I ampraying for some help here guys!!!

Our dog, parson terrier cross, had a bad experience as a small puppy with another dog. (Before we had him so details arer patchy). We have been told that if dogs have a bad experience in their first 16 weeks, when brain cells are forming that they never get over it. He is gentle and obedient in every other manner of his life and character.

He is petrified of other dogs. I cant express that enough... This shows itself as howling, barking, lunging, throwing himself on the ground, and then this morning - his frenzy was so bad that he actally bit my leg (and drew blood).

We have seen "professional" dog experts who have given us an array of various techiniques - none have worked, in fact in the last 6 months - I would say that whatever we have tried has now made it worse.

Has anyone out there tried a technique that has worked?
I would LOVE to hear from you.

I do sometimes doubt some of the techniques used by SOME so called behaviorists! And would suspect by your post that the methods used somewhat have varied in their approach!

I am far far away from helping you with this problem, but wonder it there a 'very placid' dog that you know of that you could start to maybe walk with - with both dogs kept on their leads intially?

I ask this because a dog training class I used to attend had a great dane that had been attacked as a puppy! The trainer asked if I would spend some time with my dog ( one which was bombproof and not in the least bit interested in other dogs) I spent a couple of lessons just walking past this dog with my dog - initially the Dane was going nuts! but with time and patience it did begin to relax and the owner was able to walk it past me without any major outbursts! I am unable to say whether this was sucessful long term as the Dane owner did not continue coming to the classes!

Don't know if this is of any help! but just an idea! my theory being if you can install confidence in your dog with just one other dog it may give you foundations to build on.

All the best!

Maybe someone else can come up with something more positive
regards
DT

I go to training classes with Dog Trust and we have a terrier in the class who displays all sorts of anxiety like yours, I have noticed a huge difference in him over the past weeks, albiet it is very slow but he is getting there. The trainer keeps him away from other dogs and is gradually bringing him closer until he is comfortable being nearer. I can see the difference in him after about 8 weeks. Have you tried classes with him yet? My Patterdale can display aggression if you let him and I have to constanly keep on top of him but he too has improved enormously. I rescued another full dog recently and they now get on fine as long as I dont them get into potentially challenging situations ie over food etc. Terriers are not called terrorists for nothing are they?

My beagle x staffie can be dog aggressive. The only technique I find that works with her is distraction. She's extreamly greedy and will move mountains for a treat so the moment I see another dog I recall her (her recall is excellent something you must master with your dog) and make her sit for her treat. I then use watch me or touch commands and usually she's distracted enough to not even look at the other dog, or she might just manage a little growl while slobbering for her treat!!!

Have your tried clicker classes? I find it a really easy way of teaching them the watch me and touch commands, well worth finding out if you have any classes locally.

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Hi. I have 2 greek rescue dogs who have had dog aggression issues. I have worked with a behaviourist and I walk them seperately. If they are together and are on a lead where we live, then I have problems. I have not managed to sort this out and I'm not sure that I will, as the behaviour is so ingrained. They are both off the lead at the park (seperately) and I don;t get any problems with them.

Where are you based?

My guys have been walked with lots of other dogs. However, this worked much better for the very aggressive dog but not so well with the nervous one.

You need to introduce other dogs slowly and make it a postive experience. Do you have any doggie friends you can walk with? Where do you live?

Don't give up, I have achieved so much with my guys and whilst I am not there yet, it is soooooo much better.

x

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Thanks for your support. It does give me some hope. I knew this wasnt going to be an overnight miracle - but its good to hear that other people have had to work through things too.... Makes you feel like you are not such a freak! / bad dog owner!

We tried a clicker - perhaps not for quite long enough - he hates it!

Double Trouble - I think I will try your Appraoch of walking past another dog from a distance.... this is about the only thing we havent tried as yet! I'll keep you posted!

Thanks to everyone who is kind enough to post a reply - I really appreciate your support.

I def think classes are a good idea, Let us know how you get on, hope things work out for you

Hi there im training to be a behaviourist at the moment, you need to get the puppy right in there early stages, the critical peroind of development in a puppy is from 7 weeks to 12 weeks, if this was my dog i would stand back and see when the behavoiur triggers, but you seem to no when this is i would not put the dog in the situation were it is going to explode in to panic and biting.

I would build a real good leadership up with my dog so the dog trusts and sees me as leader so when he sees another dog he is quite happy for me to deal with the situation rather than to poor mite trying to take the whole world in to his own hands, i would also find a really wow treat that he loves or a toy he gets only when out on walks and get is distraction of the other dogs and on you, i would keep on the lead for the time been, but dogs on leads can also lunge out as they feel more threatened when passing a dog try and keep the lead as slack as you can if you put tension on the lead your telling your dog there is somthing wrong, if this happens again when he sees a dog turn away and walk the other way never put him that situation which will make him scared only walk passed when you can see he is calm then praise him good luck keep us posted

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