Dog Trainer/Behavioural Problems

We've had a couple of labs that were exactly the same, one minute going up to dogs and being friendly , next wanting to rip them apart, no warning either way, at times it was embarrassing.

I think with one it was lack of socialising as a pup, he was a rescue and caged a lot. With my little girl lab she got bit twice as a pup and never forgot. 

It's because they're nervous and get the first bark in. Sometimes my anxiety at seeing another dog and pulling lead in sparked them off. 

Try more socialising with dogs they do get on with, difficult in Spain. Also try distracting them with talking and treats when another dog approaches. Try to make meeting other dogs a positive experience. 

Lots of praise when they behave friendly.

Unfortunately a lot of dogs in Spain aren't socialised and give off the wrong messages. Try not to feel bad , you've not get an aggressive dog just a nervous one and most dog owners will know that.

You may never fully resolve it but with labs the treat method you can certainly hide it.  

Hi Philip

Thanks for your reply. It's reassuring to know our girl isn't unique in this. She's a lovely girl apart from this one issue. 

She too was a rescue of sorts. My husband bought/rescued her from travellers. She was no more than 4/6 weeks old, underweight, doped, scared and filthy. 

In the UK she wasn't as bad - she is getting worse all the time in Spain. We do try all your very helpful suggestions and I know I tense up when other dogs are around. I find dog owners here don't understand as they would in the UK. I've had a lot of nasty looks from small dog owners. 

We really need professional help for her. Until we find a house with a much bigger garden we have no option but to walk our dogs and it has gone from being something I enjoy to being almost unbearable. 

Until we find help we will keep trying your hints. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Thank you for your reply. We have an appointment tomorrow morning with a vet/dog behaviourist so hopefully our girl will be on the right path soon. If that doesn't work out, I'll revert back to your link.

Thank you again. 

I am a Qualified Pet Behaviour Therapist here in the UK. 

Some good advice from Phillip.

It is almost always lack of early socialisation and/or a bad experience. A really well socialised puppy will recover from a bad experience so it is vital that they see a variety of dogs, people and places during the critical period for socialisation. This is up to 12/14 weeks. After that time the nerves milienate and the dog will have fear periods from then on.

You can help your dog by muzzle training her so that she is comfortable wearing a basket style muzzle. Call it a new fashion accessory so that both you and the dog look upon with a positive view.

When out and about you will find that people will be more inclined to keep their dogs away which is what you want.

Every chance you get take her to a quiet place where she can see other dogs outside her critical distance. You will be able to measure that by how relaxed she is. If she is not relaxed move further away. Take some tasty treats and feed her every time she looks at another dog. Play games with her and generally fill her with positive emotions.

If you accidentally meet another dog - do not tighten the lead! This sends fear signals straight to her and makes her much, much worse. As soon as you see another dog change direction in a happy way and reward any good behaviour. Stay upbeat throughout. If you are stuck in an alley then get out your fabulous treats and feed her them one after the other until the dog has passed. This is called "bar open - bar closed" and is a good way of persuading a dog that good things happen when another dog is around.

Be very careful that your dog trainer uses positive methods. You could contact the local rescue to see if they know of kind trainers in your area.

Hi - thank you for taking the time to reply with your very good, helpful advice.

My husband is just off to a vet in the next town who also specialises in dog behaviour issues for a "get to know you" meeting so hopefully we are on the right path now.

We are sure she feels she has to "protect" us - along with our 14 year old Golden Retriever and 6 month old rescue puppy,  Her "protectiveness" certainly seems to have worsened over the past couple of months since the pup arrived.  It was manageable before.  We don't want her to be worried and tense the whole time she is out but to relax and enjoy other dogs' company.

In the UK she doted on the next door neighbours' dog and when they got a pup she adored it - no aggression issues at all. We also puppy sat for friends and she adored that little one too.

Hopefully we are now on the road to helping her. As we go along we will bear your advice in mind. As well as walking the dogs  together we do walk her on her own. She is a lovely dog (actually very clever - rare for a chocolate) and so we are sure with the right actions from us she will be much better.

Thank you again for your help and time.

Have a good day.

Sharron 

Hi Sharron, I am following your message as we also have a rescue dog with a social problem. Can you please let me know how you get on ?  I would also be interested to know of the person that you are taking your dog to. Many thanks.

Hi - of course I will let you know how she gets on. My husband has just taken her to see Nina Sukup at Minina & Kanina Centre Veterinari in Javea and we are hopeful this lady will be able to help. I will let you know how they get on.

Fingers and paws crossed!

Sharron