Biting and Aggressive Behavior

[dukethedoberman]

Hello,

First off my name is Wes, and I have been an advid reader of this forum since I brought my pup home last April.

My pup's name is Duke, he's 10 month old nuetered black and rust, weighing approx. 90lbs.
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v323/132/23/68109636/n68109636_35659799_5680.jpg

Over the past year, I've been trying to provide the best possible care for him, but some serious behavioral problems have arisen, and I feel I can only blame myself.

He's been moving back and forth from Chicago, Il and Fairfax, Virginia, and now is permanantly staying in Virginia. The Chicago winters are too cold, and there just isn't enough room for him to run/exercise.

My parents glady took Duke in, and have been very committed to raise a fine dog, keeping tabs on his health, diet, along with giving him 15+ hours of good hard exercise per week.

Most of the time Duke is a lovable and loyal companion, playing well with human and other dogs alike, having a lot of interaction with both.

Duke's only issue is that of biting, and being overly aggressive. I wouldn't describe it as mouthing, rather a bite or snap at the hands. I would describe it as him trying to be dominant, as he only acts this way when he is denied access to his toys, food that is not intended for him, sleeping on the bed, etc.

My parent's gave me an alarming call the other day that his aggression is becoming more and more of an issue, and he lashes out more frequently and more agressively.

He has attended a basic obediance class, and my parents use a shock collar as a training aid.

I am also seeking a reputable behavioralist to help solve this problem.

I've read a lot of the threads about mouthing and biting, but I feel as though his behavioral issue is related with his moving, and separation anxiety from me.

I know theres plently of experianced owners, trainers, and breeders here: so I ask you humbly for your help.

Cheers!

[Sue J]

Hi Wes and welcome. I have some questions...
(1) How old was Duke when your parents took over his care?
(2) Have your parents ever raised or had a Dobe before?
(3) Did he exhibit the biting/aggression over the same things when he was with you?
(4) Is he the only dog in the house?
(5) What does he not show aggression to when he's given a command? I wonder if he might be resource guarding, but it's hard to tell. I'm sure a behaviorist will be able to tell you though.

I'm concerned about using the shock collar when other things haven't been tried beyond obedience. I wish I could give you some advice, I think Rich, jelly8bean, magtie and the many others on here can help you better than I can. I highly recommend a behaviorist though. I'm afraid this could quickly get out of control, especially since it's already escalating. Keep us updated and best of luck:)

[dukethedoberman]

Thanks for the post Sue!

(1) Duke was around 7 months when my parents took over his care.
(2) My father has never raised a doberman, but had owned a doberman some time ago before I was even born.
(3) He did exhibit snapping for a little while when he was younger, but during and after his obediance training, he had seemed totally fine.
(4) He is the only dog in the household.
(5) I'm not too sure how to answer this one, it seems he becomes aggressive during play, when he is given a command, or when he feels as though he should have his way with his/my parent's possesions. I'm not exactly too sure at the moment what triggers his aggression, so I'm certain that we need to seek an behaviorist.

We're really open to ideas outside of the shock collar, but I think we just need a effective plan that's well researched after we figure out what's triggering everthing.

Any reccommendations for a behaviorist in the DC area?

Cheers

[Sue J]

Hey Wes- Sorry I don't know a behaviorist in the DC area, I'm in W.Va. You might consider a thread asking that question as I'm not sure who on this board is close to D.C. IMO the quicker you find one the better. It sounds like he's aggressive an awful lot of the time.

As for the shock collar I have used them training beagles not to run deer, but have never used them for anything else. I do know of people who have used them for other reasons and can tell you that inappropriate/over use of them can certainly cause it's own behavior problems. I'm crossing my fingers for you, your parents and Duke!!

[jelly8bean]

Using a shock collar on a puppy surprises me. This is way too young for anything good to come from this. Many dogs will escalate behavior issues when faced with such negative punishments. My recommendation is to first continue what you have started.. look for a behaviorist. At 10 months the idea of real aggression is not clicking, just too young. Where ever they are going for training, change them right away if they are recommending or condoning using a shock collar on this young a dog. What you most likely have created is an insecure and frightened puppy that doesn't know how to cope with things and is taking the only way out he can. I think it is time for your parents to start over.. as if he doesn't know anything about anything. And they don't know about him. Get with a positive reinforcement trainer right away. Redirect any mouthing activity to appropriate items such as chew toys. Have you all crate trained Duke? That should start asap. Get your parents to read the book The culture clash.. it will provide alot of insight into what may be motivating Duke. Also the book "Mine" a guide to resource guarding. This is just so sad..he is just a baby. I think everyone is expecting way too much from him.

Where in around DC are your parents? Check on the AKC.org website and look for training clubs near to your parents. They may be able recommend a behaviorist as well.

[dukethedoberman]

We have set-up an appointment with a local certified behaviorist this coming Weds. I do acknowledge that this situation right now is far from okay, but we are taking the steps to help Duke get better from our inadvertant mistakes. I hope everyone realizes that we feel a strong responsiblity to Duke and the Doberman breed for him to be the great companion Dobermans naturally are.

Thank for the input on everything so far, I'll try to update everyone soon.

[Sue J]

Glad to hear you found someone to help with Duke. I'm sure you are very concerned and only want the best for him and your family. Hang in there!

[jelly8bean]

I'm sure all will be well. Duke is very young still and with the proper mangement should be able to become a great dobie. We all want what is best for him. Let us know how things work out.

[dukethedoberman]

So after seeing several behaviorists and local doberman rescue center volunteers, Duke is now back to the happy puppy we all knew him as. We're still reinforcing many things as he is still young, but his recent change of heart combined with our relentless pursuit of improving our relationship with him is making out outlook on him very hopeful!

Little to no signs of agression are present, and we're enjoying our time with him much more. It took a lot of hard work for both my family and Duke, but it was really worth it.:D

Thanks for all the help, I'll keep updating as his progress continues.

[Sue J]

:):) YEH for you and Duke :):)

[jelly8bean]

Yahoo! So glad for you all and Duke. It seems to take forever, but it is really fast, I mean it has been less than 2 months and in a lifetime of devotion that is small. Your hard work will prove priceless!

[violator]

was reading this and feelin genuine fear as i know what a aggressive doberman can do, i have had 2 full force attacks on myself from aggresive dobies, was gonna say if u want i could write out what to do to TRY and help (i am a dog trainer) but thank god it now seems like all is in hand, and i wish you all the best but if u need any help or second opinions dont hesitate to ask.

P.S i specialise in aggresive dogs.