Dog on Dog

[tonyhacker]

Mike....I am a dog trainer in Ohio. Like you I am always eagerly searching for other trainers takes on training, and other techniques to better help myself and the dogs that I work with. I would like to see some information or some techniques that you have used to battle dog on dog aggression. I just joined the site and have really enjoyed the information that you have. I have even seen a few things in your training methods that I plan to imcorporate into my own training sessions.

Thanks,
Tony

[Mike D'Abruzzo]

Hi Tony,

Good to have you and thanks for supporting the site. I'll try to keep trickling in the info and vids. I handle dog on dog aggression differently depending on the type. Are you referring to within the home between two dogs of the same "pack' or aggression toward all dogs, or some dogs? I have a pair at the kennel now that are here for fighting each other within the home that I may post some vid on, but I also do tons of generalized dog aggression toward allk dogs.

Post the situation and I'll post what my general plan would be.

ps. do you have web site? feel free to create a signature that will be in your forum posts that will link to your site. I'm sure members and browsers would love to check it out if you do.

[tonyhacker]

Mike,
I am interested in any input you may have on both in pack aggression along with general dog on dog aggression. I just finished a job about two months ago that had to do with in pack dog aggression. A young married couple with two female pit bulls. The husband was suddenly deployed to Iraq. These dogs were both rescues. The older female kept attacking the younger dog anytime they were outside playing. Some of the attacks were some what severe. I put the wife, who was a very timid and weak pack leader on my "ground work" program (very similar to your pack structure info). Then moved into obedience training of both dogs. Once obedience was completed, We began to work the dominant female on a long line with a muzzle. Letting the dogs play and interact together, correcting and blocking any signs of aggression. I also showed the wife how using a bite tug in play and for motivation can be a great outlet for dogs who want to bite or to help with what you term restless spirit. (loving that term) That is the short version, but I am happy to report that they have not had an incident in over 2 months. I just began another job where an 8 year old pit rescue is biting small dogs in motions....talk about some prey drive. Will post as I go and update on that job.

Tony
K-9 Reflections Dog Training
Cincinnati Ohio
www.k9reflections.com

[Mike D'Abruzzo]

general fear based aggression is really not all that hard if you have the support system set up.

1. need the right relationship to lead the dog
2. the obedience to enorce your leadership off-leash
3. a group of stable dogs thar are involved in a "muzzle park".

"muzzle park" i set up like a regular dog park but all the dogs wear muzzles and all need to have completed off-leash training before we cut them loose together. Then we use the commands that we taught them to guide them through proper interaction. Fear based aggression disolves with regulars to these groups. at least once a week. The hard part is the patience to get the dog used to a comfortable basket muzzle and the time to teach the dog well off-leash obedience using a fair system.

I'll post footage of this in action fairly soon and all the rules and exercises involved. For instance "normal aggression" is allowed. Abnormal and overly assertive aggression is not allowed.

I have to get back to a class but I'll tell you what I do for within the pack. Not far off from what you are doing really - mostly concentrating on the triggers and reasons then polishing off with control and management. Not much that can't be accomplished with patience.

Your 8 year old pit can benifit from some muzzle park filled with little guys! (along with some tug for restless spirit) We have one like him in our support group. keep me posted. Sounds like you like the challanges! thats good since so many trainers will turn their back on them.