Molosser Talk The Original: Re: Help!--Not about your breed though

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Re: Help!--Not about your breed though

Posted by Karen on March 12, 2008, 6:52 am, in reply to "Help!--Not about your breed though"
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It all depends on what you have for time and it could be trainer machismo - goodness knows I have seen enough of it as well as the trouble it can cause.

You have not stated how the trainer recommended working with the aggression. I find many general trainers (even highly regarded ones) are often some of the worst when it comes to aggression. A trainer sees something works (often just short term) so they use it. A behavioral consultant or behaviorist should know the how and whys something works and why to use or avoid it.

I am really pressed for time this morning, my son has to be at school almost an hour early for a club on Wednesdays and as soon as hubby gets out of shower, I have to get in and get my other child up and out. SOOOO!

What did the trainer tell you to do in regards to the aggression? Often we are told to respond in aggressive ways which short term may show signs of helping but long term (of even faster) escalate things. A lot of aggression comes from confusion and less dominant behavior. A dog who is comfortable in his position in the home will rarely act out. It does not matter if the dog it top of bottom, there will be fewer actions that may be called dominant. A dog who is not comfortable will react. There is a difference in behavior from a dog who is confused and trying to take control and a dog who is confident and trying to take control of a situation - the confident dog is far more deliberate and steady in what he does.

Some dogs are just hardwired for undesired temperament traits and there is not much behavior modification can do in a dog who has a strong predisposition to these behaviors.

So first, I have to know WHAT IS THE TRAINER TELLING YOU TO DO IN MANAGING THE DOG AND TRAINING.

If the trainer is using things that can escalate the situation and challenge teh dog back, then yes, I can see how this would have happened - I have seen it happen many times - and I would find someone else if you feel you want to attempt to see if the dog can come about. If not, then put the dog down.

But read these, I must get off line now, they will give you an idea of what I am talking about.

You can also email me if you need to through http://www.WestWindDogTraining.com

Go here and read

http://www.westwinddogtraining.com/html/training_and_behavior.html

They Are Not Out To Take Over the World: dispelling general myths of the dominant dog Is he trying to take control or is he trying to alleviate confusion?

Nature and Nurture: a look at temperament in dogs Is it all genes, how we manage our dogs are a combination of both? Published in Sheltie International, 2003.

Evaluating Temperament Testing When asked to temperament test a dog, am I really determining temperament or just the behavior at that point in time?

Finding an Obedience Program Next to you and your vet, a good trainer or behavioral consultant will be a great asset in the life of a dog. However, a lesser trainer may cause more harm than good in the long run.