Aggression When Another Dog Invades Her Space

Dear Adam,

Hi, I have a 3 year-old Australian Cattle Dog. She is a wonderfully obedient dog, canine good citizen certified and everything. She is very obedient and good-natured to people, however she is very dominant when it comes to other dogs.

australian cattle dog
Australian Cattle Dog

Recently I have been having problems with her snapping at other dogs if they come up to her while she is on a leash. This is not a problem if I tell her to sit and the other dog stays a normal distance away.

She doesn't like dogs invading her space and standing over her (she is only 35 pounds, so most dogs tower over her). I call it her “Napoleon Complex”.

I tried to work on the problem by putting a muzzle on her and setting up situations so I can correct her, but she realizes that she is in no position to show the other dog who is boss while muzzled and refrains. We have recently started therapy dog training classes, which she is doing very well in.

Like I said she is a perfect angel around people. In a therapy situation she is unlikely to encourage other dogs on or off leash who will be allowed to be in a position close enough to upset her, however, if some instance did occur, I would feel uncomfortable with her snapping at another dog.

In most instances, I can prevent a situation where she would be tempted to snap from occurring, however, there are some instances that can't be avoided.

Do you have any suggestions? I'm debating whether I should discontinue her therapy dog classes.

Thank You,
Katie

Dear Katie,

This is really more of a handler issue.

It's your responsibility to NOT LET other dogs invade her space.

Now, you can correct her for the aggression – but at the same time, you must show her that she can trust you, and that you will not let strange dogs from another pack wonder up and get in her face. This is the job of the pack leader – to protect the pack.

You're not doing your job by letting strangers off the street walk up and get too close. I would recommend a walking stick or a stun gun.

As for the therapy dog training – I would recommend that you continue, but without seeing the dog in person, this will ultimately be a judgement call which you must make for yourself and your dog.

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Dog Training Encyclopedia

That's all for now, folks!
Adam

Dog Training Career: What is Involved?

A dog training career may be just right for you, if you love working with dogs. Dogs of all ages, from puppies to older dogs, need training, and their owners often don't know how to train them. They look for a professional dog trainer to do the job.

If you are thinking of a dog training career, you might want to start by practicing on your own dog. If you are good at training your dog, you might be good at training other people's dogs. But if training your dog leaves you frustrated and drained, then becoming a dog trainer might not be the best career for you.

When you are training dogs, you are actually training the owners more than the dogs, so you need to be good with people to consider a dog training career. People are not at their best when they are frustrated or embarrassed by their dog's behavior. Will you be able to deal with these distraught owners calmly, while at the same time tending to their dogs? Give this some thought.

Consider volunteering to help out at a dog training class at your local shelter. You will get a feel for what is involved in a dog training career. If you are good, the teacher may let you teach a segment of the class. This will be your trial by fire. If you do a good job, then you can move forward with your training.

Dog Training Book
Dog Training Encyclopedia

You can prepare for a dog training career in several ways.

1. Attend a school specifically for those interested in a dog training career. There are many schools and seminars available. Be sure to get lots of hands on training.

2. Become an intern or apprentice to a dog trainer in your area. This way, you can learn dog training on the job.

3. Become a certified dog trainer. Do a search on the internet for dog training certification programs.

Once you have the proper education in dog training, starting your business should be easy. Decide if you want to work with individual clients in their homes or offer dog training classes. It is a good idea to offer a combination of both. By advertising your dog training classes, people who want individual help training their dogs will hear about you too. Soon your dog training career will be off to a great start.

Check around in your area for facilities where you can hold the dog training classes. Often the local humane society will have space for classes, or you could check with dog day care facilities. In warm weather, you may be able to hold your classes outdoors.

Advertise your services by leaving brochures about your training program with veterinarians, dog supply stores, and pet shelters. This way, your advertising will not cost you much.

Congratulations! You have followed the steps above and have a thriving dog training career. You love dogs and are working with them every day. For a dog lover and a natural teacher, you have found the ideal business to be in.

Tips On How To Train Your Dog Successfully

Training your dog can seem frustrating at times, especially if you are just starting out with a new animal. However, by using the advice found here you will discover how to improve your relationship with your pet and build a stronger understanding of your animal's needs as well as yours.

Play with your dog often. In order to train your dog efficiently, it is important to develop and nurture a bond between the two of you. Make sure you are taking the time out of your day to play with your dog. It will be fun and stress-reducing for both of you.

playtime
Playtime with George the Basset

When you are training your doggy friend, use what is known as primary reinforcement

Primary reinforcement uses something that is inherent for the dog to love as a reward for good behavior. Primary reinforcements include using food as treats and rubbing your dog's belly. This will teach your dog how to get something he already wants.

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WARNING:

Do not use training or aids that involve excessive (or even regular) punishment to your dog, as the cost may far outweigh the benefits. Prong collars can cause issues with the trachea in susceptible breeds while simultaneously using negative means of reinforcing heeling. You should be both knowledgeable about and comfortable with whatever training and/or aids you use.

Resources are Plentiful

Take a class on training or study books and websites regarding the topic before starting to train your dog. It seems easy to train a dog but a lot of things that make sense to us won't make sense to a dog. Learning the proper way to train and studying how to run a good training session will be beneficial for you both during this process.

Effectively training your dog should always include rewarding his good behavior. By rewarding your dog with a treat, a rub, or in some other way, you are reinforcing this good behavior. This ensures the likelihood that your dog will repeat this good behavior, because it was rewarded.

Consistency is key when training a dog. If you don't want them to jump on the couch never let them up there in the first place. If, as they get older and more controllable, you decide to allow them up on occasion, make it clear that they are only allowed on the couch when they are called.

The Value of Reinforcement

Training your dog is a daily, on-going process. Ask your dog to sit before being petted, fed, or taken outside. By constantly reinforcing lessons, your dog will learn that all commands are applicable in all situations. If you train only in specific locations at specific times, you may end up with a dog that only “sits” in the living room at 6 p.m.!

Enjoy Your Success and Get Our Gift…

Since you have learned these new facts, you will now able to enjoy having a calmer more obedient dog that will surely provide better benefits that you and your whole family can enjoy. Put this information to use today and see firsthand just how much easier it is to train your dog!

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Train Your Dog – The Groundwork

Train Your Dog – The Groundwork

You should start training dogs as young as you possibly can. Puppies learn quicker and far from being cruel, it helps them to adapt and be happier animals.

It is absolutely essential that you get dogs into a routine before you can start any formal training, and this should include set meal times and walk times. If you let your dogs out in the yard then you should try to do so at a time when they need to go out.

Structure is Key

Some people express concern that training a young puppy is cruel. However, as its parent you are responsible for ensuring your dog learns right from wrong and performs the right actions at the right time.

Without a structured life and input from you, your puppy is likely to become down and depressed. Start young and start relatively lightly, there is certainly no need to start agility training immediately but you should learn a few basic commands.

For fast results, use high-quality, but inexpensive training treats.

Safe and Secure

Training your dog can also ensure it's future safety. For example an obedient dog is less likely to run away from home or run out into the street. Obedient dogs are usually exceptionally responsive to their masters call and therefore it is possible to keep them out of harms way.

Praise Pleases Them

You should always be prepared to praise your dogs when they do something you like. Initially you may want to include an edible treat as well, but in time you can and should revert to solely using verbal praise. By instilling these positive feelings your dog will be only too pleased to listen to your commands and aim to please you. This makes training very easy.

School?

Puppy training classes are excellent for giving you the groundwork to continue at home, and they also provide you with the perfect opportunity to socialize your dog in an understanding environment. Your puppy will get to meet other dogs and other people and you will be able to learn how he or she copes with the situation.

Fun Every Day

Don't believe that going to puppy classes once a week should be considered a fill training program for your dog though. You must continue with the training when you get home. Try to set aside some time every single day to carry on the training.

Free Gift

Grab our free Dog Training Encyclopedia as our gift. Learn, share, and reprint any portion you deem helpful to your project.

Please leave your dog training tips in the comments!

Chocolate Havanese, Small, Non-shedding, Hypoallergenic

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Are you by any chance a dog lover? You live in the apartments or a small home? Do you get allergies? Small dogs with the hypoallergenic fur can be the right pet for your needs. “Hypo” is the suffix that means below or less. Hypoallergenic dogs can still put out some allergens, but even then at a very low level. Few dogs which take up little space, hence making them suited for apartment life, are Silky Terriers and the Havanese also Coton de Tulear. Most these dogs are all said to be “Toy” size as proclaimed by America Kennel Club.

Silky Terrier was done by cross breeding of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier around late 19th century approximately. Even having these very early dates, it then was fully recognized as a separate breed until around 1955 mostly called Australian Silky Terrier. Some of these dogs have some terrier like qualities like enjoying activity and also possess very sharp alertness levels. Hair maybe long, but these Silky Terriers generally don't shed. This kind of long hair is partially the reason for their name. Generally have very smooth and soft qualities. These dog does always require much more than the average care to care for their silky coat and keep it in condition. These terriers do get along well with some dogs and also children, but also get a bit aggressive when teased or provoked. Some proper education must be provided to as well as people around this animal and also these dog themselves about how to react with each another.

These Havanese dogs were actually developed by Spanish people from a almost extinct breed known as the Bichon Tenerife, hence making these part of Bichon family or breed of dogs. Grooming is not the worry in this breed, also even with the Havanese which are generally shown in tough competition. These look friendly and playful, similar to their temperament. Most of these dogs are fun when around children also other dogs and even most people without getting very possessive. The sturdy frame of this breed makes these much better when around some curious children unlike some fragile “Toy” type dogs. Even though they love to play and also win, these are very easily calmed when told to be by their masters. One of major disadvantage of owning the Havanese is the fact that they suffer from a lot of ailments like cataracts or even hip dysplasia. But these are not common, unless otherwise your dog is adopted.

The Coton de Tulear is yet another dog having Spanish roots also from Bichon family. The home is actually Madagascar, and here it is officially the dog of that country. This very intelligent breed is very playful, and also when pure bred, it's generally white in color. The white coat, although hypoallergenic, sheds much more than their Havanese cousin, hence it requires proper brushing almost once a week. These Coton de Tulears generally love people and also enjoy playing with people and love daily walks and can even maintain pace up on hikes. They are easily attached to their masters and hence suffer separation anxiety few times. But overall, this dog is healthy and lives anywhere from almost fourteen till eighteen years.

Abhishek is an avid dog lover.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com