Any ideas on how to rehabilitate?

Animal Lover · 02-21-2010, 06:01 PM

A dog aggressive AmStaff? We have had the terrier in the shelter for about 2 months, she is the sweetest dog to humans, very well behaved. But when it comes to small animals or other dogs she's ready to attack. We're finding it very difficult finding a home for her just because we can't place her in a house with any other animals. I'm prepared to work with her but I have no idea where to start, so any idea's you could give me would be wonderful.

**Criosphynx** · 02-21-2010, 06:12 PM

Its doable....but....Its ALOT of work...just warning you

She may never be ok to go to a home with other animals (depends on the home) but you can def teach her to not loose her mind when she sees another animal

I would start here.

Amazon.com: Control Unleashed - Creating a Focused and Confident Dog: Leslie McDevitt: Books

Amazon.com: Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog (Karen Pryor Clicker Book) (9781890948207): Emma Parsons: Books

I can go into the various techniques here if you need clarification. But it really is a huge novel to type out everything you will need to know/do so the books are a good starting point.

Animal Lover · 02-21-2010, 09:34 PM

Thanks Crio, I'll definetly see if I can find those at my local chapters. She really is a sweet girl but as soon as people hear she's dog aggessive they automatically think DA = Dog fighting.

**Criosphynx** · 02-22-2010, 11:09 AM

no worries...

alot of dogs get labeled dog aggessive and they are really either super excited to see the other dog, or are actually afraid of the other dog and their reactions are just interpreted as "i want to go kill that other dog". Teaching her som' manners will help ALOT. Anyway, keep me posted.

Mikey · 02-23-2010, 04:18 PM

Quote:

alot of dogs get labeled dog aggessive and they are really either super excited to see the other dog, or are actually afraid of the other dog and their reactions are just interpreted as "i want to go kill that other dog". Teaching her som' manners will help ALOT. Anyway, keep me posted.

I was going to stress this-we'd always (and the vets and the trainers) labelled Mandy (my parents dog) as dog aggressive. But with further looking she is really just scared and her lunging and snapping and noise is to drive off the dog threatening her. Crio's been guiding us through a program and the difference is incredible. We've been working a long time but we can really only do 1-2 sessions a week at most, and my parents are often out of the country so we're a little slow going. I'd definitely talk more to Crio about setting up a program for the dog

**Criosphynx** · 02-23-2010, 04:23 PM

Thanks Mikey

If you can give me specifics, I can help a bit. Its just hard to type out a cookie cutter reply, plus it would be rediculously long

Love the new avatar btw!

Animal Lover · 02-26-2010, 02:50 PM

Thanks crio. Thats my pup!

Anyway Peyton seems to be okay with most dogs, so far there is only one at the shelter who are mortal enemies. She got out of her outdoor kennel a few days ago and her and Roxy (her enemy) got into a fight. It doesn't look like she's scared of Roxy since she's the one that started it. Yesterday there was an incident with me holding a puppy and Peyton got loose and she just seemed interested in the puppy, not showing any aggression at all.
I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but she's destroys every toy that she gets...especially the squeaky toys. It looks like she's "killing" the toy.

This her before getting to the killing stage, but thought I would share since it is very cute. YouTube - Payton.wmv

**Criosphynx** · 02-26-2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Yesterday there was an incident with me holding a puppy and Peyton got loose and she just seemed interested in the puppy, not showing any aggression at all.

wells thats a good sign! She may just be reactive to other dogs that are irritated, and not everyone. Thats wonderful.

Quote:

but thought I would share since it is very cute. YouTube - Payton.wmv

that was really, really cute.

**fawkese1** · 02-27-2010, 12:32 AM

she is adorable! i love her! i'm really glad to hear that you are willing to work with her too...

Animal Lover · 02-27-2010, 04:17 PM

So I have an update: Someone came in really interested in her, They have a pit mix that is 12 yrs old and they wanted to get a second younger dog. I was a little hesitant doing the dog to dog intros but to my sweet surprise they got along perfectly!!!!!! They both sniffed each other for about 5 minutes, no one showed any aggression, then they decided they were going to take a walk together!!

I'm so happy I could cry. The woman is going to bring her husband tomorrow to see Peyton and I recommended bringing their dog back to do another intro just to be sure, but if all goes well I do believe she will be adopted by this wonderful family. We also worked out a deal with "Bark Busters" that whoever adopts Peyton will get 6 free weeks of one on one behavioural training.