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We got a lot of good tips from watching Cesar Milan's show. Our problem dog is a senior mini poodle/rat terrier mix that we adopted four years ago, along with two other dogs. The poodle is very attached to me and shadows me everywhere. He used to periodically attack and bite my boyfriend's feet. And when he did, my boyfriend would gently grab his throat and push him down on his back in a submissive posture. Eventually, the poodle accepted not being my boyfriend's equal. There is no love between them, but for the most part, there is a truce. I suppose that I should be flattered that the poodle wants to claim me for his own.
I also agree with talking regular walks with your dog NOT leading the group of you. And don't treat your dog as a small person, but just a dog in the house. This would also mean no bed or furniture privileges until order is restored. If you treat your dog like a people, they can be confused about their role in the household and that's when the trouble starts. Cesar even had an episode where he stopped a dog from barking and going crazy when people rang the doorbell. Again, while it's good to have a protective dog, that dog also needs to calm down immediately if their humans indicate the all clear sign.
I am setting up the DVR tonight to record ALL of the Dog Whisperer shows. Also planning to take a walk with DH and Aztec tonight and will make this a routine for us.
I say walk him and then put him to bed an hour before you go to bed ....out of routine! I'm going against routine here! Routine makes our dog expect things so we keep him guessing. Its possible he's not normal though (ha)
or change up his bedtime ..move his crate, move the bed? change things around so they aren't predictable and I would make hubby become friends w/ the dog!
sidenote!
I can't fill up a water bottles w/ gym shorts on because Cody knows we are going for a walk and bounces off walls!
I am setting up the DVR tonight to record ALL of the Dog Whisperer shows. Also planning to take a walk with DH and Aztec tonight and will make this a routine for us.
Sounds like a good plan .
There's definitely something psychological that happens during a walk, Cesar explains it very well .
Great suggestions, definitely do the walking. I don't think anyone mentioned this yet, but also you could do some obedience work with the dog every day and that will help you gain status in his eyes. Doesn't have to be much, just 5-10 minutes practicing sit, down, stay, come etc. You and DH should do the obedience, maybe trade off days? And have the dog sit (or do another command) before you feed him. Make him work for food, affection, etc. Not work hard, but doing a sit or down first will reinforce that you are in control.
Also try the NILIF technique (nothing in life is free). He wants a treat, he has to sit for it, he wants to go out, he has to sit first, he wants to eat, he has to sit first, you go through the door/up/down stairs first, etc. Dogs who work (not hard) for something understand the owner's position as pack leader.
A yard, no matter how big, is not a substitute for the walk... it fulfills many needs in a dog, including "moving forward" (as they do in the wild), socializing, smelling/seeing new sights, and following their pack leader. Have you read or watched Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer? He talks a LOT about the importance of a walk, and how every dog needs 1-2 good ones a day. As he put it on one show, would you be happy never going out if you had a mansion? I'm guessing you'd get bored pretty quickly, even if the house was 20,000 square feet.
You took the words right out of my mouth. I was just going to say the exact same thing! Walking the dog is essential. Love Cesar Milan.
You did not mention if the dog was accustomed to sleeping with you or in your room before your ex came back. On the surface it sounds like your dog is ok with your kids but resents your ex for some reason. Aggression is normally caused by fear and it’s your dog’s way of trying to protect itself. The dog may even feel it must protect you as well. It’s important to note that your dog feels more at ease with your husband lying in bed. I would encourage your husband to interact in a positive way with your dog before retiring for the evening to instill a more desirable behavior. You should see a difference within a short period of time. However, if the problem escalates, contact a professional trainer for advice. They would be in a position to evaluate the situation and solve the issue. Aggression can be easily dealt with once you discover the source and how to stop it.
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Last edited by SouthernBelleInUtah; 10-05-2010 at 10:59 AM..
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