We flunked basic obedience class

[Canula2000]

:( Well tonight was our last night of Basic obedience. My trainer told me that Fanci was doing great with all her commands but because of her behavior she could not get a certificate stating she passed. Basically she growled several times at the trainer and tried to attack a couple dogs (on different nights).
We are working with her aggression and our next step is going to be contacting a trainer who deals with aggressive dogs. I have heard some advice given to other people on this board to contact a behaviorist. Would this be worth my time or should I go straight to the trainer?
She is doing really good in the home except when my 6 yr old son has his friends over. I have to crate her when they come over for fear she might bite them. Any advice is welcomed, thanks.

[angel girl]

Well, at least you know why you didn't pass.

My class, you passed if you check cleared.

[shean]

She is doing really good in the home except when my 6 yr old son has his friends over. I have to crate her when they come over for fear she might bite them.

hi there, how old your puppy/dog? how long have you had her?

i will not pretend to offer you advice, my puppy is 6 months old and i am just learning to get her to stop chewing on me we play.

there are some very helpful and smart people in this place who have helped me alot so dont giveup on your dog just yet.

shean

[Luvs]

Canula,
I personally don't think that it would hurt to see a behaviorist. I think if anything you will gain from it.

Don't let it get you down because you did not get the certificate, at least you are out there working your girl. You are willing to do whatever it takes to help her get thru her aggressive behavior.

How old is Fanci and how long have you had her in training?

Good luck! I hope that you are able to work thru her problems :)

[Brooke&Ryan]

Originally Posted by Luvs

Don't let it get you down because you did not get the certificate, at least you are out there working your girl. You are willing to do whatever it takes to help her get thru her aggressive behavior.

I totally agree with Carol. Don't get down because you didn't get the certificate stating that you passed Basic OB. At least now you know what your dogs issues are & are commited to working through them.

Good for you!

:)
Brooke

[jayneliz]

I am assuming Fanci is a Rottweiler.

Many 'trainers' have had negative experiences with Rotts, and therefor have an attitude towards them. I just came from a very expensive and sobering Obedience Seminar where I experienced this kind of prejudice.

I have to ask, what was this trainer doing to Fanci that made her growl? And was it a warning type growl or a vocal type growl? How did the trainer address it? Additionally, what circumstances did Fanci attempt to attack another dog? Were the dogs playing or moving about??? How did the trainer handle that?

You are being a responsible Rottweiler owner by taking Fanci to obedience classes, crating her when company is coming, etc. I would venture to say it is your trainer that failed in not addressing the certain drives Fanci possesses. I'm not so sure you need a behaviorist as much as you do a good trainer!

[Canula2000]

Thanks for the replies. Fanci has been with me since 8 weeks old. She is now 1 1/2 years old. She has a strong working background with many titled schutzund (sp?) dogs. My trainer did admit he thought her behavior was due to genetics and wasn't quite sure how to handle her. He let me do all the handling in class.
Most of the dog aggression incidences happened during free play time (the first 10 minutes of class). However she has been in two dog fights at my home where I take care of other dogs for rescue work.
The trainer referred me to another trainer that deals with aggressive dogs. I will contact her but was also wondering if a behaviorist should be the next step.
Also, there is a working dog club in my state; would it benefit me to talk to this club and ask them about her issues?

[AngelBunny]

Canula2000:

"Most of the dog aggression incidences happened during free play time (the first 10 minutes of class). However she has been in two dog fights at my home where I take care of other dogs for rescue work."

One sure way to prevent Fanci from getting into dog fights is to prevent her from romping around with other dogs.

While I expect my [leashed] dogs to behave in public--no barking, lunging, or otherwise acting up at the sight of another dog, I take a dim view of dog parks and free play time. I don't want my dogs to be romping around with bunches of other dogs. They don't need to do this.

Fanci sounds like a dominant girl to me, so curtailing her interaction with the other females in your house would be wise.

And contacting the working dog club that's local to you is an excellent idea.

We have two personal F's and are involved in Rottie rescue. We typically only foster M's because our youngest F thinks she's Ruler of the Universe. Bringing another F into our house would upset the hierarchy and frankly, isn't worth the effort to keep things on an even keel.

[Judi W]

My bigger concern than the dog aggression (easy enough to limit the dog contact) is the people aggression. The owner knows her dog, has owned her since she was a baby, and has concern about her going after her son's friends. This being the case, let's not try to blame the instructor for "doing something to" the dog that caused the growling. I am glad you recognize the problem.

I would say for sure that you contact the trainer who has more experience with aggressive dogs, but even more that you contact your breeder. Few regular obedience instructors are going to be able to deal with this. As children get older, they have even more friends and more independence. More doors opening, more comings and goings that are not as momma monitored as a 6 year old's. Putting her up is not a long term solution in a family setting with growing children and if the aggression has not been addressed now, you can't start any sooner.

[TrishB]

Also note that a behaviouralist doesn't replace a good trainer. ;)

A behaviouralist will help you with insights into the why's and what's of your dogs behaviour and how to correct it. Your trainer, will be able to work with you, along with your new knowledge of your girl's behaviour from the behaviouralist.

I've had great experiences with obedience clubs. They are typically clubs of members who volunteer their time to host classes. Due to their numbers, their commitment to competition and love of obedience - I've found them to be a fountian of information. If one doesn't have the information you need, someone else in the club usually will (or knows of someone who will ;)).

It's sometimes tough when you have a breed that people are biased against. So feel free to ask the question bluntly: "My dog is a Rottweiler - are you comfortable with them?" Their reaction will tell you more than words. :)

I've had the :o reaction and I've also had the 'pfft' :p :) reaction. Trust your gut when dealing with people that will have to deal with you and your dog. Both of you should be comfortable.

Best of luck!

[Judi W]

I agree Trish. In my training club I have not found anyone to have issues with any dog's breed and they all root for one another's success. However, they do have concerns about aggressive dogs. The obedience clubs train dogs owned by the public, not just competition dogs. Actually, this dog would be considered an "owned by public" girl. Occasionally, an owner will be told that the dog must wear a muzzle on the training grounds. This is perfectly reasonable.

Fanci did not pass, she was not ejected. She was not ready to be certified as having passed a training class. That is objective and not prejudicial. There are issues here above and beyond walking at heel and learning a stay command that need to take a priority. A good trainer will be able to evaluate whether it is insecurity or dominance or a bit of both. An insecure dog shows inappropriate aggression and can still be dominant to the owner. The special trainer and continuing with the club classes at the same time (minus the frolic group) would be excellent. Again, however, I would strongly advise contacting the breeder.

[Dans2Rotts]

Just a quick question about the aggresion shown towards people. Is all the agression toward men and boys? If so it may give yourself and the trainer a decent point to concentrate on. I had a St. Bernard mix dog growing up that hated men and boys (perhaps she has watched to much Opera :D , Or has had a bad experience with men or boys in the neighborhood).
Good Luck!