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NevadasMom

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    Agressive Greyhound - Multiple Bites

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    Hi, I'm an old member and now an occasional lurker. I skimmed through the thread because I took a few days off from the laboratory as I recently came down with a cold (whoo hoo! way to ring in the New Year's!) :D

     

    I normally don't post much, but your dog's triggers were very loud and clear to me: Your dog has issues with people leaning over him. It's a threat, plain and simple. It's a natural threat that got exacerbated when you + hubby tried prying open his mouth to take away a tasty bone. So, now, he has generalized that threat to people leaning over to pick up keys, to pick up anything from the ground, to petting him while he's laying on the couch, etc. He's just hypersensitive to people learning over him now.

     

    The solution?

    1) DS/CC to people leaning over him. Don't do this step without help from a professional behaviorist. See these links: http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/caab-directory OR http://www.dacvb.org/resources/find/ OR http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=357

    2) Implement a Learn-to-Earn protocol (this is essentially the same principle as NILIF, but Dr. Yin has been a staunch advocate of this more positive protocol). Essentially, your dog has to earn everything by sitting or waiting patiently. It's incredibly easy, but it's also incredibly easy to forget. So, you may want to buy a book or pamphlet on Learn-to-Earn/NILIF and tape a few checklists around your house.

    3) Manage the environment. NEVER put your dog in a situation where he has a chance to show aggression. The minute he starts to growl or lunge, his aggression is reinforced. It does not matter if you yell "NO" or otherwise punish him. By having been repeated, the aggressive behavior is inherently reinforced. Aggression is not a behavior you can simply punish away with a "No!". It must be exterminated by providing correct alternatives, changing the underlying emotion, and preventing situations that would elicit aggression in the first place.

     

    Also, for a quick read, here's one of Yin's blog posts on food aggression and learn-to-earn. It sounds like your pup could benefit from a few of the techniques she details in the post:

    http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/treatment_of_food_possessive_dogs_is_about_finesse_not_force

     

    Good luck!

    Excellent advice. I implemented the NILIF program with Trolley after a few growls/snaps. It worked wonders & our relationship grew stronger. Best wishes... :)

    Unusual Aggression/biting

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    Simple solution is to stop trying to pick her up. Instead try clipping her leash on and saying, "C'mon!" or "Get down" or whatever.

     

    I learned the same lesson when I first got George.

     

    Sounds like your girl is way too new in the home to be on the furniture at all.

    Totally agree with this! Too many privileges too soon. Got to establish your pack order & have her realize that you are Alpha. When you say get down you mean it.

    Sleeping In The Human Bed

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    In my opinion the human bed is a privilege given by you. You need to set the ground rules right from the beginning. I can say that because Trolley & I had a couple of disagreements over this when she first arrived. Including the growls & getting snapped at as you've described. She now knows that she has to be invited up on the bed & knows "off" very well. Someone here suggested putting her collar & leash on when I needed her to move which was a great suggestion. More space between you & the snapping teeth if it happens again. She'll learn quickly. Good luck! :)

    Kirkland Food?

    in Food and dietary discussion

    Posted

    I use the Kirkland Lamb and Rice, (Opie doesn't do well on chicken food) and recently started mixing it with the Natures Domain Salmon food (also from Costco). He loves it, firm poops, soft shiny fur, and the price is right.

    Same here. Trolley started to refuse to eat the Lamb & Rice, so we switched to the Natures Domain. She loves it. :)

    Anyone Feed Just Once A Day?

    in Food and dietary discussion

    Posted

    I feed once a day, in the evening when I get home from work. Trolley has gotten into a nice pooh schedule. She usually poohs twice a day- once before I leave for work & once at night after her dinner. I do give her a few treats in the morning to fill an empty tummy. This schedule works well for her. She's usually happy to eat, but not acting like she's starved.

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