OMG...my Dog is HORRIBLY AGGRESSIVE

[Ares2010]

I can't take my dog anywhere with me...he is so aggressive and barks so much at other dogs...I am at a loss for what to do. He goes on walks and I reward him with treats if he is good. He pulls as well...even with the gentle leader. Can someone PLEASE point me in the right direction before I go crazy???

[Thru the Viewfinder]

Are you sure its really aggression and not just him being overly excited?

Dakota yaps and howls and moans and groans when she sees other dogs, but she isn't being aggressive, she just SO BADLY wants to play. I'm think that to others they probably think she is a mean and nasty dog, though. She's seven, so I know she should behave better, but I'm not exactly sure how to train it out of her on my own.

[Ares2010]

That could be it...but I still need it to stop because I can't take him anywhere..he is 90 pounds and pulls me when he sees another dog at the pet store. We only take him there when he needs groomed or nails trimmed. We took him to visit the other dog we used to have...and he pretty much attacked him..it has only been 3 months since we adopted him out so I wouldn't think he would act that way. We had to put him back in the car because I thought he was going to hurt the other dog. Maybe he was asserting his dominance...I just can't control him. A harness just makes him pull more. I just need to know how to control him. Parks are out of the question because he barks and barks and barks at other dogs. I have to cross the street which is annoying. He needs I guess to be in an obedience class and manners class. He loves people but not other animals. I don't want to give up on him.

[wolfstraum]

You need to train the dog. He needs to walk properly on a lead, he needs to pay attention. Headcollars and Harnesses are NOT ideal for training - they are bandaids. He does NOT need to go to the dog park and have doggie friends. You are his pack. You need to be the leader. There are many AKC clubs and Schutzhund clubs in Ohio- you need to get to one and get real life help.

Lee

[Cassidy's Mom]

Originally Posted by Ares2010

He needs I guess to be in an obedience class and manners class.

Yes, he does. Are there any reactive dog classes near you?

[Ares2010]

Dog parks is not what I meant...walking in a park on a trail..I already know this breed is not good for dog parks. also not sure what you mean about real life help..sounds like you mean myself. He went through classes when he was small and remembers all of that. I have already talked to a trainer that would take him into his home for 3 weeks or do at home visits. its around $2,000..not cheap. I know they are an investment but we are not rolling in the dough at the moment. so if I can do it without a trainer that would be great. I can put the time in just need to have a starting point and know what works for the dog. Debbie I have not looked into any reactive classes yet. I was just searching around.

[Anja1Blue]

No need to give up on him, but you need to do a couple of things immediately - ditch the harness/gentle leader, these are useless tools for your situation. Use a prong (pinch) collar ( learn how to fit it and use it) on walks and enroll in an OB class. A reactive dog class would be great, but not all places offer them, so look for the best trainer you can find using positive reinforcement. He needs to learn to behave in a group, so a group class is what you need. However, if he is too unruly and is turned down for this, you may have to consider private lessons, at least to begin with. But by and large he needs to learn to work with other canines present. Training BTW isn't just for the dog - it is also for you! You will learn leadership skills and work as a team. He doesn't see you as being the boss at the moment, and that has to change.
______________________________________
Susan

Anja SchH3 GSD
Conor GSD
Blue BH WH T1 GSD - waiting at the Bridge

[Deuce]

I'm with everyone else on this one....first thing on the list is that he needs professional training.

[Lixx]

Originally Posted by Ares2010

He went through classes when he was small and remembers all of that. I have already talked to a trainer that would take him into his home for 3 weeks or do at home visits. its around $2,000..not cheap.

Training is never over. You have a dog who's challenged his boundaries and pushed right through them. Do not rely on him to 'remember' how he behaved as a puppy. Do you remember and act like you did in kindergarten? He needs to go back into school. Training is life long, not one set of an 8 week puppy class.

I would NEVER advocate sending your dog away for training. 1) you don't really know what goes ion when you aren't there. 2) It won't help YOU handle YOUR dog. If you check this person out home visits may be a go. But I am sure there are far more reasonably priced trainers in your area if you spend more time searching. I would never pay $2000 for a dog training session, that's ridiculous imo.

[selzer]

Training classes, where are you located in Ohio? Maybe someone can give you names of some trainers in your area.