Can anybody recommend a reliable behaviourist in the Manchester area. I've got a 4 1/2 year old staffie that does not get on very well with other dogs, we've been advised by a trainer that his agression is related to fear and as he was a rescue dog we don't know what experiences he's been through before we got him. His agression is only ever aimed at certain dogs mainly boxers, yorkshire terriers and dobermans. He gets on fine with a bull mastiff that we meet in the park everyday. We took him to dog training classes for weeks and weeks but it didn't really help with his agression, I'm keen to get him some help as I know he would benefit in the long run. Everytime we meet another dog on our walks I make him sit or lie down until the other dog has passed, this method is working but I can't see it being the end of the problem so I would be grateful for any advise you could offer. I have previously contacted a behaviorist in Todmorden but on 3 occassions they didn't turn up when they said they would.

He's a wonderful dog and we rescued him nearly 3 years ago now and have been trying to sort the problem for the best part of 2 years. He's recently been in kennels and they carried on with his training by walking him past the other kennels and trying to take his attention away from the other dogs, he seems to have improved slightly but that could just be because I've not seen him for the past 2 weeks. I'd like to point out that because of this behaviour I will not let him off on his lead, he gets loads of exercise on his extending lead over the fields and along the canal so he's not deprived but I'd really like to be able to trust him a bit more with other dogs. Part of the problem could be with me if he knows I'm anxious when another dog approaches.

Other than this problem he is lovely and is brilliant with kids and adults, even burglars!!! I would really appreciate your advise.

Thanks Nicki

Hi Nicki,

Best thing to do is to contact your vet and ask him/her to refer you to a qualified behaviourist. You can also have a look at the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (www.apbc.org.uk).

All the best,
Patty

Don't know whether you have found any help yet but if not contact Angela Stockdale and she should be able to put you in touch with a rehabilitation specialist in your area.  Dog-DOg aggression is best dealt with in this manner.
Check out her web site www.dogpartnership.co.uk

Hi Nicki.
There is a dogpsyche on line where you fill a form in about your dog, and the problem you have with him ect, for advise give it a try  good luck. lesley.                 www.dogpsyche.co.uk

Whoever you consult, do make sure you ask plenty of questions about the methods they use and what will happen in any rehabilitation session.  Clearly you have done a great deal of work with him already and you need to make sure that you and your trainer/behaviorist are thinking along the same lines.  Good luck in your search.