New dogs next door:HELP

[patty_anne]

I have 2 Newfs-brother and sister. They are both fixed. I also have a younger male Brittany. I had no problems introducing the Brittany and they all get along well. The Newfs get a little rough at times and put the Brit in his place but no major problems.
HOWEVER, my male Newf had health problems which made it necessary to delay his neutering until he was 3. Since then, he has become VERY dog aggerssive except with my other dogs. I have a fenced yard but our neighbors just got 2 puppies-a male and a female-and he will not accept them. He is trying to bust through the fence. I have had them trained in the past but none of the techniques seem to be working. This is very disturbing due to his size and the fact that there are also kids next door. I know Newfs aren't generally aggressive. Does anyone have any expreience or advice?
I apologize if this is a repeat topic.

 

[sarnewfie]

YOU have to work with him!!!!

you are letting him do this without correcting him, he should not have any freedom and should get excersised on leash until it is in his head that you are boss and will NOT TOLERATE that behavior!!! EVERYTHING including going potty should be done ON LEASH FROM NOW ON
he is exhibiting bad behavior that has not been corrected and therefore it will escalate.
get him to a dog obedience class that is known for doing good work and has references that they do the training the correct way!!!!
do it now before you have trouble.
he should NOT have ANY freedom right now!

[ 09-03-2004, 07:50 PM: Message edited by: sarnewfie ]

 

[Ivoryudx]

Hi Patricia,

I'm sorry to hear that your boy is being obnoxious. For starters, I will say that fences can make enemies out of the best behaved dogs. Many times dogs learn a false sense of ownership of their back yard, and sometimes including all those surrounding. Put fences in the middle and it tends to amplify that possesiveness, because they can see things but can not get to them.

How is he out in public? Have you been to any obedience classes lately? If so, how did he do? Do you have a reliable 'come' when called? Does he know 'leave it'?

Dogs need to learn that no matter what they are engaged in, if you say 'come', or 'leave it' they need to stop what they are doing and give you their undivided attention. If using 'come' they must return to you within close proximity, and allow you to get a hold of them. No, fly-by's and not half way there. This needs to be reinforced on a regular basis, and it needs to be proofed so that the dog never has any other option but to do what you ask. Once this becomes their habit, then you will be able to control outbursts like what you have described.

Some dogs may never become friends, but they can be controlled, with the right tools, and training. The key is to stop the stare, or the focus before the action happens. There is no reason for a dog to take action, if you make it clear to them that staring or focusing in on another dog, or small animal is unacceptable.

I hope this makes sense, and I'm sure others will have more input/experiences.

Susan

[ 09-03-2004, 07:48 PM: Message edited by: Ivoryudx ]

 

[dogger]

I totally agree with both Sar and Susan. Our gilrs are very big on chasing cars along the fence line. and barking. i have had neighbors drive past while the dogs are leased and if they try to chase and bark they are correct immediately.
Perhaps you could coordinate with your neighbor to bring her dogs out at a certain time where you can have your boy on a leash and work with hime through possitive reinforcement.

 

[brendapiepiorka]

Thats a good idea Dogger, that way the neighbors will know you are working on the problem and it might ease some future tension.

 

[brady]

I like that idea too.

 

[fisher22]

Oh Patricia I can relate. I'm going through the same sort of circumstances with my 21 monthold male Igor. You need to get your boy in obedience class soon and make sure he is wearing a properly fitted prong collar. This will help you gain better control than a chain choke collar. Have an experience trainer show you how to use it properly. Additionally, start using obedience training 24 - 7 . You will see a big difference in a few weeks. Be consistent and fair and use obedience to keep him under control. It works. My Igor is in a 20 x 30 kennel during the day and is very territorial but I make a point of walking him daily around the neighborhood so he gets to see people and the outside world but he is always wearing a prong collar for control.

 

[Michelle]

I have a similar problem with our 1 year old male Newf. Hes fine in the yard, but when we go for walks and he sees another dog he lets loose with this obnoxious bark/howl thats loud and embarassing! He wants to play and will be fine once he is nose to nose with the other dog, but this bark/howl - how do we stop him from doing this on a walk? I use a prong collar on him now. Used to use a "gentle leader" but one time I flipped him over when I corrected him and I felt just awful. I haven't used it since.

 

[sarnewfie]

hi michelle
you need to distract him atjust the right time.
use hotdogs, and make him do an about turn with the hotdog as bait.
take his mind off it.
make him do about turns and stuff like that, make sure to praise him when his attention is on you.

 

[Michelle]

Thanks for the advice - I will definitely try that.