Animal Behavioral Specialist

[Wlw9x]

One of my next possible steps in controlling Katie's dog to dog aggression (after our upcoming appointment with a vet specializing in bulldogs) is seeking the help of an animal behavioral specialist. I am doing research and want to make the right decision for her. Have any of you ever had an experience with a specialist? Any stories or advice would be greatly appreciated. I've got to get her some help. Thank you

 

[Victor Y]

Why a behaviorist? Is her aggression that bad? You know with the right training aids ,patience and persistence you can break that behavior. I did for Pepper. She was the only pup to survive birth and had no litter mates and was ( still is to a point) extremely dominant and would get aggresive to other dogs . It took a few weeks but I got her out of that behavior it just took a whole lot of patience and I had to be persistant and not give in to her

 

[Wlw9x]

Thank you, I am still trying. I'm going to try the can thing too. She doesn't charge after a dog as soon as she sees it, but she does stiffen and straighten up.. and if the other dog makes any kind of movement that she finds "threatening", which could mean just walking close to her or sniffing her, then she'll snap and start barking like crazy.

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

We have great friends that had a bully that seemed to get aggressive over night..he even bit a repairman. They actually contacted Caesar Milan and he did help them. I'm sure it costs..but he like rotties and bullies..they have a website..might be worth a note to them about your situation. I feel your worry for her..I'm glad she has you.

 

[Sherry]

Well from experience, we had Jack to a canine behaviorist, he fired us. Jack would hump him and he would tell us to call him off, Jack wouldn't even take a treat, piece of meat or anything from him. After 5 weeks of aggression toward the behaviorist, he told us he could not help. Jack has fear aggression and doesn't like people near him. He really freaks, since he is an American bulldog at 100 pounds. I don't push the issue. Jack loves me, my family and that's enough for him. We stay at home most of the time since we have a house full of bulldogs. (5) . We take the pack for walks everyday. He like other animals, just not people. He gets sedated to go to the vet, once a year, Hope he never gets really sick.

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

View attachment 10877Well from experience, we had Jack to a canine behaviorist, he fired us. Jack would hump him and he would tell us to call him off, Jack wouldn't even take a treat, piece of meat or anything from him. After 5 weeks of aggression toward the behaviorist, he told us he could not help. Jack has fear aggression and doesn't like people near him. He really freaks, since he is an American bulldog at 100 pounds. I don't push the issue. Jack loves me, my family and that's enough for him. We stay at home most of the time since we have a house full of bulldogs. (5) . We take the pack for walks everyday. He like other animals, just not people. He gets sedated to go to the vet, once a year, Hope he never gets really sick.

Ok...I once again appreciate the seriousness of this thread..BUT...your behaviorist..fired YOU! oh myMy daughter "rescued" a pup from petsmart..he has a world of issues. For the first year..no one..no one could touch him..he would come behind you and smell you..but he was terrified of life! There were many tears shed and they even contacted the rescue organization because they were considering returning him.he is not aggressive in the least..but all he cares about is their other old gal dog. He is her shadow. They had a puppy socializer spend many hours with him and she advised them to give him back. Fortunately..my daughter lives by our rules when it comes to critters..no returns..they are yours for better or worse. She has just taken millions of tiny steps and now she can brush him and bathe him and the kids can pet him.that might be all..but she is thrilled and he is alive! So..I know of what you speak..[MENTION=1714]Sherry[/MENTION]!

 

[Sherry]

yes, he fired us, but he kept my $1450 and the last 5 sessions were not refunded. ***wipe.

Jack will be 7 in September, if it weren't for us he wouldn't be. anywhere

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

yes, he fired us, but he kept my $1450 and the last 5 sessions were not refunded. ***wipe.

Then Jack was a great judge of character..wasn't he?

 

[Sherry]

YEAH BUDDY

 

[Wlw9x]

[MENTION=2092]JAKEISGREAT[/MENTION] What kind of puppy was it? My parents want me to give Katie up SO bad, but I don't want to! I wish they were on the same page as you about returns.

 

[buffalobabie]

how old is katie? i have to tell you ive had the same issues with gregory. if you met him now youd never know. i really didnt think id make it through the first 2 years of his life. Some times i would just cry because i thought the rest of our 12 years plus together would be like this! You just have to keep trying, what worked for us was clicker trainning and him starting to grow up. And remember a tired dog is a well behaved dog, if you can get her tired play ball or walks or just chasing her around the yard she will be easier to train. If you know other dogs that are calm no issues trying introducing them to each other. Even just being across the street from them on leash and let her watch them will start to help. Just do lots of research and before you pay tons of money to someone for their help make sure you ask about the method they use and make sure you are comfortable with it. You dont want to spend thousands to see the way they do things is abrassive! good luck pm me if you even just need to talk about it, i know its over whelming.

 

[Wlw9x]

Thank you [MENTION=2194]buffalobabie[/MENTION]. It is very overwhelming.. especially since I don't have the support of my family, and I'm going at it alone. That being said, I can't afford thousands and thousands! Katie is 5. I've had her for a few months, and I don't know her history. :/ I am still in the research stage, and hopefully trying some of the tips I've received from you and others will help out. Thanks again!

 

[Sherry]

I really wish you the best, most times a dog is re-trainable, but sometimes , just sometimes, like my Jack, there wasn't anything we've found yet.

 

[Wlw9x]

Thank you [MENTION=1714]Sherry[/MENTION]. Maybe I'll come up with something. I am glad Jack has you and your family!

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

[MENTION=2092]JAKEISGREAT[/MENTION] What kind of puppy was it? My parents want me to give Katie up SO bad, but I don't want to! I wish they were on the same page as you about returns.

He.."Clyde"... Is a mix..St. Bernard....golden retriever...and I forgot the rest! Your parents are probably worried Katie will bite someone and I do understand that fear. But I bet her problems are from fear and insecurity rather than just being mean. That's the puzzle you need to solve and then you can bring her past it. It won't happen overnight and the progress might not even be recognizable for other people..but I know you can sure make progress. In the end...she might never be perfect..but whom among us is? Just set small goals...if you don't feel comfortable taking her out around other dogs..don't do it. Work on smaller things that trigger her in her space...do you live with your parents? I bet Katie feels how they feel towards her. it's a difficult road..but not impossible!!