Dog trainers?

[Lea789]

We've had a rescue dog for a couple of months now. She's lovely - apart from two problems: she growls at our son (2 1/2 years) (and would snap at him) and she is very aggressive with other dogs. She got into a fight with a neighbour's dog (staffie type?) - both dogs were equally agressive, but luckily got off with a few minor cuts. If we're out on walk she'll go mad when meeting other dogs, so we are careful and have her on a lead unless we are sure there are no other dogs nearby. The only exception so far is another neighbour's (male) dog, who she'll play with quite happily. Today at the vet it was rather tricky in the waiting room when she tried to go for two other dogs, including a huge dalmation...

Anyway, I am considering seeing a dog trainer, but I don't really know where to start! Is there any point in doing this, given her age? (We're not sure exactly how old she is, the vet estimates between 8 and 10 years.) She's a medium-sized cross, not sure what breeds (probably collie in there somewhere).

Should we try a dog trainer? If yes, what are the different approaches? Anything you would particularly recommend / avoid?

 

[CAYLA]

Hi...I think with your son..it's going to be a case of giving her her space and allowing her to get away from him...most older dogs get a little grumpy around younger children...by growling she is giving you clear warning...that she does not like him to close...your child will be very active and seem and maybe a little too much for her.

Re the other dogs....as a rescue you will never know her back ground...she may never have been socialised or lived with other dogs.
They can be very hostile when restrained by a leash...if she plays ok with one of the neighbours dogs...chances are she needs time to socialise with a dog before feeling comfortable and not on her guard all the time, older dogs have alot less tolerance for younger bouncy dogs and will warn them of their dissaproval, she obviously does not feel threatened by the neighbours dog.
There are some reward based exercises you can try whilst out walking with her...and it may be worth trying to get her to a local doggy class for some socialisation with some quieter dogs so she can mix without being over powered or feeling threatened.

We get alot of oldies in via our rescue...which are very snappy with the other dogs...we first allow them to adjust to the new environment and then gradually let them out with the quieter dogs to give them a chance to mix without any over the top confrontation that they would get from the younger dogs.
Maybe ask the neigbour whos dog she likes if you could walk him with her...give her a little friendly distraction and a little confidence.

 

[Booboos]

I wouldn't hesitate about taking your dog for training. It can be a lot of fun for both of you, stimulating, a good learning experience and you can get help with specific problems. I don't think age matters that much, training is not just for puppies and although it is good to start early there is no reason why you can't start later on. A good trainer can help you with how you should react to your dog and this can be crucial with gaining confidence.

There are many different schools of training, some quite at odds with others about the methods they use. I would do some research on the internet and see what appeals to you and your dog. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers might be a good place to start:
http://www.apdt.co.uk/
Personally I am a big fan of clicker training, but each to his own!

 

[Lea789]

Thanks for replying, Cala and Booboos! I've contacted a local trainer already, but she hasn't got back to me yet. I'll have a look at the Assoc of pet dog trainers as well.