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Dec 27, 2017
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Same situation.... help in Houston
by: Anonymous

I am in Houston, TX and having an identical situation. Shelter dog saved from death row. She was timid at first and seeking affection. Out of nowhere she began to snap at faces that are too close to hers... even when she is the one coming to seek attention. With 3 kids, I need a solution. I e can not have aggressive behavior in the house. Any recommendations on trainers in the Houston area?

Jan 08, 2012
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continuing story
by: Laura

Hi Adam, I figured I'd check in.

When we are out and about we are now using the gentle leader - this seems to really help prevent him from getting an aggressive stance or frame of mind. I run from 3 to 7 miles daily and this gentle leader seems to be really helping when we go by other dogs in yards barking.

We are using the basket muzzle at home with the kids. No leash. Hes actually acting just fine at home now, but my daughter is still scared of him. this is to let everyone build up trust and confidence.

I have always used a remote trainer as my yard does not have a fence. I have used that and also have a underground wire around the property.

I have a decent sized property and he respects the perimeter quite well.

Unfortunately the big Rhodesian ridgeback who got on our property and chased him all around didn't care about the underground fence!!! LOL

Kory listens to me quite well, but he's anxious around other dogs (and really any unexpected noise) now that that happened. He seems to be getting better about kids, but I am really limiting exposure at this time.

I also changed him to lower protein food a few days ago. From 34% to 17%.

In the last few days things finally seem to be coming together for him. I know we still have a long ways to go, but I'm finally feeling progress.

Jan 05, 2012
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Collars
by: Adam G. Katz

Hi, Laura:

Just a muzzle is not enough. You're going to need to learn how to give a motivational correction and make sure you have either a leash or a tab on him, anytime he's not in the crate.

- Adam
DogProblems.com.

Jan 05, 2012
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perfect timing
by: Laura again

Well the basket muzzle I ordered arrived yesterday... I wasn't sure if this was the best thing to do, but I have to keep my family safe. And we really can't test him around the family until we have a way to feel safe.

Luckily my dog is pretty strong at obedience (when he's not lost his mind)

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Jan 04, 2012
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Prognosis is good
by: Adam G. Katz

Hi, Laura:

Don't worry: Behavior like this that happens suddenly can also be fixed quickly. Of course, without seeing the dog and behavior in-person, it's hard to say 100%, but from what you've described, I think it's definitely a workable situation.

The dog needs a good obedience foundation and needs to understand what "No!" means. You correction must be motivational. And you should have a strong obedience foundation to fall back on. Then work the dog around all the types of stimulus that would trigger the aggression-- while wearing a muzzle.

I see that you're in the Dallas, Tx area? I'd recommend looking up Carla Collins. She has a lot of experience working with aggression and is a friend of mine.

All the best,
Adam
DogProblems.com.

Jan 03, 2012
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Additional Info
by: original poster

Hi there, I wanted to add some more info to this post now that I've read more of your replies.

My dog was so good for six months. most of my friends can hardly believe the deterioration in his behavior until they see him.

I already employ NILF. I truly believe his fear aggression is coming through on a different consciousness than where obedience training works.

Just like you can't rationalize someone out of a fear of snakes or heights, I really think he needs to be desensitized... but I just really wonder what his outlook is to have such a horrible decline in a short period of time? I have kids... I'm feeling like this is hopeless.

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