Viewing Single Post From: Help needed for my friend, please

Viewing Single Post From: Help needed for my friend, please
piwoodhouse	May 11 2009, 09:03 PM
Total Gas Bag! Posts: 3,970 Group: Full Members Member #282 Joined: August 18, 2006	The Jekyll and Hyde characteristics you describe are very similar to Alfie, a Parson Russell I fostered. Delightful dog 95% of the time but would attack inappropriately and is sadly quite a frustrated, mixed up boy. Whatever happens, your friend must NEVER leave him alone with a little child again (sorry to sound bossy, but she was lucky this time and the outcome may not be so fortunate next time) as any dog with an unpredictable nature cannot be relied upon. You say Cooper's recall is shocking and he is aggressive (with people, dogs or both?)- does this mean he spends a lot of time on the lead when he's out? In which case, he certainly isn't the only terrier to act this way - on a lead he's stuck, so will play up any mean streak as a self-preservation strategy. Easier said than done but is there anywhere at all you can let him off lead? Disused tennis court in the park for instance? If you take away any risk of hime escaping, your friend could relax more and so there won't be any fear from her for Cooper to pick up on. Does your friend know any sensible, calm and friendly bitch he could meet up and play with? In my limited experience, aggression is generally directed from males to other males. Whether or not a lot can be done here is I guess dependent upon how much time and patience your friend is prepared to devote, in the knowledge that however much she gives it may still not be enough. (Perhaps Lorna (Halfpint) has some practical suggestions) I know of a Patterdale terrier at our local riding stables; in a 'normal' domestic setting he was dog from hell apparently - snappy, destructive etc. With his options fast running out he was 'gifted' to the stables and spends his day ratting and patrolling the premises, now always stopping for a pat because he has the option of taking himself away from people if they get too close (if that makes sense). He's so happy now he has a job to do. I don't know if you've considered one of those Masterplus collars that sprays a jet of water from a remote control unit, but I tried one when my dog became protective and honestly, after three days I had a different dog. It worked for me but I accept it might not work for everyone. Having looked at his picture by the way, the coat looks very Patterdale-esque I have to say and 14" isn't out of range for this breed of dog. The colouring is more Border Collie though!


Help needed for my friend, please · Training & Behaviour