Im afraid of my rottie...

[domez]

Originally Posted by vale

Well, what about forcing the dog to the floor to "show him that you're the alpha"? How is that considered a good method to teach your puppy something, nowadays?

I do not think it's appropiate for such a dog as the OP's to practice this kind of "techniques", and I do believe that positive reinforcement would work much better in building a relationship between her and the puppy - a relationship that would include trust and respect (and I'm pretty sure that using Cesar's method here would NEVER make the dog respect nor trust her). In fact in her situation I tend to think that the puppy will only accumulate frustration and anger.

I totally agree with using posotive training, a friend of mine who also took a pup from the same litter suggested picking him up if he was agreesive to me so he felt out of control... Like i had the upper hand... First of all... I dont want to hurt him, second of all i think this would scare him and make the situation worse... a lot of people have said to me that a dog this size should have a little fear of you... but I dont agree... I just want a happy confident healthy dog and relationship with my dog.

[Moosemom]

Hope that domez works out the best method for HER dog! (did I miss something with Cesar? I thought he was using a rewards-based training. Can exercise, discipline, love hurt a dog?...I think not) I'm outta this one, good luck to domez.

[vale]

When you were picking up the paper while he was on his bed, was he close to a toy or a bone? Or did he go for the paper? This really sounds like resource guarding... he feels he must guard what he believes is HIS from you. There are many many threads on this subject here: http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/sea...archid=1606664

I'm not an expert here but I would put a leash on him and have him follow you everywhere (tie it on your belt or something like that), so that you can easily correct the wrong behaviors. I would get in touch with this friend of yours as well and tell him/her about your situation and how your puppy behaves with you. Having this friend help out at home is a great idea.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by domez

I totally agree with using posotive training, a friend of mine who also took a pup from the same litter suggested picking him up if he was agreesive to me so he felt out of control... Like i had the upper hand... First of all... I dont want to hurt him, second of all i think this would scare him and make the situation worse... a lot of people have said to me that a dog this size should have a little fear of you... but I dont agree... I just want a happy confident healthy dog and relationship with my dog.

A dog should understand "how far you're willing to go" to prove that you say what you mean and you mean what you say, in other words, be honest with your dog, but a dog should not fear you. There is a BIG difference.

Please seek the assistance of a qualified trainer/behaviorist. I'm betting that your reactions to the puppy are escalating the situation. When you fear his razor sharp teeth and pull back, he is learning how to control you with them.

Look at DVG AMERICA Main Menu or USA Schutzhund for a training club near you. These working dog folk generally know how to read a dog in drive, and the intent of the dog better than the average Joe. You need the help of someone who can see what's going on up close and personal, and evaluate the animal (and you) honestly.

If you are afraid of a 40lb puppy, what the hell do you think is in your future? Get this fixed now.

My 2 cents.

[freakygoldfish]

Am I the only one who thinks it really weird for a puppy that age to be showing so much aggression? If he's that bad now, what will be like during adolescence? Have you talked to the breeder? Has a vet checked him out? The thought of returning him would've crossed my mind around the second time a puppy that age went for me. That's just me though.

[poohbearsmom]

Sorry, didn't look at your location when I posted.


I found this on a search: Seaford & District Dog Training Club.

Not clear on what they do, or their methods, but they have a dandy newsletter doc online with an email address at the bottom.

[Shane]

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[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by freakygoldfish

Am I the only one who thinks it really weird for a puppy that age to be showing so much aggression? If he's that bad now, what will be like during adolescence? Have you talked to the breeder? Has a vet checked him out? The thought of returning him would've crossed my mind around the second time a puppy that age went for me. That's just me though.

If the pup is not reacting to others this way, it is likely dominant behavior. That a puppy can be dominant over adult human beings has a lot to do with the human being in front of that puppy.

There have been and will be occasional instances of a puppy who's not wired correctly, but the pup would have a more generalized response most likely and not such a targeted one.

I had a 10 week old pup returned. The first week all was well. He was just observing. The second week in his new home, he'd decided there was no one sitting in the CEO's Chair and so he decided he'd be more than happy to fill that chair.

The only animal that I'm aware of that can make itself lower on the totem pole than a dog is a human being.

[Canula2000]

Originally Posted by poohbearsmom

The only animal that I'm aware of that can make itself lower on the totem pole than a dog is a human being.

love this!

It may be that the pup is too much for the owner and the best thing would be to return it to the breeder, if that is possible. For a first time owner having a very difficult dog is tough for everyone and will only get worse unless a good trainer is found. unfortunately only trial and error makes for a good dog owner and it is far better for a new owner to trial and error on a more calm and submissive dog.

[Shane]

Originally Posted by Shane

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My apologies. I wasn't swearing or anything. I just left the browser open and apparently my little girl felt like providing an opinion.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by Shane

My apologies. I wasn't swearing or anything. I just left the browser open and apparently my little girl felt like providing an opinion.

LOL... I concur with your child!

[JoJo]

Originally Posted by poohbearsmom

LOL... I concur with your child!

You would Elisabeth, you speak the language very well.

[NikoJ]

Originally Posted by Shane

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juxyhdfjkfr

Due to my slight OCD tendencies, I was trying to organize the letters in a more orderly fashion.

I had some moments where I was not sure I could maintain the upper hand with my pup. He tried the waters a few times with me and took some nice bites in my arm.

Don't know that my method was the best, but it worked for us. First I let Niko know that it hurt and I was not pleased by letting out a loud "Ouch". Then I snapped his leash on and put him in a sit. At this point he was still fixed on snarling at me. I held his leash tight holding him at arms length from me. Every time he tried to come back at me, I firmly said "Uh-uh" ... When he calmed down and sat nicely, I praised and gave a treat. It did not take long for him to realize that being a brat was not going to work in his favor.

Now when he starts acting bratty, I simply order him to sit. The tone of my voice brings him around pretty fast.

When he was much younger I found that he would often become over stimulated. I had to learn to stop the play before he reached that point. Not that this is the cause of your pup's aggression, but watch for clues as to what is setting him off.

[Shane]

Originally Posted by NikoJ

Due to my slight OCD tendencies, I was trying to organize the letters in a more orderly fashion.

I have a cousin who calls it CDO for that very reason.

[pajagre]

Wow, I must say that I am shocked! Only 4 months old? Do you play rough with the dog? Tug of war? Does he bite your hands while you are playing? These things can all cause a dog to "act tough" or try to work their way up the ladder to a leadership position in the pack.

It's good that have the sense to get this straightened out now. Some people don't, and then the costs are huge later.