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Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze  You have to be in charge of this puppy. Right now, he's running the household. I wouldn't let a puppy get by with this behavior at all. This behavior would not scare me, it would really make me determined to correct it. It takes both you and your husband to make it work. How does he do on long walks? Get him outside for long daily walks and tire him. Some of this could be vent up emotions. He does need socializing, but not until you and your husband have shown him "who's the boss". |
I agree with this...and I am like you. I am "blessed" in the sense that I am not afraid of dogs at all. I was attacked when I was 10 years old but it only taught me things...and they were 2 pit/rott mixes. very large dogs and i have a HUGE scar because of it. but I learned so much...and one of the things I learned is that you have to put your fears to the side and show them who the boss is. The reason I realized this was because they were my uncles dogs...he heard me screaming in the back yard and came out the door and yelled their names. they scrammed. i mean..fast as lightening...they took off!!!! so they knew he was in control. So that is how I have been with dogs my whole life...i do NOT put up with bad aggressive behavior. I have been in maggie's face SEVERAL times because she was getting aggressive with my daughter or with my other dog. and she knows...if I say no..i mean no. I put her on her bad...hands holding her head still and get nose to nose with her and say NO very very sternly. she will NOT look at me. she refuses to. and I can say that i have not had to do this in a while...she learned.
i know it is scary to think the dog will bite you...but you have to show him you are not scared..even if you are. they can sense these things and he knows he can get away with that behavior. if he is only 5.5 months old, he is still very young and needs to be taught to be submissive to you. when he does that, quickly grab him, put him on his back and secure him so he cannot bite you. then get as close to his face as you feel comfortable with and just repeat NO NO NO NO until he gives in. and you WILL have to do it several times. I seriously doubt he will learn immediately..you have to be consistent. and each and every time he gets an attitude...on his back he goes.
you can do this. i know you can
and no...you will not get bashed on here for asking this kind of advice. now...if you said you want to beat him with a belt...then yes, you would get a lot of negativity..but you have come here looking for help, and that is what you shall get
good luck at the trainers. I agree....this is a very important thing with aggressive dogs...you need a good, professional trainer that can show you how to correct this.