Originally Posted by Nancy1999  First of all that was an excellent reply and it gives me a clearer understanding of some of the problems, if you take a step back, I think you have really answered some of your questions. There's a difference between spoiling and pampering a dog. Spoiled dogs, act like they have run of the house, but actually they are running scared, pampered dogs, on the other hand, are treated well, but they understand their place, and are happy knowing that the human is in charge. I believe a dog must never be hit, the hands should only be used for good things, never bad things, a dog equates your hands with your mouth, when you hit him he thinks you are biting and bites back, you can beat a dog into submission, but is this what you want? A dog can learn to be submissive, but he must feel protected and safe. You dog must learn that you and all family members are the boss, but you will also need to teach you son, that he can not handle the dog too much. How would he like it if someone just wanted to hug and kiss him all day long? There are other things a dog would like to with him besides hugging and kissing. I like some of the Dog Whisper's training techniques, and it's his belief that a dog needs, exercise, discipline, and affection, in that order. He's say that humans just want to give affection and forget that a dog doesn't want to be held and loved all day. Like humans, a dog need his space, and maybe you could create a quiet safe area for your dog such as a kennel where he can go when he feels anxious, but this should not be used as punishment. You can get your dog use to a kennel, but taking him for a good walk, and placing him in the kennel, he'll be tired, and probably won't protest too much. If he really doesn't like it I would only leave him in it about 5 minutes the first time, and try not to take him out when he's barking, but take him out after he quiets down. Do this every day for several weeks, and increase the time he's in the kennel, don't let your son disturb him in the kennel that's his place. You need to learn the proper way to take a dog for a walk, and teach this to your son, walking is a very important part of a dog's life and they feel like they are part of a pack when you walk together. There are many websites that explain the proper walking techniques.
Discipline can involve various training methods from potty training to trick training to guest greeting. You need an approach for each problem, but it should never involve physical force. Potty training is best accomplished by ignoring the mistakes, (and cleaning them up with an enzyme cleaner), and praising the successes. If you want to train to go outside, this is best accomplished through crate training. Other ways to establish yourself as a pack leader are to make your dog sit, before food is given. Your dog should learn that all good things come through humans. It's very easy to teach this, and pick up the bowl if he moves toward it before you give the release command. I use pennies in a can for barking, I just say no and shake the can, you have to do this repeatedly and consistently for a while, but it does work. You shouldn't scream or get agitated as this makes them more agitated, so don't scream at the dog, saying, "ugh ugh" in a firm voice when they do something wrong has been said to be effective. You need to also teach your son a proper way to discipline, and I would have him learn to say "ugh ugh" in a firm voice, but only use it when the dog behavior is really bad, not just when he wants to boss the dog. For example, if the dog bites, he should say "ugh ugh" in a firm voice and put the dog down. So much of this training will involve training your son, that's why I think you might be able to use the advice of a professional trainer who will also be able to explain these things to your son.
My dog Joey is a really good boy, and has never bitten anyone, but I think if a child handled him too much or was annoying him, he'd bite too, I think much of the problem is with your son, but you need to teach him in a careful way, so that he doesn't think you love the dog more and becomes jealous of the dog. I just wanted to add that since I did recommend the Dog Whisperer, I should qualify that and say, I love his intuitive knowledge of a dogs psyche and their needs, and I love the fact that he makes you understand that dogs need calm assertive behavior, not aggressive nor passive behavior. Assertiveness is a useful skill to learn in life with humans as well as dogs, you don't step on anyone's toes, neither do you allow them to step on yours. However, his programs sometimes show controversial training techniques that should only be done by an experienced professional. Unfortunately, people see some of these things, and think they are a quick fix, and if not done right could cause more harm than good. You do not have to use techniques that were meant as the last resort for aggressive dogs, as you said yourself, this dog isn't aggressive, it's just defending himself. I wish you best of luck, learning to have a well trained and disciplined dog is extremely rewarding. |