MAJOR help needed!!!

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111ex111

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I have a lab x collie called Jed. He was a rescue and about a month after we got him he was attacked twice in the space of a week :(
Now he absolutely hates dogs he doesn't know. It seems to be excited 'in your face' type dogs or spaniels.

My mum just came home from a walk this evening in tears because he had gone for another dog again. she said he tried to grab the dog and wouldn't let go, there wasn't any marks on the other dog and the owner was very understanding- my mum told him where we live so if there is a problem he could come and knock at the door.

every walk is stressful and all we need is an owner who doesn't know much about dogs to call the police or something about our 'dangerous dog'- im getting teary just thinking about the fact that thats all it takes and he could be taken away from us.

anyone have any ideas at all???
 
Do you take him to training/socialisation?

I assume at the moment you are not letting the dog off the lead in areas that there are other dogs?
 
galaxy said:
Do you take him to training/socialisation?

I assume at the moment you are not letting the dog off the lead in areas that there are other dogs?
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we used to take him to training but kept him away from other dogs. we take him to agility but my mum has almost given up with that because its so stressful! when he is going round the course he is so focused and doesnt bat and eyelid at the other dogs, but as soon as one approaches him he tries to go for it.

we've had a 'specialist' trainer come to our house but to be honest it was a load of s***!

we have also tried the thunder shirt with no luck!
 
poor you....why not get a muzzle for when you walk until you have sorted the problem out. i would also contact a local dog training group for help.or...if he is a rescue have you contacted the rescue he came from as they usually have dog that can help.. good luck
 
Keep him on a lead for a start and only let him off in a secure, well fenced area until you have this cracked.

Try and find a trainer who specialises in this sort of issue and one that suits your dog and is prepared to tailor training according to the dog, not a one-size-fits-all person.

every walk is stressful if every walk is stressful for you, you are sending messages to an already stressed dog, which will make him more likely to attack - try and keep calm, if it isn't fun for you, be assured, it is even less fun for him.

Best of luck.
 
a muzzle is our next option but something my mum isn't too keen on.
we are lucky to live right next to miles off woodlands, we see about 2/3 people on each walk- some dogs he knows and some new dogs he has never met. if we see a dog he has not met we put him on the lead- unless its a grey hound because he loves them (?!?!?).

he was not from a rescue center- my mums friends son found him abandoned on a balcony and we were looking for a dog at the time so it was fate!!! we loved all dogs before he got attacked :( I just hate the thought of him attacking another dog and then making them the same!!
 
Do you know anyone with a non reactive dog? You could walk with them and simply lead walk them together (separated by you and their owner). This will help and is my next step with Zak, who sounds lots like yours.

If you're near me, I'm happy to walk my two sensible ones with you.

I can see when my dog aggressive one is starting to get wound up and an easy fix is to get down to his level and to hold him or stroke him. He just needs reassurance.

Speaking to a GSD breeder, she swears by rescue remedy for anxious dogs. I couldn't tell you the dose, but I might give it a go with mine, although I would hate to 'drug' him. I just want him less stressed.
 
i understand not liking a muzzle but if you gradually get him used to it in the house, give him a treat when you put it on leave it on for a very short while then take off..make it a game not a punishment....then if you are walking with him in a muzzle you will be more relaxed and this will transfer to him, the same as being nervous will transfer to him...when my dog was ill used a muzzle when i let her off lead as she kept eating rubbish and making herself even more ill, she got used to it very quickly but i must admit i didnt like using one but felt it was necessary for a while, so just think of it as a short term solution.... hope this helps..
 
CaveCanem said:
Oh and what area are you in. A trainer that comes to the house for an issue that happens out of the house, hmm, where have I heard that before....
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Im in surrey! she was rubbish ahha basically said when Jed is meeting people (while wagging his tail) that he is really stressed?! He LOVES people! she didnt even work on the problem that we wanted her too, ugh!
 
OK....firstly, how old is Jed?

What do you know of his history, if anything?

What were the qualifications of the person who came to help you? Bet it wasn't APBC!

What is your mum's objection to a muzzle...if properly introduced?

My advice would be to find an APBC behaviourist in your area (where are you and maybe someone can advise?) and in the meantime to keep him on a harness and long line (ideally with muzzle) in areas where you can't control the environment. Also, to set up as many encounters as possible with dogs that he knows and is friendly to. Then to consider introducing a dog that is a stranger to Jed to a KNOWN dog to Jed in Jed's eyesight but at a comfortable distance. Let Jed interact with the known dog, then let it go and interact with the stranger whilst Jed is watching at a non-reactive distabnce and then bring the known dog back to interact with Jed.

The age/sex of Jed would determine what stranger I would want to introduce and it would be the interpretation of his reaction to the smell/sight of the stranger on the known dog as to how I would then proceed. This is where you need experienced advice.
 
Hi,
I am no dog expert but had a similar time with my working sheepdog.
He was not attacked by another dog...but was terrified of them when he was a puppy/youngster....and when they came near...he would try and bite me!
I know it is not the same situation as you and your poor dog.....but I decided to take him to a dog show.....so low key as to be almost horizontal.....and because there were SO many dogs there (it was in an indoor school with small rings).....he eventually relaxed....and even took part in the best behaved dog.....and won :) and is no longer scared of other dogs...wary maybe...but not scared.
However...he failed in the 'catch the sausage' class!
This might be an idea?
Best of luck,
Bryndu
 
gunnergundog said:
OK....firstly, how old is Jed?

What do you know of his history, if anything?

What were the qualifications of the person who came to help you? Bet it wasn't APBC!

What is your mum's objection to a muzzle...if properly introduced?

My advice would be to find an APBC behaviourist in your area (where are you and maybe someone can advise?) and in the meantime to keep him on a harness and long line (ideally with muzzle) in areas where you can't control the environment. Also, to set up as many encounters as possible with dogs that he knows and is friendly to. Then to consider introducing a dog that is a stranger to Jed to a KNOWN dog to Jed in Jed's eyesight but at a comfortable distance. Let Jed interact with the known dog, then let it go and interact with the stranger whilst Jed is watching at a non-reactive distabnce and then bring the known dog back to interact with Jed.

The age/sex of Jed would determine what stranger I would want to introduce and it would be the interpretation of his reaction to the smell/sight of the stranger on the known dog as to how I would then proceed. This is where you need experienced advice.
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Jed is 4 years old, we only know that he was abandoned on a balcony then he came to us, when he came he was fine with other dogs- this problem started after he was attacked.
It was APDT- whatever that means?!?!
 
You need a confident trainer (by all menas look for specific qualification) but make sure they have dealt with aggression and can actually handle your dog without fear!
I have recently dealt with a lady (registered here) but never posted:p she may kill me for mentioning her:eek::p:D
She is facing similar problems with her collie and has been told so many contrasting things and had absolute "imbosils" (by the sounds of it) folk telling her to tie him to fences in training class and let dogs pass him:eek: from others wrapping leads round their waists because they could not manage him when he flew at other dogs:eek: to being excluded when "trainers methods" failed to work on him, trainers trying to handle him and dish out advice to her which was pretty alarming, she as a result has ended up an emotional wreck trying to deal with the dog.
She came to me (luckily she was on my door step) and we went through the basics and we had him walking on both infront of dogs and behind (which he hates and sends him frenzied) and also me walking him with my rotti on the other side, as I explained to the lady, it's all in your confidence and handling and believing you can work with the issue (displayed by capable hands) and most of all being able to take critisism poss in regard to your handling and being realistic;)
She went home with a new found confidence at not being told "he is a useless case" and has tackled walking past dogs head on (where she would usually dive into a hedge/the side) bless her:)
I would not give advice on the forum in regard to such high aggression like I used to because it really does take a one on one with a good realistic trainer that does not take your money and run at the first sign of difficulty and be aware you may hear some home truths about yourself and you handling skills.
Try to get a recommended trainer that will be happy to take and handle the dog with you and be aware there is not miracle pill and it takes "time" and patience and alot of confidence to deal with such issues.
 
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hollieeb said:
It was APDT- whatever that means?!?!
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APDT signifies a dog trainer; APBC signifies a dog behaviourist!

Qualifications aren't the be all and end all, but they are a start if you have no other reference point.

A dog trainer generally will teach your dog to sit, down, walk to heel etc.
A behaviourist can be expected to deal with behavioural issues......obsessive behaviours, agression etc.

Again there are good and bad, but it is a starting point. Do your local research well once you have got your list of locally appropriately qualified/experienced individuals and go from there.

If you can give a rough idea of where you are in the country someone may be able to give you a heads up on someone worth their salt.
 
If you can get yourself to Suffolk, I know a behaviourist who may be able to help. She regularly deals with the 'growlies' as we call them, and has two excellent stooge dogs that she can introduce when the time is right. It's a long way, but might end up being worth it, so if you would like any info drop me a PM.
 
Spudlet said:
If you can get yourself to Suffolk, I know a behaviourist who may be able to help. She regularly deals with the 'growlies' as we call them, and has two excellent stooge dogs that she can introduce when the time is right. It's a long way, but might end up being worth it, so if you would like any info drop me a PM.
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Spudlet, I wonder if you could PM me her details?

Thanks you! :)
 
(sorry if Im repeating havent read all the replies)

Put a muzzle on, it will make your walks much more enjoyable if you can relax. I had a dog which turned dog aggressive for no apparent reason, I put a muzzle on the when he was loose once a dog came running up to play with him, he went for it but obviously couldnt do anything, strange dog thought this was a brilliant game and five minutes later they were running round together like they had been friends for life!! Que more experiences like that and he was as trustworthy as a dog with history can get. I always muzzled in crowded places and if he was loose for my peice of mind.
He is probably trying to get in there first, if he learns to make friends he will get over this.
 
amy_b said:
(sorry if Im repeating havent read all the replies)

Put a muzzle on, it will make your walks much more enjoyable if you can relax. I had a dog which turned dog aggressive for no apparent reason, I put a muzzle on the when he was loose once a dog came running up to play with him, he went for it but obviously couldnt do anything, strange dog thought this was a brilliant game and five minutes later they were running round together like they had been friends for life!! Que more experiences like that and he was as trustworthy as a dog with history can get. I always muzzled in crowded places and if he was loose for my peice of mind.
He is probably trying to get in there first, if he learns to make friends he will get over this.
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He is definitely trying to get in there first! we brought a muzzle a few weeks ago but never got around to using it, we both weren't keen on the idea.
However we have just been out for a walk and put the muzzle on him for 10 mins, gave him a treat then took it off, then put it on again for 5 mins near the end of the walk. He didn't seem too bad with it just tried to get it off a few times!
 
Agree with pretty much everything people have said already.
Also suggesting that you ring around training clubs, if you can find one that is outdoors you can ask them if you can wander around the outskirts with your dog and get it used to being around other dogs again. It is useful, because all the dogs in the classes are (normally :D ) under control so you can get her around other dogs safely without them running up to him and worrying him. We always have one or two dogs milling about the field during class!
Having said this, would still find a good behaviourist though to help you through it and create a plan of action, although that woman sounded rather useless!
 
'every walk is stressful and all we need is an owner who doesn't know much about dogs to call the police or something about our 'dangerous dog'- im getting teary just thinking about the fact that thats all it takes and he could be taken away from us. '

i really sympathise with your situation and it sounds like your poor dog has had a couple of really scary experiences BUT the above comment is a bit strange.

he IS currently a dangerous dog around other dogs

one of my dogs has been bitten twice by other dogs resulting in stitches being needed both times the owners told me their dog meant no harm:confused:

i have taught dog training for over 10yrs and have had dog to dog aggression situations in my classes and they can all be worked with but sometimes they need to be started on their own not in a crowd or confined space

you need a good dog person, handler, trainer, behaviourist call them what you will to help you and you seem aware of that, but for the safety of all put a muzzle on your dog outside your home, if he does bite another dog and someone gets bitten by mistake trying to separate them he could be a dead dog all for the sake of a muzzle
 
hollieeb said:
Im in surrey! she was rubbish ahha basically said when Jed is meeting people (while wagging his tail) that he is really stressed?! He LOVES people! she didnt even work on the problem that we wanted her too, ugh!
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A wagging tail can be a sign of stress... just because a dog wags, doesn't mean they are really happy all the time. Can't say whether it's the case for your dog, but a wagging tail is not always a sign of happiness.
 
jools1234 said:
'every walk is stressful and all we need is an owner who doesn't know much about dogs to call the police or something about our 'dangerous dog'- im getting teary just thinking about the fact that thats all it takes and he could be taken away from us. '

i really sympathise with your situation and it sounds like your poor dog has had a couple of really scary experiences BUT the above comment is a bit strange.

he IS currently a dangerous dog around other dogs

one of my dogs has been bitten twice by other dogs resulting in stitches being needed both times the owners told me their dog meant no harm:confused:

i have taught dog training for over 10yrs and have had dog to dog aggression situations in my classes and they can all be worked with but sometimes they need to be started on their own not in a crowd or confined space

you need a good dog person, handler, trainer, behaviourist call them what you will to help you and you seem aware of that, but for the safety of all put a muzzle on your dog outside your home, if he does bite another dog and someone gets bitten by mistake trying to separate them he could be a dead dog all for the sake of a muzzle
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He is definitely not a dangerous dog, he has NEVER bitten a dog! he growls and shows his teeth at them, and if they come near him he will attempt to go for them but by that time we have him under control.

he has lots and lots of doggy friends, dogs that he's met various times before and get along with fine. its just dogs that come up to him that he doesn't know.

we have had many bad experiences with trainers, behaviorists etc, and we cannot afford to waste any more money on them. last women charged £90 for an hour and a half and basically told us s*** all on how to deal with it!

Spudlet said:
A wagging tail can be a sign of stress... just because a dog wags, doesn't mean they are really happy all the time. Can't say whether it's the case for your dog, but a wagging tail is not always a sign of happiness.
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He definitely is not stressed when he meets people, he ADORES people! the sweetest dog ever, he loves everyone and people always comment on how lovely he is, i mean, look at that innocent face ;)

x5egb4.jpg
 
Spudlet does have a point though, lots of people do not recognise the signs of stress in dogs.

I am all for dogs sorting things out between themselves but it has to be with the consent of the other dog owner - you did say he grabbed the other dog by the neck - yes, that would be fine if he did it to a dog like mine, who would slamdunk him and put him on his back, but if he did it for a little dog it might be curtains, which is why people are telling you to get a muzzle on him. It's not a failsafe, but it will help. You need to be starting of putting it on him in the house and getting him used to it and sticking to it, not twice, when you are out on a walk - you might not like it, but you asked for help, you are being given it, and it is better than the alternative.

You will get a lot of help on here, help and tips that a lot of people would and do charge for, but as Cayla says, there is no magic wand x
 
hollieeb said:
My mum just came home from a walk this evening in tears because he had gone for another dog again. she said he tried to grab the dog and wouldn't let go, there wasn't any marks on the other dog and the owner was very understanding-
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hollieeb said:
He is definitely not a dangerous dog, he has NEVER bitten a dog! he growls and shows his teeth at them, and if they come near him he will attempt to go for them but by that time we have him under control.
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If he managed to grab the dog and not let go, even though he did not injure the dog, he has made contact and "bitten".

I would strongly suggest that you keep him on a long line for walking until you manage to get him over this, which I'm sure you will. :)
 
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