Our 1 year old miniature Schnauzer will try and bite your feet. He
will also take items from the house socks,shoes etc,etc. He will not give the items up
it.s all a game to him. He also exhibits anti social behavior such as barking at strangers
and other dogs, I think he would bite if given the chance. We have had him to two
obidence schools with limited success. He will sit and stay when inside but when outside he will do nothing
He wears a bark collar which works to control the barking.
However I am really worried about the agresive tendencies. I have tried to socialize him by taking
him on walks but he pulls so hard on the leash and goes nuts when anyone approaches that it
wears us both out. I could use any advice as I really like the little guy
and he is a good companion except for the aggression
Thanks for any help

Well the bark collar isnt working if he still barks when you are out ,to my mind you are just making it worse, you need to retrain find a very good trainer that trains with kindness and is gentle and can make the dog think for him self not by you controling it, also use some herbs to help relax him like RESCUE REMADY/WENDALS HERBS DOG CALMER hope this helps abit jackie

When he barks at strangers when you're out, what do you do? How do you react? How much exercise do you give him? I would practice doing lots of 'sits' and 'downs' when you're in the house (in every different room), then in the garden, then when you're out. (Lots of dogs genuinely believe that "sit" is something that is only done in one particular place (training class!) and nowhere else!)
When he pulls on the lead change direction, sing out "This way!!" and walk quickly! I see many people out walking their dogs far too slowly. Step out briskly - get his little legs blurring! And take treats or a squeky toy or something to attract his attention, preferably before he reacts to another dog or person.
:)

Hi

I am no expert, but for what it's worth I'll tell you a little about my Mini. S. who is now 7 months old. She has a lovely nature and adores all people, children, dogs etc. However, she can be very excitable! Like your pup, we do have to mind washing, shoes etc. Although her interest in these items is lessening with time. And, much to her credit she has learned that she is not aloud up our staircase and she sits happily on step no. 3 when we are upstairs and waits for us - this has taken some effort!!!

Generally, in the house she doesnt bark and is defintely not a 'fence barker' - if she barks in the garden beyond just a couple of shouts at a passing bird :-) we bring her in. Out on walks she will bark at other dogs out of playfulness and intestingly settles down really quickly when she is let off for a run with them. If her barking on the lead goes on for more than a few barks I shout a good firm NO and probably stop and talk to her to distract her - it seems to work.

You say your dog would bite other dogs (or strangers?) given the chance - at the obedience classes did he have the opportunity to run with other dogs. Poppy has had a couple of puppy scraps over the months, but we have had the opportunity to nip this in the bud - many of them seem to get too carried away on the odd occassion. We also make sure that she has a run with other dogs every week or so. Do you know any patient and friendly dogs that you could take your dog out with??

We have also had problems with pulling and choking and nothing seems to work. The stopping/starting approach and turning around seemed to help but was all short lived in our experience. We have resorted to a Gentle Leader and now walking her is a complete pleasure. It took her sometime to get used to it and if she had her way I think she'd still prefer the old collar, however we had times when she was completely choking so something had to change.

In terms of obeying commands when out, I guess they can be easily distracted, but we find once Poppy has burned off her inital energy (after 10 mins) she will then sit, lay on command (for a small treat :-)) and will always come back when off the lead (unless there is another dog around - that is our next challenge)

I think this breed are barkers and it is important to give clear and consistant reprimands/rewards. It doesnt sound as thought your pup is particularly aggressive, probably just not mixing with other dogs enought and therefore getting over excited.

Good luck with all that you do - I'm sure you will get some excellent advice from the experts.

Karen.