Agression towards people but not dogs - Page 2

WorkingInSTL · 06-26-2008, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2RescuedDobies

I would have to strongly disagree. At my SCH club the puppies have been coming since 12 weeks. If you wait until 1 you miss out on golden opportunities to lay your foundation. Check out Purely Positive Training by Sheila Booth and Gary Patterson's Shaping the Behavior. Now is the time for laying the foundation for focus work and obedience. Take him everywhere expose him to as much as you can.

I tend to fall into this line of thinking myself, but there are others who disagree, specifically in regards to protection. The line of thinking tends to be found more in Mecca (sorry, did I say that, I meant Germany), where some trainers are of the opinion that a dog is either going to do protection or not, and the waiting doesn't make a bit of difference.

I just didn't comment because I didn't want to start "the great training debate".

zeus and me · 06-26-2008, 08:42 AM

my zeus is going to our schutzhund club now....we mostly do OB work but he also is learning to bite on a rag....nothing to grand yet ha! but he sure enjoys it! we have school tonight.I love going because zeus gets to see and hear so many things.I make sure he is out to hear the gun shots.....he gets to meet all the people....it is always just a great time! I say dont waste a year

we drive a hour each way to train 2 times a week

obiethedobe · 06-26-2008, 09:19 AM

I got him at 10 weeks, took him absolutely everywhere with me and he wasnt afraid of anyone. It's only been the last month or so he's been acting like this.
I'll look into the SCH, the protection club I know of I feel is kinda over the top, I wasnt sure if I should bring him there in the first place, so if they are saying wait untill he's one then I should probably go somewhere else and start him now.
I have him signed up in obedience for next week, so that should help.
I dont think he's under-socialized, but maybe I should expose him to more strangers.

GunnersMum · 06-26-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by obiethedobe

We were in his puppy class and he was good with other owners and other dogs, one adult guy he decided he didnt like and was growling softly. Another dog owner brought his kids to the class and Obie was watching them and growling again.
I dont understand why he is like that. I realize now that I probably should have started with a female for my first dobe but it's too late now.
And he just got neutered on friday.
Any tips??

I'm left wondering what trainer left you high and dry to not show you how to correct his behaviour in the class setting when he was growling... The trainer really should have assisted you in that situation and given you pointers to over come his fear.

The advise given here is sound and I'd definetly look into other venues for training that will help you in person for these types of situations. Your trainer should only be a phone call away if you're not in class IMO.

Lexxsmom · 06-26-2008, 09:38 AM

i have to agree fully with Gunner. I know that our trainer ( gunner and i train together) would NEVER leave that behavior unchecked. It can become a serious issue.

you've been given some great advice, just be consistent and practice practice practice, lots of experience for him. Lexx became a little different at 6 months, but not growly, just more afraid. Its a fear stage and COULD just be that, but it could be more too.

also, don't say that you should have gotten a female first, what difference would that have made?

obiethedobe · 06-26-2008, 01:05 PM

So the trainer told me he is very dominant and when he is acting up to roll him. He fights me most of the time when I do it. So i just wait untill he gives up fighting me then release.
I just keep hearing that a male dobe is not for "beginners". This is my first dobe, I've had shelties only before.

WorkingInSTL · 06-26-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by obiethedobe

So the trainer told me he is very dominant and when he is acting up to roll him. He fights me most of the time when I do it. So i just wait untill he gives up fighting me then release.
I just keep hearing that a male dobe is not for "beginners". This is my first dobe, I've had shelties only before.

I'm a little confused here. What trainer are you talking about ? The protection club trainer or someone else ? Also, what would define "acting up" and warrant a "roll" ? Can you describe the methodology and philosophy behind it ?

GunnersMum · 06-26-2008, 01:20 PM

Seriously? Find a new trainer! Good heavens, I can't believe that in this day and age "trainers" are telling people to roll a dog. I'd seek out one who knows dobermans and can actually help you. The sex of a doberman really doesn't matter in the whole scheme of things. A female could behave exactly the same way and give you just as much of a hastle.

Stop rolling that poor boy and start calling around to different clubs to find yourself a good trainer who knows the breed. (sorry if this post seems blunt)

obiethedobe · 06-26-2008, 01:48 PM

It's fine to be blunt, I need the help! the puppy class trainer told me to. If he bites me (play biting) or is growling at someone to just put him down.
thats the only class i've ever been to so far, our new class (with different trainer) starts in a few weeks.
So instead of rolling, what should I do, on lead I give him a pop with the prong collar (have to do rarely) or in the house I love the spray water bottle, it really works more than a roll.

Lexxsmom · 06-26-2008, 02:32 PM

I think that you have to realize that he may not be growling out of aggression but may be growling out of fear. Are his hackles raised when he growls? does he step towards or away from the target, how is he with other "scary" things, loud noises, new places, cars etc?

Also, never roll a dog for play biting. I have rolled Lexx a few times, but not to show dominance, just to get him used to being handled in all ways and trust me, I don't know if i even would have done it knowing what i know now. Rolling is NOT a fix for this behavior and will likely only make it worse in the end.

You need to find yourself a trainer that is familiar with DOGS period, even better if they are familiar with dobermans.