AboutSandy Case MEd, CPDT Expertise Questions on basic and advanced dog training, motivation, positive training, clicker training, behavior issues (though serious issues - like human aggression - are best addressed by an in-person professional
Experience 30 years training & titling my own Australian Shepherds in Obedience (all levels) agility, herding, volunteer and professional instructor for similar length of time. ASCA obedience judge - all levels, past training director, OCOTC (x3) Sooner Agility Club. Current training director and owner, Positively Canine, LLC
Organizations ASCA, APDT, OCOTC, ITASC
Publications Aussie Times - obedience editor
Education/Credentials BFA, MEd, CPDT
Awards and Honors Multiple obedience titles 20 CDs, 12 CDX, 4 UD, 1 ASCA OTCH, Agility titles, Stock and herding titles, Multiple DWA, Multiple National Rankings, Delaney Ranking, Multiple Gaines regional qualifications, 2 Nationals HIT, Front and Finish rankings, Multiple Dog World Awards
orld Awards
Past/Present Clients Some may be seen in the testimonial portion of our website www.positivelycanine.com
Expert: Sandy Case MEd, CPDT Date: 6/30/2008 Subject: bringing home an undersocialized 1-3 year mutt
Question i'll be taking home my aunt's dog ("Kekai") who is estimated at 1.5-2 years old.-intact. he was found as a tiny puppy in a box in front of a grocery store. we're not exactly sure of his breed, but he looks like a combination of american bulldog/boxer or a pit mutt. he's a short, stalky little guy and his front toes point in like a bulldog.
kekai is a sweet, loving dog ONLY AFTER he "meets" you with the aid of someone familiar. when approached by any stranger/foreign animal, he gets very timid, nervous, and defensive. he barks and will attempt to charge, but i noticed after spending time with this dog (and a few walks) that he just seems VERYVERY insecure because he tends to hide behind me before he starts barking at said strangers.
my dad watched this dog for a week and i saw him hit this dog on several occacions. i, for one, stopped this nonsensical behavior whenever i witnessed it, but i'm not sure if he suffered any physical abuse from my cousins, who were the original "parents" of Kekai.
this dog is intelligent and loving enough to be able to turn his behavior around and make him socialable, but what can i do to prepare my house and make it more welcoming for this puppy?
what's the first thing to do when correcting a potential aggressive behavior? is 2 years old too late?
Answer It sounds like Kekai is lucky to have you on his side. If he's not used to the people in the house, give him a safe place, and don't put pressure on him to socialize right away. New people should not "force themselves" on him, but ignore him and let him make the approach. They can drop treats on the floor but shouldn't attempt to touch or make eye contact. If you have guests and aren't in a situation where your attention can be 100% on the dog, put him up so he doesn't have to cope.
If he hides behind you before he goes reactive, that's great. It means you have plenty of notice that he's worried, and can do something about it. My favorite resource for worried or reactive dogs is a book by a lady named Leslie McDevitt. The book is "Control Unleashed" and though it's written for dogs in dog sports, it's focus is how you change the response of dogs to situations. It's a very thorough plan, and I think it would definitely be helpful in this situation. The key is noticing his concern and working with him before he melts down.
As soon as he comes into your house, try to give him a routine and rules (and some good basic training) Dogs who know what the rules are tend to be less generally anxious. And if there is less anxiety there, they may be less quick to react on their specific anxieties.
Eventually he may be a candidate for training classes, but for now you might see if someone can come to your home, meet him and give you some specific ideas. But I would run from anyone who suggests that you punish this behavior. It sounds like a pure fear reaction, and any punishment is bound to make it worse. Sandy Case MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com
