Zeblar

Ok I have an issue with Odin and I have no idea on how to address it. He is showing aggression towards dogs that I can only describe as being fluffy or having poofy coats. For example he dislikes a local Chow Chow and Samoyed and I don't understand why, he has never had a run in with either of these dogs. But they are male and I have had some male aggression issues with Odin.

I have also seen him at dog class viciously barking at a small Pomeranian on the other side of the fence to him. I couldn't understand it and redirected his attention elsewhere. The only thing that all these dogs have in common is the type of fur they have. Which is what I am describing as fluffy, which lets face it they are!

What I am curious to know is;

One, has anyone else ever had this issue with their Dobe?

And two how should I try to address this "fluffy" problem Odin seems to have?

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MeadowCat

I recommend using the "Look at That" technique that Leslie McDevitt talks about in her book, "Control Unleashed." The whole book is worthwhile, but here is another summary of LAT: Look at That! A Counterintuitive Approach to Dealing with Reactive Dogs Dog Training for Dog Lovers Blog

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vivienne00

I find dobermans and most smooth-coated breeds have a problem with fluffy dogs and v.v.

Some of the BCs in class have issues with dobes because they are smooth-coated. It is all about socialization as a little puppy. It is very hard to find a lot of fluffy dogs to keep your dobe puppy socialized to during their various phases because the reverse socialization hasn't always happened. I go out of my way to have them play with fluffy dogs.


I agree with using the "look at that" technique but you have to make sure that the dog you want your dog not to have issues with is OK with a smooth-coated dog.

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Cato and Emerald's Black Onyx (r.i.p.)
Owned by Enid, Yoda, Jill (kelpie) and Lana.