He basically bullies me.

BGSD · 10-14-2011, 05:00 PM

I've been working on the resource aggression issue with my now 9 m/o for the past couple of months and I still haven't really been able to completely resolve the issue.

I've tried the whole NILF approach and the "trade-this-for that" approach and other popular suggestions on the forum.

He's gotten better, particularly with food, but with toys and playing, I still have problems.

If he gets something, whether it be a toy, or something that belongs to me (like my expensive textbooks) and I try to take it from him, he will growl and bite me pretty hard. It's just plain painful. I've actually started wearing working gloves while playing with him because he can suddenly get aggressive.

I'm not one to get physical with my dog to prove dominance, but honestly, if he's going to get all physical and nothing else will work, then I'll just have to do the same so he'll get the message of who's boss.

But in the meanwhile, any other ideas I might try?

Lucy Dog · 10-14-2011, 05:04 PM

Have you brought a trainer in or has he been evaluated by any outside sources yet?

BGSD · 10-14-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucy Dog

Have you brought a trainer in or has he been evaluated by any outside sources yet?

Nope. Don't have the money for it yet.

**MaggieRoseLee** · 10-14-2011, 05:10 PM

I can't play near my Bretta's mouth or I WILL get bit. For sure.

It's play for her.

It's blood for me.

So I only play tug with her or with toys with long ropes/things to pull.

What does your dog class instructor think is going on? How is your dog in class?

Fact is there is a HUGE difference (to the dog) in real agression and play. But both may look and sound EXACTLY the same to a person until we know better. They can growl. They can snarl. They can bite. There can be blood. And, for the dog, it's still PLAY.

Real aggression is completely different and how it's managed must be COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.

Sadly, this is best addressed when our pups first hit the house and can be more difficult as they get bigger.

This is what you should have been doing. Notice the age of the puppy and length of the toy!

Michael Ellis: Tugging with puppies - YouTube

Michael Ellis Talks on Playing Tug with Young Puppies - YouTube

Puppies that Bite with Michael Ellis - YouTube

Lucy Dog · 10-14-2011, 05:11 PM

Dealing with aggression and resource guarding can be difficult. You can apply everything you read over the internet to your training, but sometimes it's the trainer (you). Not trying to call you a bad trainer, but sometimes you just need an outside sources opinion on the situation.

My advice would be to start looking around for trainers with experience with dealing with this type of behavior in your price range and start saving up. I think that would do the most good when dealing with these issues.

**MaggieRoseLee** · 10-14-2011, 05:13 PM

Quote:

BGSD;2282306]Nope. Don't have the money for it yet.

May have to rebudget in the house for awhile. With classes only about $20 OR LESS a week, and an emergency room visit for stitches at over $500 you've got a ton of classes for that amount.

Plus if your dog is then registered as a dangerous dog with all that entails (and since loss of life is fairly dire as far as 'expense' goes for a dog).

Talk to your breeder. I'm sure you got your dog from a responsible breeder and they may have hints/tips to help.

MustLoveGSDs · 10-14-2011, 05:14 PM

Most trainers offer free consultations, just call around.

ShenzisMom · 10-14-2011, 06:21 PM

What is your mindset when he has your textbooks? How to you approach him?

BGSD · 10-14-2011, 07:09 PM

Well obviously a trainer of sorts would be the best way to go, but I can't afford that for now. In the meanwhile, I wanted to try some more things myself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShenzisMom

What is your mindset when he has your textbooks? How to you approach him?

Marley & Me - Necklace - YouTube

ShenzisMom · 10-14-2011, 07:18 PM

Is that actually what happens or comedic relief for the thread? ^^

10-14-2011, 05:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
BGSD Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 450	He basically bullies me. I've been working on the resource aggression issue with my now 9 m/o for the past couple of months and I still haven't really been able to completely resolve the issue. I've tried the whole NILF approach and the "trade-this-for that" approach and other popular suggestions on the forum. He's gotten better, particularly with food, but with toys and playing, I still have problems. If he gets something, whether it be a toy, or something that belongs to me (like my expensive textbooks) and I try to take it from him, he will growl and bite me pretty hard. It's just plain painful. I've actually started wearing working gloves while playing with him because he can suddenly get aggressive. I'm not one to get physical with my dog to prove dominance, but honestly, if he's going to get all physical and nothing else will work, then I'll just have to do the same so he'll get the message of who's boss. But in the meanwhile, any other ideas I might try? __________________ The misery of keeping a dog is his dying so soon. But, to be sure, if he lived for fifty years and then died, what would become of me? - Sir Walter Scott

10-14-2011, 05:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lucy Dog Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 5,177	Have you brought a trainer in or has he been evaluated by any outside sources yet? __________________ Paul

10-14-2011, 05:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
Lucy Dog Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 5,177	Dealing with aggression and resource guarding can be difficult. You can apply everything you read over the internet to your training, but sometimes it's the trainer (you). Not trying to call you a bad trainer, but sometimes you just need an outside sources opinion on the situation. My advice would be to start looking around for trainers with experience with dealing with this type of behavior in your price range and start saving up. I think that would do the most good when dealing with these issues. __________________ Paul

10-14-2011, 05:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
MustLoveGSDs Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston,TX Posts: 1,381	Most trainers offer free consultations, just call around. __________________ http://www.secondchanceshepherds.org/index.html "If you don't train them, don't blame them" Zelda(husky), Optimus Prime(doberman),Rogue(BGSD)

10-14-2011, 06:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
ShenzisMom Master Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Brampton, ON Posts: 839	What is your mindset when he has your textbooks? How to you approach him? __________________ -Cassie Handler For: Shenzi: Female GSD Zira:Female Dobermann

10-14-2011, 07:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
ShenzisMom Master Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Brampton, ON Posts: 839	Is that actually what happens or comedic relief for the thread? ^^ __________________ -Cassie Handler For: Shenzi: Female GSD Zira:Female Dobermann

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