Quote:
Originally Posted by BenMax
LUvMyLab3 - Isolation is a big word. Depending on the severity of this situation - the dog being removed from any situation where there is potential danger every procaution should be taken. Isolation? Well if having children over and removing the dog is isolation then I guess this is the responsible thing to do. Some dogs (as mine) where highly unpredictable and I could never leave him alone with anyone other than my mother, sister or father. He never responded perfectly well with people as he had been shot and beaten with a shovel from his previous 'owner'. For this reason - he and I worked diligently together, everyday for 11 years until his passing. I worked with specialists initially, and then grew from there with the knowledge I had. He was never 'isolated' however he was removed from situations. I never ever wanted to be in a position where I had to make 'that' decision. And thankfully - I never had to.
Baily - you are correct. The key to this is knowing your dog well and reading all the signs and signals he presents. Indeed, someone with extensive knowledge should be consulted. Rotties (in general) are very difficult dogs to read. They are steady and reading Ben's (my rottie) body language was very different that reading the shep's. For this breed, I highly recommend a specialist. 
At the same time Baily - I believe in desensitizing your dogs wherever there is problematic situations. As stated, a safe distance and with a muzzle. I truly believe in this as I have had my share of successes with this process with dogs and horses. |
no no, that was not my intention, and I think it was not Rl that said it, it was a post after that.. about not taking the dog out, or letting people come over... Just saying that wont help the behavior get better.. I think I tried to say that I would use the muzzle and start working on it, keeping safe distance from anything that triggers him, and interupting the behavior. I wanted to keep my dog in and away from dogs in the beginning but had to be coaxed out, learning her behavior triggers.. Do you know what I mean? Then when he begins to get alert you interrupt it then and there, and do it again, and again, soon you can get closer.. Anyway.. ALl I was trying to say, was that keeping the dog at home, locked away, and not having visitors over would make it worse.. thats all..... Sorry for explaining it in a way that did not convey what I am actually thinking.