Help! Aggression starting up...

[Wendy Waalen]

We have a 8mon full size male doodle that has just started snapping a people. And if we tell him a command like down (off the couch or bed) he will snarl and snap?? What are doing wrong? How do we correct this?
Is he just being "bratty"?
Help? I can't have a dog that might bite someone?

[Adina P]

How much obedience training have you done with him?
Have you had him evaluated by a trainer or behaviorist?

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Also, has he been neutered yet?  It can make a big difference.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have a very "pushy" Doodle who has required lots of training and strong leadership.  You need to find a really good trainer....quickly (if you haven't already).  There is also the element of leadership which is critical with a dog like this.  He must learn that he is not the boss.  The Doggy Dan training program can give you great insights into how to show your dog that you are his "leader".   I also agree that if he has not been neutered, now is the time.  Here's a link to the Doggy Dan information....http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/trainingmindsets/forum/topics/dog...; There is also lots of great information in the Training Group....it might help to take a look at some of those discussions. 

[Stella]

I would keep a short leash on him in the house so that you can enforce your "off" command without having to try grabbing his collar. He is testing you to see what he can get away with. I agree with the others, you need to get professional help.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm glad you mentioned the "off" command. "Down" is used when you want a dog to lie down where he is. "Off" is used when you want a dog "off" of whatever he, or just his paws, are on, including furniture, kitchen counters, and people. 

It does sound like a structured training program is what's needed here. A "nothing in life is free" program. He sounds like a typical teenager who hasn't been taught that he's not in charge of anything.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I have one more question- Are you telling him or grabbing him by the collar?  

Really, my comments dont matter instead,  go to training and have a behaviorist evaluate.  None of us here are there to witness what is going on so do get some help. 

It could be simple, it could be something.  Go, then come back and please let us know so we can help the next person

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I would also go to the vet right away. He sounds like he may be in pain. Find out what is

[Wendy Waalen]

We are getting him fixed this week, which I'm hoping will help. (It's like something just switched in his head)

And I think your all right that he is just trying to dominate. We do grab him by the collar, so the idea of having him on a short leash around the house would help. And we need to get back to a training enviorment.

I didn't realize how much more attention these doodles would be. (we had a lab before) He's a funny personality, which is great, and such a cuddler, just things like this we want to "nip" in the butt now. ~sigh~

[Wendy Waalen]

Thank you by the way to everyone! I knew I could use this board for some help specifialy for doodles.

 

[Jennifer Tramell]

Just want to mention that DoodleKisses is an excellent resource but most of the advice on this board applies to all dogs.  I don't think there are many behavior problems which are "doodle specific".  Most breeds have a wide range of personalities and doodles (even though they aren't a breed ;-) ) are no exception.  Your comments and the answers could apply to spaniels, retrievers, terriers, hounds, shepherds, etc...  

Good luck on your teenage doodle & let us know how things progress!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I so agree with this. Very few behaviors are "doodle specific". 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I had a dog that once snapped when someone grabbed him by the collar when he was sleeping.  This passive Mastiff  had a horrible ear infection.   Understandable. He was in pain and startled out of a deep sleep. 

I also had another dog who did not like being grabbed by the collar and was aggressive with some people. . She was abused before we got her.

When we gave the command off and she did not respond right away, we held up a squirt bottle. We never grabbed her collar.  So, each dog is different.  

Neutering- it is going to take a month or more to have those hormones taper off.  

Training-l that is your absolute best bet.  I would stop grabbing the collar though and try the squirt bottle technique. See if is works.  Dont let your hand be an opportunity to vent anger. Teach him another way to respond with the squirt bottle.  Getting off the bed would be his best response, not snapping.  HE will learn.