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

Viewing Single Post From: Help needed for my friend, please
RJL	May 14 2009, 10:47 PM
Chatterbox Posts: 1,382 Group: Full Members Member #179 Joined: January 25, 2006	I know you already have lots of infromation and advice to digest...........but here's some more :flower: I know Cooper belongs to your friend, but it's easier just to type 'you' rather than 'your friend' all the time.... Firstly, please do not blame any aggressive traits on the fact that he is a so-called 'working' terrier. A true working terrier, bred by people who are passionate about terrier work and know what they are doing are not the least bit aggressive towards people, generally. They have to be focussed on the quarry, but in the course of a dig, or a ratting expedition, or being asked to bolt the quarry from a tight spot, they can be picked up, passed around, dragged out by the tail, flung on the back of a quad bike....A dog that flies and bites just isn't tolerated. Sadly, a lot of what is advertised as 'Patterdales' etc., are bred by people who have absolutely no real understanding of terriers and are just out to make money and trade in on the whole 'aren't terriers bossy little characters' thing. People buy them because they are generally cheaper than the KC registered breeds. Having said that, most proper working terriers live in kennels or yards and do not have to tolerate the constant buzz of a household. That minor rant aside (sorry - it is something I feel really strongly about) the advice you have been given here is great. Consistency is the key. I'd start with just one signal or word, or even noise, that means you intend to interact with Cooper. Forget clickers - to get a really consistent signal, that you can deliver in a non-threatening way - you could even try singing softly the first few words of a song you like. This will calm you too! As you sing, just drop a treat or two for Cooper. Don't pet him; don't talk to him - just repeat your little tune and drop treats. After a minute or so, say 'that'll do' turn away and walk quietly out of the room. :help: OK - I bet you think I'm completely mad by now.... Make this the only interaction you have for a few days (you can do the same when you feed him. Also make his food more challenging, with chicken wings and food hidden in kongs etc., so he has to engage his brain a bit more to get it) Don't feed too high protein either. At this stage, I would keep him confined to one room, or even a large crate (so it's kennel-size) and only let him out when you sing your song. Some dogs are very, very reactive and sensitive to touch and really don't like it as they lack the confidence to deal with it. This can be part due to breeding and part to early experiences. You just have to build up the touching very, very slowly. Stage 2 is to go in, start your song (which makes you all relaxed and calm and nice and produces a consistent noise) and then, hold the treat near (DO NOT thrust your hand towards him, just kneel down NOT leaning in over him - and hold it) and when he sits, as he will, say 'good boy!' or 'yes!' or some other happy refrain and let him have it. A couple of minutes of this is enough before you say 'that'll do' and leave again. If you are using a crate, get him in the crate before you leave the room, by placing a treat in the crate and using your 'good boy!' happy phrase or word as he goes in. This could take a couple of weeks, but gradually, in the play sessions, you can begin to teach sits, lie down, stays and all manner of things without actually stroking or fussing him. Hyper sensitive dogs are often super-bright but wary (they think too much!!!) Making him use his brain will help calm him and keeping your words and physical actions to a bare minimum will help reassure him that you are a logical and harmless creature - rather than this big tall random thing that comes out with all kinds of gibberish and insists on thrusting your hands towards him for no apparent reason :rolleyes: Eventually, you get a dog that really wants to spend time with you and only when you have built up that bond, should you expect him to stay calm for a cuddle - he'll do that in his own time. Really gradually (as in months) you can start spending more time with him, but realistically, if he's the type of dog who has that very reactive streak, he'll probably be happiest with a proper routine, where he gets a couple of good walks and a few sessions where he has your company and then is left in peace the rest of the time. I'm sure he will become a really devoted little dog. Before I got Dill he had bitten his owner and her partner in the face and attacked a young child all by 8 months old. There is nothing 'wrong' with him and it's not because he's a heeler - or any other such excuses: he just happens to be a very sensitive, reactive specimen and with clear 'rules' and consistent handling, he's a super little worker. He's never likely to be a cuddly sort and if he's not absolutely sure of what I'm tyrying to tell him - or if he feels he should be 'working' he will bark - but that's part of his character and to be honest I'm not bothered by it. We've got a really strong relationship and trust one another totally. Definitely investigate his joints etc. with the vet at the same time though, as there could be something structural making him grouchy. If his leptospirosis jab is up to date and once you have his total trust, why not take him ratting? He might thrive as a stable dog or farm yard dog, because he would have the opportunity to keep himself out of human's way if he chose to do so. I'm sure you can bring him around - if you can bring the whole household on side and don't rush things. I loaned a booklet on dog aggression to someone on this forum - if you are reading this - please PM me: I want it back :wave: I still have the proof of posting, so if it never reached you I can tell the PO. Anyway, if I ever see it again, I could let you borrow it. I'm sure everyone will now think I'm completely bonkers :hyper: but nothing replaces patience and consistency.


Help needed for my friend, please · Training & Behaviour