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Eddie'smum
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28-10-2011, 09:27 PM

Dog on Dog Agression - Progress!!

Hi All,

I posted a while back regarding Eddie and his liking and prevalence to dominate all random dogs whilst out walking, (entires, bitches, big ones small ones etc) it really didn't matter, to be honest, the bigger they were the more he did it, (never any blood spilled thank God!!)

Well it made walking him pretty problematic (a living hell really) and I avoided popular walks frequented by other dogs all the time! I walked at odd hours, I also used a muzzle, but he still tended to deck over-friendly Labs with it still on!

Well after a lot of trials and reading numerous books/websites I finally decided to take matters into my own hands, I decided that the problem was mostly my fault - Eddie was Resource Guarding me!!

So I adopted a program of being Alpha Leader and in many little ways every day showed him I was the Boss, from eating all treats first and giving them to him only after I taken a bite out of them first (ugg!!) to not allowing him to go first out of the house, or on walks etc...

Well I have to report a MIRACLE!! we have now had numerous dog encounters without ANY incident!! We have even been to Newlands Corner, Surrey a few times now (the equivalent of a doggie Oxford Street), WITHOUT INCIDENT!! .

He isn't perfect, and we have still had some slips, but nothing like what he was....To be honest, it was so bad I was thinking of letting him go...

I am so glad I stuck with him, he is in many ways the Best dog, so loving, so loyal and a true companion, but I definitely would never have another dog with dog aggression problems again as it was really tough for a while and touch and go really. I remember coming home from walks in tears many times.

Thanks for reading, and hope this gives encouragement to anyone else who has been there.
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tilskie
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28-10-2011, 09:42 PM
Well done, it is so good when you can resolve these sort of problems, I had very similar with my collie (sadly gone now), his was a nervous aggression and like you when I took the role of alpha male so to speak it worked wonders, he actually seemed relieved that I was in charge! Hope everything continues well for you
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Eddie'smum
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28-10-2011, 09:55 PM
Thanks Tilksie!! I dont think he will ever be a model citizen, but we met a lovelly bouncy springer bitch today, and he didn't do anything!! when I know in the past he would have just decked her!! (but this is now more the norm whereas before it most certainly was not!! now 95% of our encounters are good, with 5% resulting in a decking or growling or a barking/lunging if onlead.

It took me a long time to actually figure out the problem... I dont know if he's nervous, or just likes to dominate, but it doesn't matter, I show him I am Alpha and since then, he doesn't seem to feel the need to dominate the over the dog... it was bizarre really, because before he wouldn't even do a standard doggie meet and greet, just jump them... I dont know if he's now decided that every other dog is not necessarily a threat or that he doesn't need to dominate... but no matter, I am Alpha and it takes that decision away from him - I am guessing?

Thanks for the reply!!
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tilskie
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28-10-2011, 10:03 PM
"he would have just decked her" hahaha!! not funny really but it made me giggle
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Eddie'smum
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28-10-2011, 10:09 PM
Originally Posted by tilskie View Post
"he would have just decked her" hahaha!! not funny really but it made me giggle
I know what you mean and he's only a Cocker for goodness sake but oh! he was an absolute terror!! I was a my wits end on more than one occasion, he's seen off GSD's in the past, Staffies.. the works really I am hoping that those days are far, far behind me!!
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tilskie
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29-10-2011, 07:35 AM
Fingers crossed they are, my two now are such laid back creatures but I still make them wait at doors,gates,stiles etc so it is always us that goes first just so they are under control, they just accept this as normal whereas it was a struggle with my collie at times !! These two are clicker trained as well whereas the collie was not, with hindsight the clicker would have been a very good tool for him.
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Moon's Mum
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29-10-2011, 07:46 AM
Hiya I remember Eddie! I'm so happy to hear that he's better. I'll give you my take on things. I'm not so sure that Eddie was resource guarding you, I think it likely he was just very unconfident and protecting himself (sorry, I know the former is more flattering ). I'm also not fully convinced that certain techniques, like eating dog biscuits, have much effect. However from what you've described I think that by taking control of the situation and providing clear boundaries for Eddie, you have helped him to understand life and feel more comfortable in his role, so he doesn't feel the need to protect himself, he van look to you to do that. So I thunk you've managed to increase his confidence and make him a happier dog Dogs are like children, they thrive with clear boundaries and expectations. Either way it doesn't matter who's theory is right, the fact is that you and Eddie are both a lot happier and that's such great news
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Eddie'smum
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29-10-2011, 09:54 AM
Thanks Amanda, I have to disagree with your take on things tho, in wild packs the dominant one always eats first, sleeps in the best position, and always leads the way.

I read a few books on dog psychology and followed some key points and the result was pretty much immediate, also Eddie will not tolerate me fussing another strange dog (so I never do) so this points to resource guarding.

Yes he is more confident but that is in ME! he looks for me to lead therefore the pressure is off and no longer sees the need for guarding also I didn't find it all flattering I can assure you he was guarding me in the way dogs protect their food source!!
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krlyr
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29-10-2011, 10:23 AM
Originally Posted by Eddie'smum View Post
Thanks Amanda, I have to disagree with your take on things tho, in wild packs the dominant one always eats first, sleeps in the best position, and always leads the way.
I think there's one little flaw in this theory though...we're not dogs, and I think our dogs realise that
I have to agree that setting boundaries has probably helped with his confidence but I reckon you could ditch the bits like eating his treats and be fine. Though if you do want to keep up the method, I'd suggest maybe switching his dog treats to something a little more appealing - perhaps some little cubes of cheese or cooked chicken?

One bit that does concern me a little is that you say 5% of interactions still result in negative behaviour - are you back to letting him off-lead now? I know you've made a massive improvement but you only need for the 5% reaction to happen with another problematic dog to end up with a dog fight on your hands, or to set back a dog that has been travelling a similar journey in terms of behavioural issues so I'd perhaps be relying on a longline until you can smooth out the last few niggles.
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BangKaew
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29-10-2011, 10:24 AM
well done for taking control. What really helped my anxious of dogs dog was getting another dog. He now knows how to meet dogs properly and there has been no skirmish for months.
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