Redirecting biting

dogs4jen · 11-20-2007, 06:13 PM

I think Iggy might have a serious temperament problem. He has been getting more and more unfriendly to anyone coming into the house, so much so that I put him in his crate before they come in. It seemed playful at first, but it got worse and I realized that it wasn't playful, and he also started redirecting his biting at me. Sunday we took him into the pet food store and at first he was friendly toward the employee who pet him, and then growled at her. Today I took him for a walk at the civic center and he tried to go after another person walking. He redirected his frustration at me and ripped a big hole in my pants and bit me several times, not enough to break the skin, but it was pretty scary.
I've pm'd the woman from the rescue, but do you think this is a phase or something that can be trained out of him?
Jen

tgejr · 11-20-2007, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogs4jen

I think Iggy might have a serious temperament problem. He has been getting more and more unfriendly to anyone coming into the house, so much so that I put him in his crate before they come in. It seemed playful at first, but it got worse and I realized that it wasn't playful, and he also started redirecting his biting at me. Sunday we took him into the pet food store and at first he was friendly toward the employee who pet him, and then growled at her. Today I took him for a walk at the civic center and he tried to go after another person walking. He redirected his frustration at me and ripped a big hole in my pants and bit me several times, not enough to break the skin, but it was pretty scary.
I've pm'd the woman from the rescue, but do you think this is a phase or something that can be trained out of him?
Jen

How old is the dog?

link80reid · 11-20-2007, 06:25 PM

No matter how scary it is, when he does that try to relax and stay in control. After all you need to be the dominant one and immediately let him know that that kind of behavior is unacceptable. Puting him in the crate when guests come over will only make it worse. Just be right there at all times when you have guests over so you can immediately correct the negative behavior. Yes it can be trained out of him, all you have to do is stop the behavior when it happens. Assert dominance. The dog has no repect for your authority as it stands right now.

sundobe · 11-20-2007, 06:44 PM

I'm sorry you are having difficulty with Iggy, but I really feel these types of problems are virtually impossible to diagnose over the internet. My recommendation is to have him evaluated by a professional in you area, be it a trainer (who is familiar with, and is experienced with dobermans), a behaviorist, or a breeder. I see that you got him got him from rescue?? Contacting them would be an excellent start!

IN the meant time be very careful of activities that put Iggy and yourself in the situation where he feels he wants to display aggression. I would limit his walks to private areas, and either restrict company or put him in his crate in another area of the house.

Good luck. Please let us know how it goes.

**DreamDoby** · 11-20-2007, 07:06 PM

I would also seek an opinion from a behaviorist or experienced trainer. The rescue may possibly be able to help you with this. You will get a lot farther with them being able to see the bahavior than over the internet.

Good luck.

CoAl-s-Mom · 11-20-2007, 07:15 PM

I agree with Sundobe. You need real life help with a problem like this. I would definitly contact the rescue. They may know a good behavourist or your vet may have a recommendation.

Good luck.

tgejr · 11-20-2007, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundobe

I'm sorry you are having difficulty with Iggy, but I really feel these types of problems are virtually impossible to diagnose over the internet. My recommendation is to have him evaluated by a professional in you area, be it a trainer (who is familiar with, and is experienced with dobermans), a behaviorist, or a breeder. I see that you got him got him from rescue?? Contacting them would be an excellent start!

IN the meant time be very careful of activities that put Iggy and yourself in the situation where he feels he wants to display aggression. I would limit his walks to private areas, and either restrict company or put him in his crate in another area of the house.

Good luck. Please let us know how it goes.

I agree with the above, very difficult to help you over the internet. Definitly call the rescue if anything they would know if the dog had any hisory of behavioral issues. I asked how old the dog was because if we are dealing with a puppy the methods used to correct the problem would be differant then those used with an older dog. Have the dog evaluated by an experienced trainer in your area. In the meantime, i dont agree with leaving the dog loose when you have visitors. Dont take any chances, put him in his crate when people are around until you know you have control over your dog!

**lyngr** · 11-20-2007, 07:28 PM

Speaking from experience, I agree that you should contact your rescue for assistance and seek the advice of a reputable professional in your area.

Good luck.

Dobemom2b · 11-20-2007, 07:38 PM

I agree with the rest about contacting the rescue and having him evaluated. You may also want to have a full medical checkup to make sure there is not a underlying medical issue. A dog in pain will often hide it until they hit the point that they strike out.

dogs4jen · 11-20-2007, 10:31 PM

Thanks for the help everybody. I have taken him to the vet, but it was before all this started. He's about nine months old now. I'll see what the rescue has to say, and try to find a professional evaluation. Thanks again,
Jen