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Originally Posted by kalina82  yeah unfortunately it can be expensive but in this case i think its the best way to go. Fagan is a rescue and you don't know what he experienced earlier in his life. Plus you have other dogs and children added to the mix. Your unsure of what to do training wise so a professional will help.
Cornering a dog is never a good thing. that will most likely make the situation worse because a cornered dog will defend itself. A lot of the time that means biting. the "cht" sound is good and i use it with my dog but the timing has to be right on. Also i don't think penning him up and making him watch you play with the others is doing anything. he doesn't understand that he has to play nice by watching others play.
What you can try is to always keep a leash on him when he is with you. If another dog comes over to you and Fagan attacks, take him by the leash and put him in another room. close the door and leave him for 30 seconds or so. If he's crying and carrying on while in there then wait till he's quiet for 3 second before opening the door and walking him back out on the leash. When he attacks again, repeat the process. Its not a quick fix but it will make him understand that if he snaps at another dog or a person then he gets taken away and doesn't get to spend time with you. Victoria uses this method for a few things on her show "its me or the dog" |
I think the 'time out' in another room is an excellent method and is also good because you are not using his crate for punishment. You want him to like his crate.
We used this with Ringo when Lucy first came home. Also, walking your dogs together helps them bond. You might not be able to take them all out at the same time - but if you could walk Fagan together with another one . . that would be good. He can begin to see other dogs as the source of all good things (fun walks, treats, playtime, etc).
It took a good month for Ringo to completely settle down when Lucy first came home. Now he is fine . . she's the one trying to bite his feet; face, etc and he is remarkably patient with her!