Aggressive Greyhound

[racindog]

This is a sign of dog in control. ........ There is nothing wrong with your dog.Some where YOU have put him in charge and need to wrest that back....

Thats what it sounded like to me too which is why I was suggesting books etc so the OP could understand and correct it. Definitely nothing wrong with the dog. He just needs a benevolent leader he can respect and trust imo. As long as the OP is fearful the dog will be overwhelmed by the smell of it and cannot respect or trust the OP. Everything goes down the leash. The dog is aware of the OP's fear and actually thinks that if the OP is afraid then maybe he ought to be afraid too. Handlers have to be calm, confident and neutral for the dog to feel and act confident and safe. The Team Dog book explains how to best do that and it is POSITIVE. It is not some antique alfa crap. The LAST thing you want to do is bully your poor dog-totally unnecessary. But you do have to LEAD.

Edited June 6, 2016 by racindog

[NeylasMom]

After 74 years of owning and training/ communicating with 16 dogs (all of which lived in excess of 18 years)some hunting,sport,and like Shirley companion dogsand having been bitten once and not have hit onein anger,I believe my statements are qualified.

Shirley has amazed many (with her learned affection) including from the trainer who got her from another trainer for me. So don't call me a liar unless you can match my experience.It takes an intensive 2 -3 months to

bring a dog from a pack situation to a loving pet

I didn't call you a liar. I said your statement that the only way to address this problem was the one you described or otherwise the owner would need to rehome the dog was false. And it is and I stand by that. 16 dogs doesn't make anyone an expert on dog training and behavior. I'm not trying to change your mind because it's clear you're not open to other ideas, but I'm also not going to leave the OP thinking your way is the only way. In fact, the method you are describing increases the likelihood of aggression from the dog and at best simply suppresses the unwanted behavior. There are other methods that can change the dogs feelings about having people approach or reach for a resource so that the dog's desire to guard goes away. That is a MUCH safer option, especially for someone who plans to have children in the home who the dog might react to differently than an adult.

[Guest Amber]

Difficult situation. On the face of it, although I'm sure he is a lovely dog in most ways, he doesn't sound the ideal temperament for young children, particularly as he has already bitten a couple of times.

 

It would be well worth it to hire a good behaviourist to take a look at him - even if they feel his issues are 'workable' in an adult only home, they may not endorse him being in a home with kids. Or on the other hand, they may think he will completely reform and be OK. But at least you would have got the opinion of a professional who has seen him first hand, so you can make an informed decision?

 

I would also stay well away from Cesar Milan and any trainer that follows his methods.

 

I'm afraid I do think the fact he has bitten you (or any person) is a serious problem. Plenty of 'untrained' or not well socialised dogs off the track may well object to someone taking a bone off them, but not all of them would back it up with a bite that breaks the skin. Many would growl or grumble, air snap or perhaps nip without leaving injury, but leave it there and not 'over react'. Over time, those dogs learn how to live with people and mellow out but a dog that has bitten once (a bite meaning - bruising and broken skin) and found it 'worked' to get the desired result, may be inclined to up the ante and do so again. The severity of the bite is important too - this is why a good reputable behaviourist needs to see him in person.

Edited June 6, 2016 by Amber