help with aggression

princeali · 09-18-2011, 08:57 PM

Hello, my male 3 year old Boxer is having an extremely difficult time remaining calm when I am taking him on a walk or at a dog park and for what ever reason a specific person he decides to target. He has never bit anyone, or another animal but he becomes unresponsive to our commands and continues to bark. He is, as we all know being a boxer, the biggest sweetest dog when he is surrounded by a familiarity, but as soon as any male comes over to our home he wants to attack them, or any other males out that he feels he must protect us. Today was the last straw when he attempted to bite a 3 year old boy. He did not, but came so close to it that I have to seek more help training. I love to take him with me as many places as I can and this just has to stop. Does anyone have any guidance besides spending money on obedience school?
We have tried a squirt bottle, positive reinforcement when he does not try to attack, as well as trying to clear our own minds of the thoughts of him wanting to attack. All three of these attempts to training work 50% of the time.

JoeV · 09-19-2011, 09:26 AM

You might find useful information here Trainer Tails. Very reputable trainer.

superpimp · 09-20-2011, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by princeali

Hello, my male 3 year old Boxer is having an extremely difficult time remaining calm when I am taking him on a walk or at a dog park and for what ever reason a specific person he decides to target. He has never bit anyone, or another animal but he becomes unresponsive to our commands and continues to bark. He is, as we all know being a boxer, the biggest sweetest dog when he is surrounded by a familiarity, but as soon as any male comes over to our home he wants to attack them, or any other males out that he feels he must protect us. Today was the last straw when he attempted to bite a 3 year old boy. He did not, but came so close to it that I have to seek more help training. I love to take him with me as many places as I can and this just has to stop. Does anyone have any guidance besides spending money on obedience school?
We have tried a squirt bottle, positive reinforcement when he does not try to attack, as well as trying to clear our own minds of the thoughts of him wanting to attack. All three of these attempts to training work 50% of the time.

Your statement "he just wants to protect us" says a lot. Sounds like your boy views himself as Alpha in your relationship, which is not what you want. I suggest you get a hold of a behaviorist, or do a little self education on dog training before things get worse.

As for the obedience class idea, sounds like your dog would benefit more from private sessions which are one on one, and if it costs you money, it will be a small price to pay if it means that your dog is safe to be around.

AussieGirl · 09-20-2011, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by princeali

Hello, my male 3 year old Boxer is having an extremely difficult time remaining calm when I am taking him on a walk or at a dog park and for what ever reason a specific person he decides to target. He has never bit anyone, or another animal but he becomes unresponsive to our commands and continues to bark. He is, as we all know being a boxer, the biggest sweetest dog when he is surrounded by a familiarity, but as soon as any male comes over to our home he wants to attack them, or any other males out that he feels he must protect us. Today was the last straw when he attempted to bite a 3 year old boy. He did not, but came so close to it that I have to seek more help training. I love to take him with me as many places as I can and this just has to stop. Does anyone have any guidance besides spending money on obedience school?
We have tried a squirt bottle, positive reinforcement when he does not try to attack, as well as trying to clear our own minds of the thoughts of him wanting to attack. All three of these attempts to training work 50% of the time.

You need a behaviourist not an obedience school.
He tried to bite a 3 year old, this is very serious, this is not sometihing you or anyone should try to fix themselves with advice found online or in books. If I were in your shoes I would take him to the vet and get a complete check up including bloods to make sure it is not health related and then find a qualified behaviourist. Please do this before he does actually bite someone.

Annie · 09-20-2011, 11:57 AM

i agree that obedience classes are not the greatest idea in a situation like this, people bring their kids and who knows what kind of dogs will be there!
it does sound like help from a professional is in order.....keep us posted

Ruby Red · 09-21-2011, 05:02 AM

And in the meantime, muzzle your dog, if he were to bite someone especially a child, he could get taken away and destroyed - this is what happens in the UK. I think you need to see a behaviourist ASAP, you also need to look at changing your whole relationship with your dog - google NILF - nothing in life is free - that should give you some ideas.

JoeV · 09-21-2011, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruby Red

And in the meantime, muzzle your dog, if he were to bite someone especially a child, he could get taken away and destroyed - this is what happens in the UK. I think you need to see a behaviourist ASAP, you also need to look at changing your whole relationship with your dog - google NILF - nothing in life is free - that should give you some ideas.

Pretty much the same in the US. I just read an article about two pit bulls that were shot by police. The police were called because one pit bull was attacking a small breed dog as the other one guarded the area. When police came, they charged the officer and he had no choice but to shoot them dead.

princeali · 09-21-2011, 05:41 PM

Thank you everyone for all the support. I have recently taken Ali to the vet and his blood work and everything is fine from what they have stated and my records state.
I just moved to Denver about a month ago, and do not really know anyone here or any of the dog behaviorists, so I am going to look into that asap.
We have Ali at dog parks and I take him on hikes almost every day and have never had an issue with biting, but the barking and the fear still remains, so until I feel more confident in the situation I know he will not.

If anyone knows any behaviorists to recommend in the Denver area that would be great.

Thanks again for the advice.

princeali · 09-22-2011, 12:33 AM

I did some research today and found a place where they have an "anger management" class. My boyfriend and I are taking him their asap 2maro and going to see how it works. I am really and truly looking forward to it. I am also going to apologize again to my neighbor who was scared of Ali biting her grandson.

Ruby Red · 09-22-2011, 04:54 AM

Good luck, please let us know how you get on.