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Pupforum presents your training questions answered by professional dog trainers.
Elaine has been training dogs professionally for 14 years. She is a CPDT as well as an endorsed member of NADOI. She is also certified in narcotics detection and is one half of a (twice) certified explosives detection team - the other half being her Dutch Shepherd Spawn, who is also titled in several protection sports. Elaine is the owner of Canine's Best Behavior, a Los Angeles based training company, offering Basic Manners, CGC, K9 Games (soon!) as well as behavior modification for aggression fears phobias etc.
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5/11/2007
My 4 year old terrier mix has suddenly become territorial around other dogs. She's been with me for 3 years and I've always been able to trust her off leash in the front yard when I'm gardening, etc., but lately she's been charging at other dogs, snarling but not biting. What do you think is causing this and how can I stop it? She has been to obedience school with me and knows the "leave it" command, which she ignores when I give it to her in these circumstances. I'm at a loss. Thank you. (veganess, Washington)
It could be many things:
Developmental: Terriers (particularly Pit Bulls) tend to show aggression later in life.
Medical: If it really is all of a sudden, I would recommend a vet check to make sure all is well healthwise.
Lack of socialization: Ian Dunbar says "Socialization is daily, ongoing and different". If your dog spends a tad too much time at home and not enough out meeting and greeting new d
ogs neutrally on a regular basis that could be why they over react when other dogs invade their turf. In home too much = it having way too much value.
Management: If she is ignoring your leave it command, then don't use it for now. Manage instead. Teach (on a long line) coming away when called, throw balls and call her back, toss Frisbees, call her back. I would avoid putting her in a sit or down stay and calling her to you, that's not how you need her to come to you, think about it this way: "you are calling her back to you as she is running towards something or you are yelling it at her back end" !!
Training: Maybe it's time to brush up on some skills around dogs. If it's been awhile since you have done any formal training, run her through a group class- skill appropriate, or agility if she is able. Pair fun things/mental stimulation with the presence of dogs and increased skill in obedience and hopefully, you will be gardening in peace in no time!
Elaine Allison CPDT NADOI
Canine Behavior Consultant
Canine's Best Behavior
1.866.K9s.Best
www.caninesbestbehavior.com
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