papillon is lunging and growling

[jdalin40]

Hello. My 7 month old Pappy has a very distrurbing behavioral issue. He lunges at people and other dogs and has bit 2 people both of whom have brought there hands over his head. I've heard sooooooooooo many different opionons and ways to solve this problem some I like and some I don't, but nothing consistent, please help!!

[cyber-sibes]

Hello and welcome to pettalk!
Sounds like going to puppy classes might be a BIG help - you'll get the input of someone who has alot of experience working with dogs-- check out whose offering classes in your area. You may try to call the humane society or vets offices to get a reccomendation. I would do this ASAP, because biting is a serious issue. At least call a trainer & get some input.
In the meanwhile I would keep the pup away from strangers, if they approach you ask them NOT to pet your dog. (reaching over a dog's head is the wrong way to approach them anyway - offer an open hand palm up so they can sniff you first, and don't try to pet their head right off the bat). Best wishes!

[K9soul]

I don't have time (due to being in the middle of work) to write up my thoughts on the best way to handle this though I agree with cyber-sibe's suggestions, and I know there are others here who have a lot of experience in this area. I do want to say however, that like raising and dealing with issues with kids, you are going to get a lot of varying feedback on the best way to handle it. I think you should pick one method that you feel most comfortable with and stick with that very consistently. Do ask people not to try to pet him for now though, especially on the top of the head. I'm sure you'll get more in depth advice here too. My best wishes to you.

[jdalin40]

I have been in obedience classes over 2 years now and this has not been an issue with me yet or my instructor. I have talked to many trainers which some say don't let him in your lap around others, take to all shows and around strangers to get use to surroundings, throw on back, squirt water, leave and only reward good behavior. I've heard it all and am at a lost. He's great at agility and won't be able to go to trials with this behavior.

[ginagt]

Hi,
You might try some clicker training with you dog. Here is a link for a good clicker training book that deals specially for aggresive dogs to both human and other dogs. Hope this helps.


http://www.clickertraining.com//trai...calm/index.htm

[jdalin40]

I went to the clicker website that was sent to me and I ordered a book on aggressive dogs. I have used clicker training with him and he responds very well to clicker training but am going to use it more often now and be more consistent with it. I think all his bad aggressive behavior is nothing more than fear.

[ginagt]

Jdalin40,
Glad to hear you ordered the book, I have not used it myself but have heard good things about it. Please post and let us know how it works out for you and your dog. If it is fear causing his aggression, hopefully you can teach a new way of reacting.
Good luck.

[K9soul]

I ordered this pamphlet awhile back from Amazon called The Cautious Canine due to my dog Tommy's nervousness around new things and situations and due to Tasha's fearfulness towards men. Neither have ever bitten and Tommy never would though I wonder if Tash might if she felt trapped/cornered enough.

Is your dog on a leash or secured in any way when he bites? A fearful dog being leashed and unable to escape attentions is one of the most likely bite scenarios. I'm not saying to let him run around unleashed but it'd be best if he could meet people in a situation where he didn't feel trapped, i.e. a fenced area. This pamphlet goes into detail on desensitizing a fearful dog around people.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...55048?v=glance

If it is fear based I would recommend those methods, but if it is purely aggression based I would highly recommend reading the book 'The Dog Listener' which goes into detail on how to peacefully and without force (no yelling or jerking or those kinds of things) assert your place as pack leader so that the dog will not feel the need to dominate and protect his people and/or territory.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846

[jdalin40]

Thanks you everybody for your responses and I am taking bits of everybodys info and ordering books and trying to put everything I learn into training this boy! He's great at agility and I want to take him to trials, but can't with this personality! It doesn't matter if he's on or off leash, he will still attack. I have been clicking him thru out the day when he's good and playing nice with my other dogs and he's responding well so far. Its already making a difference. I have been only responding to his growls and lunges with a soft voice and telling him be nice and its o.k. and he stops. Hopefully were getting somewhere and all the advise that I got before and was doing didn't do permanent damage.