hi all

[nanny-ogg]

Hiya everyone, We are newbies here. We have 3 rescue dogs, Liu-Lan is a 2yr old black Shar-pei, Harely os a 4 yr old fawn OLd English Mastiff (the fluffy kind) and our "new" addition is Madison, a 10 month brindle Bullmastiff girl. All 3 of our dogs where completely untrained and unsocialized when we got them. Liu-Lan and Harley are now fab, they walk beside us, are extremely social with both people and other animals but we are having trouble with Maddy. She's afraid of everything outside the home, despite loads of de-sensitization and she's aggressive to all other dogs not in our "pack". Does anybody have any tips? We've done everything we did with the other two, and Maddy gets loads of 1-1 time to help her but we must be missing something. Apart from all the fear and dog aggression, she's a wonderful girl who we'd never part with, full of fun and character but we need to sort her problems out while she's still a pup.Any advice would be gratefully received! Also I'd like to volunteer at any rescue centres in NW UK. Tia x

[Shanti]

Hello and Welcome!

Sounds like you are kept on your toes

I have a document with advice on how to introduce dogs step by step if you could find friends who would be willing to help by letting you introduce Madison to their dogs using this very simple programme, you could always use distraction techniques like a squeeky toy, a bit of cheese or cooked liver, dog treats aren't always tasty enought to divert their attention! There is allsorts of good ways of introducing dogs but hope the following helps

1. It's generally best when they are not over excited i.e. full of energy.
2. Neutral territory for initial introduction, for example a field or park, not in the house.
3. Don't introduce straight away, walk them near each other for 15 mins or so, with handlers in the middle.
4. Then let them walk next to each other.
5. Then let them sniff each other, it's a good thing for them to sniff bums etc...
5. Then if all good they can be off lead together to play.

The main thing to remember is that for dog intro's to run smoothly let them get used to each others presence first, so they are aware of each other but realise neither is a threat.

People make the mistake of letting them go nose to nose straight away at the start of a walk when dogs are at their most energetic and vulnerable-not good!

Some info on introducing dogs:
It's normally a bad idea for strange dogs to meet nose to nose straight away as this is when they suss each other out and it's seen as a confrontation by dogs that have issues.
Go out for a walk on neutral territory with both dogs, let them walk near each other but not together, then after a good 15 mins or however long you want start bringing them closer together as you walk, then let them walk side by side.
Then it’s safe to introduce them on the lead, let them sniff etc... then carry on walking again, at some point they can be let off lead together in a secure area.
The handlers must be confident at all times otherwise the dogs will pick up on this, the lead must never be held short and tight, it must be loose so the dogs don’t feel restrained. Remember some dogs are good with dogs off lead but not good when on lead.
Always introduce new dogs after a walk or a good play so that their energy levels are down. Introducing hypo or excited dogs isn’t always a good thing!
If you are out walking with your dog and a dog comes running at you which will probably happen, don't panic! Both dogs will pick up on this but if the owner is in sight shout across for him to call his dog back if you are unsure. If the dog comes up to you and your dog remain calm and calmly ask your dog to sit and get her eye contact and reward her with a treat (carry treats with you on walks). If his tail is wagging then it's all good! But if her tail is pointing rigid upright then she could be a bit dominant to start with and ofcourse the same stands for the other dogs.

[nanny-ogg]

hi Shanti,
Thanks so much for your reply, we use those techniques consistantley, thats how we intoduced all our dogs together and how we socialised Liu-Lan and Harley but it doesn't seem to be working with Madison for some reason. We've had her since October and thought we'd see a difference by now but she seems to be getting worse. I've just this week got her to walk to heel (hurray!) but her aggression levels are becoming more of a problem. Whilst on a walk this morning she lunged for a bike rider, a jogger, 2 dogs and a toddler. I generally make her lie on her side when she does this but to no avail, she continues with her fears and aggression. We don't pander to her fear thinking she'll become more at ease as time goes on but I'm beginning to worry that she'll always be afraid. Any more advice would be very gratefully received because as I said, she's a wonderful girl, very loving and is brilliant in the house, she'll always be a big part of our family. Thanks again for taking the time to reply,
Tia

[Shanti]

Oh dear, it's a shame it's getting worse There's all sorts of things you can do but I think the most important thing is to actually take her to places where she's least likely to come into contact with all these things if that's possible. Then over time slowly introduce her to new things. What's her history do you know? Is she spayed? There are some good behaviourists out there (yes there are some not so good ones granted), have you thought of getting one in, perhaps recommended by your vet?

[nanny-ogg]

hi Shanti,
yes, maddy was spayed 3 days after we got her. her history is that she was removed from her mother at 5 weeks, fed SMA baby milk formula until she was 4 months (no actual weaning either) and kept mostly outside with another fearful dog. We had her at 6 months and did the proper introductions with our dogs, all went well there. We take her into town daily and into the park at night as she's at her most fearful in those places (we go to the park at night because she's afraid of the trees and the dark). We were told to flood her which is what we're doing, so hopefully she'll realize that she can trust us and that nothing bad ever happens when we are out. Thanks again for your time and I'll keep you posted.
Tia

[madhouse]

Hi

I can reccommend a trainer called Jim Greenwood.

http://www.jandjgreenwood.co.uk/

He his excellent as we have used him, also i know a few rescue's that have used him. His prices are very reasonable.