Thanks everyone for your input..

Even though no one really said it, I guess the best thing to do would be to hire the trainer? I just really am worried that two 1-hour sessions won't work and then my $220 will go down the drain..

Hmm.. this sounds more like fear and confusion than the typical "agression" people think about. Personally I would not recommend Cesar. I think his methods would make the problem worse.

The trainer sounds like a good idea, but make sure she has a background and/or degree in animal behavior. And make sure that she does all positive reinforcement (rewards) and negative punishment (ignoring behavior) Make sure there is NO positive punishment (which means leash corrections, neck jabs, all that CM stuff.) PP will make the problem worse. Definately ask these questions ahead of time before she comes over.

I think you should ask more questions. I haven't done an in-home consult but I've asked about them (always looking to improve Loki's behavior!) and my trainer (who I trust, and has a degree in Animal Behavior/Psych) would suggest something similar. She comes over for an initial consult to observe the behavior, then suggests a plan to improve the behavior. If you do your homework correctly, you will begin to see an improvement. It takes a LONG time. I'm sure that's why she said no refunds - because it's up to you to do the homework and because you will not fix the problem immediately. I'm sure that if you encounter a new problem or need advice on how to proceed - that the trainer will help you with that as well. So, unless she comes in and tells you to use physical force on your dog, I think it sounds OK.

PS I think your instincts are right on about Cesar. Many experts in the field disagree with his methods. Have you read "The Other End of the Leash"? I know you said you've read some books, but I have a whole bookcase at home of training books so if you need a recommendation please let me know!

I agree with you. I don't buy into this Cesar guy at all. I've had dogs all my life, and from that experience alone I don't agree with him. But to each their own, if others want to go by him that's fine with me.

I don't have an answer to your problems. I just want to wish you luck. :)

No offense, but maybe you should rethink that, maybe that's the source of your troubles: looking as your dog as a human, what they are NOT!

I don't think she's doing that. I think people make a mistake when they assume their dog is being "stubborn" or "trying to show them who's boss" etc. Dogs don't plot against us. They don't try to get revenge or anything like that. But I think that remembering that dogs have basic emotions like fear, anger, and happiness is vital to understanding our dogs. I think her dog is fearful and she needs to address that in a kind, loving way that will reassure the dog and help lessen her fears.

The difference in all those feelings is that we look at them in a human way. Ceasers way is you look at them in the wild with a pack mentality. They don't understand human. No matter how many dogs you have they will never understand human mentality....Don't knock it till you try it. I have a female a year old. She is the perfect dog. I have used Ceasers techniques that have applied to issues with her. (not everything he does because it does not apply to her) I wish you the best of luck. I hope whatever you decide works for you.

I hope you find a solution to your problem. I am sure it is not easy. keep us updated on her progress if you decide to try the personal trainer.

I would talk to my Vet. They must have someone that they could recommend as a trainer.... Good Luck to you!
I have mixed poinions on Dog Whisperer too but I did SEE him work with a dog like yours and was amazed with what he was able to do!
Best Wishes
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I just called the Vet office... they don't know anyone who can help for private in-home training.. they gave me this one place which I already researched and that place got bad reviews. Someone on the review said that place squirts like sour lemon juice onto the dogs mouth when they are being "bad".. I don't know if that's right..

But anyway, thanks once again for everyone's input!

My vet recommended me the water bottle technique w/ Rocky's barking, and said to add lemon or citrus to it, but don't squirt in the eyes of course. Rocky just gets even more pist w/ the waterbottle, then tries to attack it so that method is out the door for us!

LOL! :p

Yes! Catrina, keep looking for a positive trainer in your area. I really do believe that this problem can be managed with the proper help. Make absolutely sure that the potential trainer will use no punishment.

In the meantime, could you give me a little more information? At what point does her behavior change? Not when does she go ballistic, but when does she first show signs of stress (rigid posture, loss of focus on you, etc)? When a stranger comes into the house or is it before that? When the doorbell rings? When someone approaches the door?

In other words, can you describe the sequence in a bit more detail?

Autumn goes bonkers when she hears a car pull up the driveway, and she and Gizmo bark until the people are in the house. Then once she has sniffed them and we have told her that they are ok, Autumn will go lay down (well most of the time she does! LOL) A lot of the time she wants center of attention and tries to get extra pats from the visitors.

Gizmo freaks everytime we have company. She growls and barks if it is someone she doesn't really know. She gets scared and nervous with people she doesn't know. Never have I had them turn aggressive and bite though so I am not sure how to help or offer help with your problem. :confused:

Hmmm, her behavior changes the second the doorbell rings or if she sees/hears a call pulling in. Then in that split second, she turns CRAZY!! And even more so when she actually sees the stranger! Sometimes I have to "plan" when she goes potty if I know someone is coming, otherwise she will pee all over me.. (not kidding..gross!) One time since this has worked couple of times.. is when someone she doesn't know holds her right away (its usually people who aren't scared at all).. she will stop but with most people who get scared of her barking and "try" to hold her she will pee all over them while trying to bite their face.