Aggression??? or what

[redwhitenblue]

I work for a rescue and I currently have a female doberman in my home who has been here for about a month and a half. I would like to place her but until she stops growling at every dog that walks by Iknow it will be impossible for me to do. No one wants a dog they cant take out in public :((... she has tried to bite my two dobermans and well they dont try to bite back they know better. and she has tried to bite my husband one night when we were disagreeing about something. then turned and tried tograb my arm. I have tried not to scold her but it seems that is the only way she listens is if i raise my voice. She went to a prospective home and they were in love with her except she bit their small yorkie while the owners were let her smell the baby..


i am stumped if she continues to growl and attack people i know i will have to euthanize her and i hate to do that she would be such a good girl... HELP!!!

[ZenTrainer]

I would really encourage you to hire a professional trainer. One that uses positive methods and has experience working with aggressive dogs. You didn't say how old the dog is. The younger, the better the prognosis.
Until you find a trainer, lower the dogs protein level in it's food.
Tufts has done studies on the correlation between aggression and high protein.
Lower it to 16% to 18%. It takes about 2 weeks to see a change and by that time you should be able to find a competent trainer.

[redwhitenblue]

i have never heard that but they are eatting welness fish and sweet potatoes ill put her on an all organic diet and see waht i can come up with and put her in some training... thanks zen..

[ZenTrainer]

Wellness is a very good food. You might want to try the Wellness Senior - it's 18% protein. No matter how old she is. If she is young and loses weight just add oil to the food, but I think the real answer is with a professional trainer.

[redwhitenblue]

yes you are correct... and i will get the senior food... hmmm ill also check the fish to see how much protiens are in it... but she needs to lose some weight she is 70 and should be about 63 so we will see ill try it thanks :D

[RobDar]

How long have you had her again?
I think you need to determine what aggression you are dealing with...your brief description sounds like fear aggression to me. I do not have alot of experience with Dobies, but my understanding is that they can sometimes take a bit of time to adjust to new surroundings...though it is a shame she chooses aggression as a coping mechanism.
The professional trainer is a good suggestion...though I am surprised the rescue you work for is not right in there helping you out.

[redwhitenblue]

i have had her a month and a half or so... so i am guessing fear aggression also... she is absolutely crazy sometimes and others she is great... well we will see ill get a professional to see her.

[frogyoga]

Hey there! I just posted a similar question: "Liability on a Leash"

I saw someone responded already stating to hire a behaviorist. I know they are expensive, but they really are worth it. At least for me, though it didn't solve my problems, it helped a bit as I wasn't aware that there was so much that I was doing that was influencing my dog.

Just thought I would second this suggestion and also let you know to maybe check on any replies I get that may help you out as well. Good Luck!

[Dogwise]

I saw someone responded already stating to hire a behaviorist. I know they are expensive, but they really are worth it. At least for me, though it didn't solve my problems, it helped a bit as I wasn't aware that there was so much that I was doing that was influencing my dog.


LOL My cars not running right, should I take it to a mechanic? ;) When we are dealing with problems we don't understand, nor correct, it's always best to hire someone who does, and can. The problem is, just because someone calls them self (certified or not) a professional, doesn't mean they know what they doing. I go behind "behaviorist/trainers" all the time and find that many of them should be doing low level obedience at best. And heres a tip when looking for one. Do not! "use one that tells you never correct your dog"
and "just stuff a ton of treats down their throats." Because that's most likely a "behaviorist/trainer" that doesn't actually known nor understand canine psychology. Oh! and yelling at a dog never solves anything. Behavior work normally doesn't work when A) the "behaviorist" doesn't know what they're doing, or B) the owner doesn't follow through, and is not consistant.