looking for a behaviourist

[mastifflover]

I need some help with Clark. When he first came to live with me he was sweet as could be, then he was attacked on his leash by a dobie it was more noise than anything but since then he is getting more and more aggressive with other dogs especially on his leash. His new thing is lunging at people on his leash. I have tried keeping him focused on me and trying to get him to ignore everything around him. I have had a few other dogs with aggression issues but was able to work with them to get passed it, but I think I need help with him. I really love my little satan dog but this behaviour needs to stop and I am looking for someone in downtown Toronto. If you have any suggestions on someone you may have used or know of someone that has come recommended could you pm me thanks or any suggestions I am open to those as well. I use a harness on Clark and I really do not want to use a muzzle unless absolutely necessary I think it would only make it worse.

[angeldogs]

The woman i work with specializes in behavior and aggression.we travel to TO.and have clients that travel to us.she does have reasonable rates.if your interested i can PM you her info.

[mastifflover]

That would be great, thanks

[Maxine]

Hi, I wish you lived closer to montreal cause I have sometimes the same problem with my boy Lex... on leash only.. and I think it is probably my fault (it stresses me since I know it happened before and never know if he will react to someone passing by us on leash) He NEVER bit anybody nor showed teeth but can seem quite skittish about people. Anyways..anybody behaviourist close to montreal

I hope Jagsdad and his contacts can help you

[Stacer]

The trainer that we used is in Toronto and we thought he was just fantastic.

His name is Jon Fowles and his website is www.thedogwatch.ca

We did a 7 week class with him as well as a private consult, he really knows his stuff and is an incredible dog lover. BTW he loves people that rescue dogs.

[mastifflover]

Thanks for the info I will check it out

[lUvMyLaB<3]

quite similar to my doggie's story.. her and I were attacked by three dogs when out for a walk in the country, i think it was me getting hurt that traumatized her more than her getting hurt.. She then became very agressive toward other dogs. So much so that it ended her show career, ( on 9 points!!!) We think most of the aggression is her wanting to protect me from all dogs now. But it is bad she wants to kill any dog unless they are intrduced properly, then she is happy to have a friend. I know how sad and frusterating it is. I tried a lot of things then I had a trainer come from winnipeg. We did clicker training and still use a lot of positive re enforcement, She has come a long way but it has been a long time and I don't know if she will ever get over it... I widh you luck, I know what it is like and it is sad and hard, I hope that you find someone you trust that helps!

[mastifflover]

It is just frustrating because I can usually deal with most issues but this one really bothers me. It is more about him or someone or another dog being hurt and that is not something I want to happen. I am sure my apprehension travels right down the leash when someone or another dog is approaching and I do live right downtown so there is a lot of dogs and people. But any other suggestions are welcome too

[luckypenny]

I think if you're really worried about Clark using his teeth, I'd strongly recommend a basket muzzle. It doesn't have to worsen the situation if he's well conditioned to it. Although we started off really slow for only a few seconds at at a time, several times a day, we spent at least a month getting Penny used to it by associating it with all sorts of wonderful things.

Before we began to use it, I'm sure she was able to sense my stress when we went out for walks in heavily populated areas (including the vets office). But once she was comfortable wearing it, I was much more relaxed on our outings as well which she picked up on, I'm sure.

That's not to say that a muzzle should replace sessions with an experienced behaviorist, it's just for safety's sake in the meantime. If you're unable to find anyone in your area but are willing to travel to Ottawa, we have consulted with an amazing behaviorist, Cheryl Smith, there. It was quite the distance for us but well worth it. She also follows up via email and telephone consults (included in the cost of the initial assessment).

http://www.foreverfriendsdogtraining.ca/index.html

[TeriM]

Sounds like some good connections for you here . Just wanted to send some good vibes your way .

[mummummum]

I think it was Gillian and Ken Ridgeway (I say "think" cuz it was a while ago and we've taken classes with Who's walking Who so I may be confuzzed but, I definitely remember Ken) who I called when I had major trouble with Bridie (under exactly the same circumstances as you have had with Clark).

As for the basket muzzle, I bought a plastic one for Bridie ($20) ~ not because of her ness but because she's a sh-nacker (use your imagination ). It looks fierce (I can clear a sidewalk in no time ~ not such a bad thing when you think about it). But, it doesn't affect her in any way other than she seems embarrassed with it on ~ and I get to laugh at her when she head-butts the ground repeatedly trying to get at something It's not all that big a deal for her and I used to get the same idiot comments and looks about "THE MUZZLED DOG !!!" when she wore her Gentle Leader on the street.

[Mat&Murph]

I hope everything works out for you and Clark!! Good luck!!