Where does a male rotties dominance cross the line...

[CDBRIGGS]

I have a neutered male rottie who is the love of my life! However... I have a my first baby on the way this August and have a few concers. He seems to be...protective? But fearful of things at the same time. I'm unable to cut his nails, which I hear is canine-wide difficult, unable to trim hair at the end of his nubby tail and pretty sure he's gonna pitch a fit when I attempt to Advantix him next month. I feel I've lost control over certin things that should not have been lost. I had to take him to the vet to get 2 ticks removed! HE HAD TO BE SEDATED!!! I love him with all of my heart and do have his respect and cooperation for a number of things. I can give him treats out of my mouth, pet and love him up while he eats and drinks, he's tolerant of the family cat... BUT, I don't feel that it's safe I only have partial control. He's good with my boyfriends 8 and 5 year old, and he and my female dane act like litter mates. I just want some good advise from people who may have walked in my shoes and regained control. Please comment as you see fit, be honest! Thank you!!!

[harleychik66]

How old was your boy when you got him and how old is he now? How much training/socialization have you done?

It sounds to me as if you have not shown him what is acceptable and what isn't. You have shown him love but no discipline. Since you make no mention of how you correct him or are dealing with these issues I'm not sure how to respond.

You say you have partial control, but from your post it sounds as if you have no control. He's good when HE wants to be and unruly when HE chooses to be. Just because he's not always misbehaving doesn't mean you have control. It only sounds as if he behaves when things go his way. If something as minor as trimming his tail hair or putting advantix on him causes him to pitch a fit, you definately have some control issues.

I would highly recommend speaking with a behaviorist. They can help you assess your situation and recommend the steps you need to take to move forward in the training of your boy. Signing up for obedience classes would also be a step in the right direction. You can also start with the implementation of NILIF, which stand for nothing in life is free. Do a search here and you will come up with many posts discussing how it works.

The good thing is you have realized there is a problem and are willing to work to fix it. I would also recommend not leaving your boy unattended with the kids. Not only because of his undesirable behaviors, but because any dog/child combination should be supervised.

[crazyonehuh]

Sound to me like he needs to know who the alpha is. The more you interact with him the more he will trust you. I am not saying he doesn't, but if you can't do basic grooming proceedures then there is a problem somewhere. Losing control over things that shouldn't have been lost might mean not spending enough time together. Its so hard to pin point with not knowing more about him.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by CDBRIGGS

I have a neutered male rottie who is the love of my life! However... I have a my first baby on the way this August and have a few concers. He seems to be...protective? But fearful of things at the same time. I'm unable to cut his nails, which I hear is canine-wide difficult, unable to trim hair at the end of his nubby tail and pretty sure he's gonna pitch a fit when I attempt to Advantix him next month. I feel I've lost control over certin things that should not have been lost. I had to take him to the vet to get 2 ticks removed! HE HAD TO BE SEDATED!!! I love him with all of my heart and do have his respect and cooperation for a number of things. I can give him treats out of my mouth, pet and love him up while he eats and drinks, he's tolerant of the family cat... BUT, I don't feel that it's safe I only have partial control. He's good with my boyfriends 8 and 5 year old, and he and my female dane act like litter mates. I just want some good advise from people who may have walked in my shoes and regained control. Please comment as you see fit, be honest! Thank you!!!

He sounds like a brat who's been rewarded for his behavior, not a dominant dog. He also sounds likes he lacking confidence. Training will bring you control, and make him more confident about HIS role and place in your family. Dogs need our leadership. If we don't give it to them, they will take the position, even if they aren't "qualified".

August is a few months away, so promoting yourself to Sheriff and learning how to deal with him is a priority. Since he's been getting away with this behavior, you should get help in learning how to communicate with him honestly. Please seek a trainer well versed in Working breeds; I would suggest a working dog club, or all breed club in your area to start researching this.

I would also make sure he's crate trained.

I do hope you're not looking for a reason (baby coming) to dispose of this dog. You made him this way, you need to fix it.

Hope this helps.