Originally Posted by matese  If he is ppl or dog aggressive, when you see someone heading towards you, cross to the other side of the street. If he's only aggressive if someone wants to pet him, I would continue walking past the on coming person. If they ask to pet him tell them NO he's a biter. Use the yellow ribbon, some ppl may think it's just a fashion statement, some may ask or comment about the ribbon, then you can tell them that's a SIGN stating he needs his space, not friendly, a biter. Pvt. training can help, it's more for you then the pup. We as owners have to be trained first to know how to handle our pups. Even with pvt. training you have to practice the training by taking him out to public places, around ppl so you can practice his commands. I am going through that now. It seems my Cody is dog aggressive, he is adopted, my trainer is thinking as a puppy he was not properly socialized with other animals. He looks like he wants to be friends but doesn't know how to approach other dogs,he lunges, causing the other dog to take this as a challenge. I live in a quiet community, not many dog walkers, mostly kept in back yards. My trainer told me to take him to town where there can be other dogs, this is the only way to practice his command words for no lunging. We as owners if your are not a trainer, we have to be taught not to get anxious and pass this to our babies instilling fear in them. I find it's hard for me to NOT PULL back on his leash when I see an on coming dog because I FEAR Cody's reaction, embarrassing to me, my trainer told be pulling back on his leash is telling him danger is approaching. But Cody loves all ppl, I would rather he be ppl aggressive then dog aggressive, this is a safety issue for him. Going to obedience classes is distracting for Cody, even tho he is training with just one other dog, he stares at the dog, therefore is not paying attention to me and commands, he also watches the trainer, another distraction. He'll follow my commands at home where there are not distractions, but in public it's a battle. Just giving you my experience as I am going through this now. It's a matter of patience, lots of patience, and short periods of training several times a day. Good luck, I know your fear and concern. |