It's been a long time coming but I've finally booked Copper in for counselling (dog behaviour "therapy").  The guy is coming to the house for 2 hours on 2 March and while he doesn't promise miracles, he comes highly recommended.  I know a few people have raised eyebrows about whether or not this works (and its not cheap and I have my doubts) but I promise to let you all know the outcome.  Fingers crossed please because I've pinned my hopes on it.  If there is even the slightest improvement it will be well worth it.  I think it might be interesting for other posters to hear the results.

CG

Hi, I'd certainly be fascinated to hear all about it. (I hope it works as well, of course!)
:)

Thanks JG - I have hopes that Copper can be trained although I've been warned that his aggression is probably well ingrained in him by now.  But I've managed to train him myself not to eat the cat and to give a paw for a biscuit so I do believe he can be changed.  He's just so gorgeous in every other way.  I'll keep you all posted anyway.

CG

Good luck, i'd love to hear how it goes :)

Lindsay

Hi Copper Girl
I have seen your posts before but cant remember what the issues are with your dog????

Jo

Hi Jo, he's a rescue border terrier, had a few homes previously, is perfect in the house and with people/children, but four legs and a tail - he wants to kill it.  It's got to the stage where he has to be walked at 6am and midnight to avoid other dogs as I can't deal any more with his attitude and other owner's abuse to me.  He isn't being threatened by other animals, he just seems to hate them and has a serious go.  I have to try something and this is it, so wish me luck!  I know lots of people here advise the dog behaviour thing but I've never seen anyone post to say they've done it and whether it works, so maybe this is a wee experiment for us all.

CG

I wish you all the luck in the world, I know how you feel when other people have a go about their behaviour, I used to experience this with my naughty BC!! ha-ha, she's getting much better now though, I have booked her to see a behaviourist to, so I'll let you know how that goes.

Jo

Hi CG good luck with the expert on 2 March. I saw a behaviourist when Morse was younger as he had a very short attention span and was more focused on dogs than humans. One short session helped restore my self confidence and taught me some very useful techniques like clicker training and using his food ration as motivation. I didnt know you could get it on the pet insurance, so Ill pass it on in case you need more sessions. Are you allowed to say who is coming ? The chap who saw Morse has initials G C so if its him, Im sure itll be good.

Thanks all, I'm really looking forward to it.  The guy that is coming is apparently "the man" in the area although I'm sure I'm not allowed to advertise.  Certainly if all goes well I'd be happy to email anyone the details.  I'm hoping that we can get to the stage where we can walk past a dog in the street without a struggle and anything more than that will be a plus.  It's a week tomorrow so keep your eyes open for my posts!

CG