Help Needed! Help! My bully is showing aggression toward me

[Tooleysmom]

To successfully train a dog you need what they call "high value treats" when it is new or complex learning. When just reinforcing normal behavior - like when they sit nicely and patiently and wait while you do something and you want to reinforce that behavior. It is important to remember that you want to teach your Bully what you want , not what you do not want. Nature abhors a vacuum, so anytime your Bully is doing something you like -reward it. Right now my 9 week old Buster likes to sit quietly at my feet when I make meals so I give him a little kibble now he knows this is good- mama likes this. This has transferred to sitting quietly for me when I ut his food down now. But for new learning high value treats are necessary. Especially since it is hard work learning new things - the reward has to be worth it. Patience gentleness and firmness kindness and boundaries are so important with Bullies. They do not respond well to aggression, anger, fear or harsh punishment. Redirect negative behavior, manage negative behavior, reward good behavior. And always be the leader. Good luck.

 

[amelson19933]

The place we're taking him to train has a program that focuses on hand gestures to train w/o many words. We need 2 types of treats an "A" treat which he will go above and beyond to get and a "B" treat that is just ok. So far we have just attended the lecture class (w/o dogs) and we have 1 weeks worth of homework to do with Tank before the next class so that he may have the foundation to train once we go with him to class. I really like the instructors and look forward to dealing with them. They think outside the box when it comes to training

 

[amelson19933]

Yes, we walk him A LOT around our development to get him worn out before its time to settle in for the night.

Are you walking him? Remember: A tired dog is an obedient dog.

 

[Baconator]

The place we're taking him to train has a program that focuses on hand gestures to train w/o many words. We need 2 types of treats an "A" treat which he will go above and beyond to get and a "B" treat that is just ok. So far we have just attended the lecture class (w/o dogs) and we have 1 weeks worth of homework to do with Tank before the next class so that he may have the foundation to train once we go with him to class. I really like the instructors and look forward to dealing with them. They think outside the box when it comes to training

This sounds very similar to the class we took Bacon too, the class was more training us how to work with them. If your instructor gives you drills to do in between classes make sure you do them every night to really reinforce the behavior. Jen and I would do it together with Bacon at night after dinner and it was fun for all three of us, plus it would wear out Bacon.

 

[amelson19933]

We've been working with him. He's picking it up very quickly. Can't wait to see how he does with the other dogs in the room though.

This sounds very similar to the class we took Bacon too, the class was more training us how to work with them. If your instructor gives you drills to do in between classes make sure you do them every night to really reinforce the behavior. Jen and I would do it together with Bacon at night after dinner and it was fun for all three of us, plus it would wear out Bacon.

 

[Tooleysmom]

Seems like you are doing everything right. Your persistence and patience and loving heart will be rewarded in time and you will have a beautiful relationship with Tank. Just remember sometimes it is two steps forward and one step back during the training phase. But that is all part of the process and it will always get better. Wish you all the best.

 

[stacyh]

You have been given great advice. I was given all this same advice with my 2 yr old EB. I also took him to a behavior specialist as well. Although costly, it was a great experience. I don't normally respond to post, I love reading them and getting advice myself. However, I did see someone say to grab their face while expressing a stern no. This is bad advice if your pup is showing aggression. Please don't use any type of hands on while gaining your alpha role. In our ignorance with Bevo, that had happened a few times, sometimes it was hard not to as his aggression had got really bad. I joined this website looking for help as I was at my wits end with his aggression. He had bit my 22 yr old son twice, myself once and my husband once. All broke the skin and one occasion with my son was almost stitches in his finger. We went back to basics like everyone suggested. Best advice we had heard. Make everyone in your house play a roll in this individually. I, unfortunately, one month ago exactly, had to put my best friend down due to his aggression. Worst day of my life so far. All of the training works, time and patience works. It just takes everyone to participate. My son is not always present in the house and wasn't able to follow all of the training tips with myself and my husband so for some reason he had a huge problem with him and his alpha role. The last encounter with him was very scary and the decision to put him down was by far the worst. I can't express enough that everyone plays a part in the basic training, walks and individual play time. Please don't let my story discourage you in any way. I know in my heart that I did the best thing for the safety of my family. Bevo was loved more than we could have loved him, had a huge back yard, went for walks daily, weekend outings ( he was fantastic). Putting Bevo down was a decision our vet and myself made due to his huge amount of aggression in certain sitautions. Work with your vet & if possible see a behavior specialist. I wish you all the luck in the world with your bully and keep up with the alpha role & back to basics.

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

We've signed Tank up for obedience classes. Anyone know of treats that won't upset a sensitive bully's tummy? We've been training with his kibble but he's loosing interest and I don't blame him lol

We have used cheese and pieces of fruit..apples and bananas are favorites here. I also like Natural Balance Healthy Bone treats. They have different flavors..and limited ingredients.