Question:

(Mary Elizabeth Coussons-read) writes: >Any advice on improving his attention to us, reducing chasing, and getting >the aggressive behavior to stop (he is only aggressive to dogs-  does great >with adults and children and even cats, although he chases them) would be >greatly appreciated.  He has a very sweet disposition, and sometimes is very >quick to respond to commands but other times…  Thanks in advance!

In order to advise you I would have to meet you and dog. I would have to observe dog and it’s body language around othe animals (cannot do this via computer or on phone). I also would need to know what your capabilities are. It may be a good idea to work with a priavte trainer for a few lessons. Just so the dogs in class are not placed at risk. Better control is needed before classes. A class is not the place for an aggressive dogs. The instructor cannot devote the whole time to preventing attacks. Bob Maida Dog Training/Problem Counseling Manassas,Va

Response:

I have a leash breaking trick I think of as the ‘my doG my owner is nuts!’ method. With your dog on the leash set out as if you two are going for a walk – then EVERY time the dog starts pulling in a direction you go in reverse and head the other way. When the dogs starts pulling you forward inthe new direction – reverse again. You may get dizzy so be careful I took a great dane that had pulled its owner around for 2 years and in 10 minutes had him following me – the owner was shocked! You look a little foolish for a bit but the dog will start keeping his eye on the crazy unpredicatble owner and stop pulling. Refresher sessions may be needed on occasion but the dog usually quickly gets that oh no there she goes again look in the eye and snaps back into watching instead of pulling. Hope this helps! Nancy Elizabeth Coussons-read) writes: >I am seeking advice for improving the behavior of Gomer, an 18

month-old lab (neutered upon adoption) whom we adopted about 2 months ago.  He is aggressive to other dogs (except Elvis, our other dog (12 month old neutered lab)), chases everything (so far cats, horses, cows, birds and cars), and seems generally stubborn (or willful perhaps), tugging at the lead when corrected and seeming to ignore commands on occasion.  He is going to basic obedience in October (first available class), and in the meantime, >we are trining him to heel, sit and stay as we did with Elvis (learned

through an experienced trainer).  Any advice on improving his attention to us, reducing chasing, and getting the aggressive behavior to stop (he is only aggressive to dogs-  does great with adults and children and even cats, although he chases them) would be greatly appreciated. He has a very sweet disposition, and sometimes is very quick to respond to commands but other times…  Thanks in advance! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Mary

Response:

I am seeking advice for improving the behavior of Gomer, an 18 month-old lab (neutered upon adoption) whom we adopted about 2 months ago.  He is aggressive to other dogs (except Elvis, our other dog (12 month old neutered lab)), chases everything (so far cats, horses, cows, birds and cars), and seems generally stubborn (or willful perhaps), tugging at the lead when corrected and seeming to ignore commands on occasion.  He is going to basic obedience in October (first available class), and in the meantime, we are trining him to heel, sit and stay as we did with Elvis (learned through an experienced trainer).  Any advice on improving his attention to us, reducing chasing, and getting the aggressive behavior to stop (he is only aggressive to dogs-  does great with adults and children and even cats, although he chases them) would be greatly appreciated.  He has a very sweet disposition, and sometimes is very quick to respond to commands but other times…  Thanks in advance! Mary

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