Aggression/lunging

[Dbaum]

Yesterday and the day before during our walk, when trucks go by, with big knobby tires, the dog lunges at them (thank gawd I had my thumb through the leash loop!).

Today I heard the truck coming (from behind) and put him in a "sit" prior to the truck coming by. He lunged, I corrected, he sat. The second time, he sat and although he tensed he did not break the sit.

I plan on trying all his commands (down, stand and heel (in the other direction)) when the trucks come by. Is this correct training? Would anyone do something different?

[RottiMomCT]

You know the truck is coming - get his attention LONG BEFORE that truck gets close enough to set him off. PRAISE for attention, do not correct for a quick glance towards the truck and then back to you. However, if he goes off, correct him and get that attention back.

The second time - was he PRAISED for not acting like an idiot when the truck passed by?

Is he seeming afraid of the truck or wanting to chase??

Is it possible to find a truck with similar tires (I am assuming you are talking about a construction type vehicle?) and just allow him to check it out, let him know you've got it all under control and he's got nothng to freak out about.

[Dbaum]

Yes. A long time ago my trainer taught me that for every "no" one gives a dog, one must give AT LEAST the amount of praise (at the appropriate time of course).

That's the thing about the truck. It is so common that the first few times I did NOT hear it...it was more or less white noise. Nor did I see it since it came up behind me. After my wake-up call however (saved by the thumb), I am now acutely aware and am endeavouring to work on this.

And no it is not construction trucks. It is the kids trucks that are jacked up and have great big knobby mud and snow tires--actually I still am trying to figure out exactly which trucks set him off since my puppy just started reacting to them a few days ago...from what I can tell THUS FAR it is the kids trucks...

[RottiMomCT]

Originally Posted by Dbaum

And no it is not construction trucks. It is the kids trucks that are jacked up and have great big knobby mud and snow tires--actually I still am trying to figure out exactly which trucks set him off since my puppy just started reacting to them a few days ago...from what I can tell THUS FAR it is the kids trucks...

Oooohhhhh.....I hate those trucks too...and I used to own one...dang I'm gettin old <LOL>!!

Anyways...how old is the pup? When you FIRST saw the reaction, what happened to set him off?? How did you handle it?? Did he seem freaked/scared by it??

[sarahd]

could it be the noise of the truck itself?? Kyla gets the "wuffs" when big noisy trucks or motorbikes (the ones with the really low rumbles) come by the house...I think she thinks its another dog growling or something. lol

[Dbaum]

Pup is 11 months and is coming along nicely. He has alot of spirit and is smart (unfortunately he thus mostly tries to use those smarts to see what he can get away with...thus far I am winning the battle of wits, it appears. Although sometimes he catches me off guard. i.e. when I am not paying attention he MAKES me pet him by forcing his head under me hand (yes yes I know he is trying to dominate and I aim to pet him on MY terms ...but he can be wily).

Yes, I'm pretty sure he does not like the noise. I am pretty sure that "prey drive" is kicking in. He hears a nice, is attracted to it, want to investigate, sees it fleeing (as the truck passes) and innate behaviour takes over...

Doesn't seem scared. Seems more indignant.

[brunie's mom]

Seems you are having more problems with your pup then just this. He is also peeing on their sliding glass door if left alone outside. Seems to me he is wanting to get ahead in this family.

For the lunging at trucks...I would take him out on a pinch (also known as a prong collar)...get a trainer to show you how to fit it and place it properly on the dogs neck and how to use it. This works great on a dog that decides he wants to go after something. You need to train at the same time also.

Gina

[Dbaum]

I have lots of problems with the pup. But I have fixed them all so far (with alot of help). Most recently he would eat the babies socks and regurgitate them a couple days later (thanks heavens they didnt get stuck in his intestine before I fixed it). Now he won't even look at them and they are basically invisible to him.

Then I fixed the jumping up on me, fixed the chewing on the corner of the table, fixed him digging in the yard (buried poop in his hole), and fixed him from chasing the black cat (the only one who runs from him).

Actually, there are no "problems." Only "opportunities" to make a better family pet. So far so good.

Thanks for the advice on the prong. Although it has always been an option, I have thus far been successful with my leash pops. I've had alot of practice and know a few tricks (i.e. high-collar in preparation of a good pop) so that thus far a prong has not been necesssary. I think he is getting better with the trucks already. As someone already pointed out (and reinfored to me) I need to keep him focused on me. Sometimes when we are walking I am not paying attention (to make sure he is paying attention) like I should....<===guilty but I plan to work on that. I'll make it fun for him.

[Judi W]

I don't think wanting to catch a truck is aggression related at all. It is prey - chasing something that is moving away from you. What you did was working. Seems fine to me. I always pay attention to my dogs but what is more, I pay attention to the environment when out, however, I do not require nor would I want to require that they can never take a walk without it being attention work towards me. True attention work is very demanding and very specific and to require a dog to give true attention for an every day exercise walk would turn them into a torment.

What I do however is teach my dogs the limits they are allowed as far as pressure on the leash is concerned. I determine how much leash I am going to give them according to circumstances (12 inches of the whole 6 foot), but they learn that when they feel the end of the lead, they are only allowed to put a certain amount of pressure against it. My basic rule is what I can hold with two fingers. Start pulling into it more than that and a darn good verbal will assault their ears. Two fingers is the amount of pressure I allow, that does not mean I hold with two fingers (unless of course I am showing off). Please do not put your thumb through the handle, grasp the lead/handle with your full hand. Otherwise you risk a broken thumb.

When problem solving (been a few years but I recall distinctly cats and roller blades) I of course work collar high, correction before the action. I bike my dogs so they darn well better learn to move along regardless of temptation because I am too old to be pulled off a bike - and I never have been.

[Dbaum]

Thanks for the advice. I am appreciative.