Need Doggy Help!

kkchisholm

Hi There,
when I use to post here a lot, I remember a lot of you had dogs- so I have a question.

A few months ago, we adopted a dog from the animal shelter. he is a real gem. Sweetest little cuddle bug. He learns quick, and we are able to take him to the beach/park with no leash.

Well about 2 weeks  ago, I threw him a stick, and a dog coming from the opposite direction was running towards Jack, going after the stick. Jack got down in a "crouch position", but not the typical play bow. I figured, oh, hey he was just being protective of his stick. But since then, he gets in this position and runs towards the other dogs more than 50% of the time. I'ts pretty frustration

This morning at the beach, he did this but seemed to get pretty aggressive with the dog. H pulled him off, but the other owner didn't seem to mind. I thought it was just rough play, but H thinks they were biting, in a not good way.

Also- he seems to listening less these past two weeks . "Lets go Jack!" pretty much means nothing when he's sniffing another dog now. Before he would follow us as we walked away. We had to walk to rest of the beach on a leash today

Has anyone elses dog done this? One other owner laughed and said "oh my dog use to do that too!". Whatever that means.  What do you think?

(I will also post this on sb because I know many e-ers have migrated over there.)

Picture of my buddy for fun!

Snippylynn

Try distracting him with a treat, get in front of him and back him away.  A friend of mine had to do this with her dog who just doesn't like other dogs OR people. 

kkchisholm

Thankfully he loves people...I am just hoping people aren't next!

WildRumpus

I found this article, which makes some good points:
http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/aggression.html

Sorry I can't be more help, Ox loves other dogs....
Whatever you do, consistency is always key. Good luck!

LP11509

Has he had any formal obedience training?  If not, I highly recommend looking into it.  And might be a good idea to keep him on a leash when around other dogs until he starts consistently obeying you. 

kkchisholm

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-doggy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:87701c87-acf0-4918-96b8-3e6af9f6939fPost:61285187-ff38-4ccf-ab0e-d5bb151f2fb7">Re: Need Doggy Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]Has he had any formal obedience training?  If not, I highly recommend looking into it.  And might be a good idea to keep him on a leash when around other dogs until he starts consistently obeying you. 
Posted by LP11509[/QUOTE]

The shelter reports he did have training.

He seems to always listen when there are no other dogs around. Maybe to train him to listen when there are dog, should I do it when he's playing with my parents or H's parents dogs? My parents have a yorkie poo and his have a puggle. Size matters in training process?

Jennifer&Nate

Even if he has had training, going through the class with him yourself can be beneficial so he learns your cues and you learn how to project that you're "in charge"!

DramaGeek

If you haven't been through training with him, do it.  I firmly believe that training is more for the humans than the dogs.  Plus, if you do it in a class, you'll have other dogs around and he'll learn to listen then.  The trainer will also be able to help you with the aggressive behaviors.To find a reputable, licensed trainer, try this website http://www.apdt.com/petowners/ts/default.aspx

WildRumpus

KK, read the article I posted. It mentions how to get dogs used to other dogs, and how to ease them into meeting new dogs. I would also suggest training. We're still having some issues w/ Ox jumping when people come over, and will be taking him to obediance training if it doesn't get better soon.

J&K10910

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-doggy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:87701c87-acf0-4918-96b8-3e6af9f6939fPost:263844eb-5b1d-4aa0-935b-5590ce93ca2e">Re: Need Doggy Help!</a>:
[QUOTE]If you haven't been through training with him, do it.  I firmly believe that training is more for the humans than the dogs.  Plus, if you do it in a class, you'll have other dogs around and he'll learn to listen then.  The trainer will also be able to help you with the aggressive behaviors.To find a reputable, licensed trainer, try this website <a href="http://www.apdt.com/petowners/ts/default.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.apdt.com/petowners/ts/default.aspx</a>
Posted by DramaGeek[/QUOTE]

I agree with this.  It's not just about training him to respond to commands, it's about training him to respond to commands from YOU.  Your H should go as well.  Or at least work with him at home on the things you learn in class. 

kkchisholm

I'll check into it! I know it's half off at the shelter, and the woman who does the training is famous for training police dogs!

Jelenny

Tardy to the party...

I have had a few fosters like this.  It could be one of several things - adopting a shelter dog you never know their history...so we move forward.

I would suggest going back to the training basics.  Maybe your pooch is getting comfortable and coming out of the shell.  Some new owners (not saying you did this) do the pity party of poor dog, they were at the shelter, and let them get away with a bit.  Bottom line your dog needs to know you are the boss...

Work on sit, come, stay, and then move to the whole recall.  Your dog wants you to be happy - most do so when he does those commands and you are happy and rewarding he will do it more...if he gets in the crouch recall him and praise him right away.  Use redirection too.  I have dogs with leash aggression we do this too.  He could be possessive of the stick or things that are "his." 

If your pooch doesn't listen to the recall - leash him and fun time is over.  He will get the point - just takes some going back to the basics.  I can send you a list of info I give families that adopt a dog.  Some tips are helpful, some you may not need.