3 years, she is a typical thick set lab. She was lead restricted on her walks and only given about 20 minutes a day. A year on she still stays close but is finally picking up on the idea of RUNNING! Bless them.

I was worried about introducing my baby girl to Tyler the beast! but she is soooo doppy and totally ignores him, apart from the odd look at him which says "why are you so silly!".

I have suggested training classes but am met with looks of distaste and then the flurry of well 1) we tried that, 2) they wouldn't take him, 3) the husband works shifts, 4) she can't handle him. So I offered to go with her but then the list of excuses got longer!
I took Twist to meet Tyler and told the owner to act naturally. We then walked round the road and I didn't interfere at all with the husband!!! As you suggest, he does get very frustrated with Tyler. The trouble is he is sooo strong. I have TOLD the owner that I want him to walk Tyler for 20 minutes a day minimum on the lead round the roads talking to him and using heel. I want total CALM and when the barking, leaping or pulling starts I want a calm command of sit, then praise for being good. I also asked for an hour walk over the moors every day and if no dogs are around they can let him off for a good run, I don't think they will follow this request some how!! There is absolutely no bond when the dog is walked. If this could be recified then alot of the problems can be resolved very easily I feel. Tyler does need to play and run free. He is not aggresive as his tail is wagging the whole time and he has playful yaps but when he gets close he just lunges and nips VERY HARD! Thankfully the owners are going away for a weekend and I'm having him at home (once I've sent my two packing for the weekend!). I do dog sitting anyway but this one will be a challenge but with two full days of calm I think he might go back a bit happier! I plan to walk with mine as my partner is having the dogs so between the two of us it could be a really good start. I might even get as far as letting him off the lead, but until my bruised leg heals I'll have a long think about it!!!

Sarah

Hi,

I think the owners may be adding to the problem by being tense and aggressive back to the dog when he lunges. This will travel down the lead and immediately stress out the dog.

I would suggest firstly trying something called a DAP difuser, this is a pheramone attachment that is plugged into the electric sockets and gives off calming pheramones. This may help calm the dog in general so they will listen when training.

Then use a basket muzzle (baskerville type) and get the dog used to this indoors and in the garden first, then using a headcollar (gentle leader would be best) and feed this through the muzzle so they have control of the head. Again get the dog used to this first.

Get some very tasty treats such as liver and arrange a meeting with the dog, but if you are confident, take the dog yourself and give the owners your dog to handle. Then make sure the lead is long, but that you have control if needed, walk slowly towards each other, but as soon as you feel the dog tense, ask him to sit and this is the key for the owners to stop alsowith your dog. Reward him, let the lead go slack again and only when he is sitting calmly, move forward again and repeat.

The idea is that you can walk past the owners who have your dog, with a wide gap in between to start with, without the shepherd going mad.

It is possible to control this problem, but you will need a lot of time and patience and make sure you relax with the dog. I have sorted problems of this type before in various different breeds by using this method, but altering it slightly to match each individual dog.

Good luck and hope it works for you, this dog needs retraining or rehoming to have a better life.

manda
X

This dog (and the owner) urgently need some professional training. Firstly a dog has two natural instincts when faced with a situation that unnerves it...attack or run. If a dog is on the leash you are limiting it's options. The owner needs to get firm. This dog needs to know its place. At the moment it has no confidence. The dog doesn't know right from wrong, what his role is. The dog is under constant pressure. Although a muzzle will prevent the dog biting,it's only going to add to his confusion and nervousness. I would really implore the owner to seek proffessional help, preferably from an ex service handler that has a lifetime of experience. Next time the dog nips, the person may not be as understanding.
The trainer I'm in awe of lives in the North, but I'm sure you'll find someone locally. 'm sure the local polce could recommend someone. :)

I agree with Manda's comments to a certain extent, but feel the owner needs outside help immediately as the dog has already bitten.

Hi

I am assuming you will be able to read my response to Em (this is my first time on replies).
The muzzle was thankfully the only thing we first agreed on! I took the owners, both of their dogs and a friends bison frise over the moors. I told the husband that I wanted total calm otherwise we would have to swap dogs! He is a policeman (obviously with the dog handlers!!) and thinks he his a hard man so the thought of walking my little one was enough to convince him! All went well, Tyler did calm down and managed to run to end of him extension lead, poor chap. After an hour he was knackered but still managed the energy to have the occasional go! We met about 10 dogs in the hour, not enough I know but enough to show the owners the potential if they could only put the effort in. They can't afford me every day but hopefully with time their confidence and trust will be restored to this lovely boy!

Sarah