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Old 07-30-2011, 07:00 AM   #2
Maximo
♥ Maximo and Teddy
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Northern Virginia
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Sounds like you need a visit from Victoria Stilwell. Check out her website for some tips: Victoria Stilwell Positively|The Official Victoria Stilwell Website

The easier problem to fix is the barking and howling at night. Sounds like your boys need more exercise and activity to wear them out so that they are ready to sleep. Wearing them out will help with behavior in general. Do you walk them or do they have a chance to run around outside?

Have you done any obedience or trick training with them? Dogs are usually eager to please and enjoy these activities. If you make it fun and focus less on the goal of having them obey your every command, this will help focus the dogs, stimulate them mentally (which will help drain energy), and strengthen the bond between the dogs and humans.

Have a family conference and convince everyone to work together for your own sanity and for the good of the dogs.

Dealing with aggression is more of a challenge. Make sure no one in the family is doing anything to encourage this type of behavior. No teasing or taunting or playing along. When Baily growls, snaps, or bites, remove all attention. Ignore him. Give him attention and rewards only when he is behaving correctly. You can also teach him "no bite," or you can yelp like a dog would when bitten.

Exercise, lots of it.

Direct the dogs towards positive behavior and activities. Set a good example and maintain a calm, positive demeanor. If the humans are excited (negatively) and animated, the dogs are going to mirror that level of energy and behavior.

Keep in mind that training often requires a great deal of patience and persistence. You are probably not going to see changes overnight, although lots of exercise could have an immediate effect.
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