Nervous aggression, is there light at the end of the tunnel?

[Oflaughter]

Hello all! I'm posting today for any advice or encouragement. I've recently rescued a five year old Collie Cross Called Misty. I didn't have any information from her previous home, just that she had wounds around her neck from a dog fight. She's fully healed and I've had her for six weeks now.

She is always very wary of other dogs but has made friends with a number of furry mates. Last weekend she attacked a small terrier, and the day after whilst walking down the street on a small leash she span around at a passerby and bit his thigh. We've seen a behaviourist a couple of days ago which has helped our confidence with her a little bit, but also hasn't allayed some other worries.

We've been informed that she has nervous aggression problems, that she wasn't socialised very well from a pup and that this is now ingrained in her. It's absolutely nerve racking walking her now, as it is random people and dogs that she lunges for. She is muzzled and always kept on a lead, which I feel means I can't exercise her properly because before the incident she could play fetch for hours!

She's very sweet, intelligent and beautiful despite all this. I wondered whether any other people have had similar problems. I read some places of miracles happening with angry dogs becoming little angels but contrastingly, websites and forums that say, 'sorry but, she's hard wired like that now!'

We're only a few days into training and some days are better than others, but I do have a worry at the back of my mind that this is what it's going to be like from now on and I'm worried about what we got ourselves into.

Thanks for any advice/positive stories. I'm aware there's a lot of hard work ahead but I've tried to be candid about how I feel at the moment.

 

[chalkie222]

Each to their own but for me I don't believe in dogs being hard wired and most dogs can learn to trust...There maybe exceptions but that doesn't mean all dogs are a lost cause.

My advice would be patience patience and even more patience. It may well be a long and slow road but that doesn't mean it can't happen. Poitive association is key.. set very small targets. When u have visitors that the dog doesn't know start with visitor totally ignoring the dog so she stays at ease but have them throw her a treat so the association is they leave me alone but I get something nice. Keep meeting with people and other dogs short and positive. .. The meeting must always end on a positive rewarding note.

Like I said it may b a long long road but that doesn't mean it can't happen.

Sorry for the long rambling reply and good luck X

O and keep us posted!!!

Sorry had to have also u say she is very intelligent so she can re learn things! X

 

[LauraMc]

Hi 'Oflaughter'

I am in a similar situation. Two days ago I rescued a 5 year old dog from Bosnia who had an appalling start to life. He is trusting of me and my husband, but barks at strangers (only men) when we take him for a walk.

Also, he gets on brilliantly with our dog, Bella (rottie), and one of our neighbours dogs Zac (springer spaniel) , but absolutely hates their westie. We don't know whether it is because Sid (the westie) reminds him of a dog that has hurt him in the past, or perhaps he is trying to establish his place in the pack as the other two dogs are a lot bigger than him.

We are just going to try lots of positive praise, find something that he loves (treats, toys etc) and use them to reward good behaviour.

We are also going to try a technique we saw on a channel 4 programme (Dogs:Secret Lives) where you keep your dog on their lead in say a park or field, and walk past another dog with some distance between them, ensuring they behave appropriately so plenty of praise etc. Then, slowly and gradually over a period of time, get the dogs to walk closer together until eventually they should be able to walk past each other with no reaction.

Another thing we are going to try with Pharam to get him to walk past strangers is to have a treat in our hand to gain his attention so he will walk past the stranger being more interested in the treat. Once he is past the stranger, if he hasn't barked, we will give him the treat,

Hope any of those ideas help you. I don't think dogs are hard-wired either. It's all about ensuring your dog feels happy, safe and secure

All the best, and good luck!

 

[Shewbert]

with both scenarios above the answer must be training and patience.

With training dogs with agressive behaviours I found it best to be done with a group of dogs and people, so a training school situation is better than with a single instructor.

In a group the dog will be either punished or treated on more occasions than just walking down the road, it is more intensive, but usually shows faster results.

You do not know why the dog acts in this way, you might never find out, but it can only get worse without help,

Training Schools can be a lot of fun. not only for the dog, but also for yourself, both yourself and dog find new friends with the same interests.

You will find out there are dogs with a lot more training problems than you have.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, There is no magic wands, it won't be easy, but don't give up on her, Collies are usually quick learners she is young enough to learn.

Keep us posted on how she is getting on

Shewy

 

[gypsysmum]

Good post from LauraMc. Distance helps enormously when trying to socialise a dog. The dog needs to be far enough away from the scary stimulus for the dog to be able to relax.

Anxious dogs cannot learn.

If another dog is too close then your dog will be anxious and so unable to learn anything at all about the other dog/person etc.

Of course distance is not always possible which is when you just have manage the situation the best way you can. For distraction you could use Primula cheese to squirt through her muzzle to keep her focused on you.

You have a long and difficult road ahead. Do not be shy of going back and seeking support from the behaviourist.