dog bit my 5yr old, 9yr old and me

[Michele Glass]

I am a f1b mini labradoodle owner. I live on an acre, and we've had our boy, Cody, for 2 yrs. He's been obedience trained and he's a very loving, fun, energetic, and smart dog. He has developed some
issues and he's started to become passive aggressive as the trainer
states. I have 3 gentle children who love Cody, but all 3 have been
subject to his aggression. I have also been a target and the trainer we
have been working with for 2 weeks is stumped because he's getting
worse not better.  The trainer says he's definitely fixable, but it will take time
and consistency which I'm willing to do, but .... I'm not willing to
risk my kids getting hurt.

Cody is just over 2 yrs old. He's white, 35 lbs., neutered, very well cared for and loved. He has learned agility in 4H, he's earned the CGC award
and he is obedience trained. He has a crate, that is his den, he loves
it. He is housebroken and very well mannered. He sits to be petted, he
stands at the door to be let outside when he needs to go potty. He
loves walks and heels nicely, he loves jogging and running along side
of me while I ride my bike. He loves the water and playing fetch. He
sits pretty when it's grooming time and he's got a beautiful woolly
coat. He's is an awesome dog, w/ issues towards guarding random things.
We never know what that item might be that turns on his aggression
which has makes it very hard for us to train him. We have never abused
him or mistreated him, we love him very much!!!

[Sandra Griffith]

I agree with the above. Check for medical issues first and then, please get a different trainer. The use of dominance exercises as you described can actually increase aggression. I would also reccomend Emma Parsons' book Click to Calm as another resource (but do look into another trainer as well). A also agree with the above to make sure that the trainer uses positive reinforcement methods only. Feel free to ask for references and ask the references about the trainer's methods. It sounds as though you have worked so hard to do everything right with Cody, and the right trainer should help turn things around.

[Abi and Remington]

I like the "take/drop" game too.  We're well practiced in it

[Michele Glass]

I just talked to the trainer I'm working with and I think after what she said and all of your comments I will be finding another. She was describing to me how another dog she worked with was so vicious she could kick it in the face and it would still come back for more. Then in the next sentence she offered to take Cody for the weekend and work with him. I don't feel very comfortable with her anymore. Thanks for all your replies, it has really helped me decide I'm not crazy.

[F, Calla & Luca]

This trainer sounds sadistic! Could kicking a dog in the face teach it anything but to protect itself.

[Michele Glass]

I agree!

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Michele, you need a trainer that teaches positive reinforcement and will work with the family, too. You all need to be alpha to Cody, as right now it seems he sees the kids as litter mates and not as being above him. You also need to establish yourself as head of the pack and he needs to understand that. Taking him to her house is teaching him to respect her...not you. In my opinion, dominance training teaches dominance. You're not crazy. Find another trainer. Kicking a dog...aarrggghh!

[Michele Glass]

Thanks, I'm looking at the link now for professional trainers.

[Sandra Griffith]

Finding a trainer with the CPDT (certified professional dog trainer)initials is a real plus. In order to earn this designation they must pass a test, have worked a lot of hours, and maintain a certain number of continuing education units to maintain their certification. The trainers go to a lot of trouble to get this so it is often well worth looking for in a trainer (of course interviewing and asking the right questions is still important) as it shows their commitment to keeping up with their field.

[Lynne B]

You aren't crazy Michele, but that trainer is! I'm just sorry you have had to go through this. I think it's going to be ok, primarily because this trainer hasn't had time to permanently damage Cody.

[Michele Glass]

Thanks for your support, this forum has saved my sanity today. I have been so stressed out and sad.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Well at least you can maybe see a light through this tunnel - I hate that you have had to go through this. That photo of your daughter and Cody in the main forum tells WONDERS about the relationship. He is a good dog that needs some different approaches to shaping his behaviors.

[Hunter and Daisy's Doodle Mom]

You're not crazy and I think we all commend you for your grave concern not only for you and your family, but realizing that Cody is not a lost cause. There is a trigger somewhere and it has probably been for a very long time. As the majority has mentioned, finding another trainer sounds like the best route. NO dog is beyond help and not all dogs are the same, regardless of the fact we are all owners of either Golden or Labradoodles. I have faith that the problem can be solved and peace can be in your home.