Really at my wits end with our dog! He just attacked me on a walk.

[Kathryn Clark]

Our Dewey is 6 months old and every single day we've had him has been a trial. I've been through one trainer who made things worse. A dog class where he didn't fit in. We then contacted our breeder who basically explained we have an alpha dog and we're a pushover family for him. I just took him to an excellent vet who basically said our dog has a strong personality and is very smart so we will have our hands full guiding him through life.  I hired a dog walker and she lasted three minutes before bringing him back and telling us we need a training walker. The new trainer is coming by tomorrow so hopefully that will help. I also just signed up for Doggie Dan in a last ditch hope to make things right. But then this morning on what I thought was the beginning of a great walk, he decided to try to lie down in a dirt patch and when I called him to stand, he went after me. It lasted about 3 minutes of him trying to bite me. I know how to hold his collar and hold him down but it just made him more mad. Thankfully there were no kids around. He's really friendly with other dogs and a bit afraid with strangers. Please tell me I'm not alone with having a dog with issues like this as I'd like to be hopeful we can make this work. But really, with a ten year old in the house, I'm really worried trying to keep him is a bad idea. I'm really curious to hear what the specialist trainer has to say. She works with problem dogs a lot. She did say over the phone that she sees this a lot with doodles. Great.

[dal]

I don't have any tips on the walking since we haven't attempted that with Cooper yet but just wanted to let you know, I am right there with you being frustrated etc.  I was going to sign up for Doggy Dan today too.  Hang in there!

[Tara]

My Pickle is 6 months old also.  He's a nightmare on walks, but for a different reason--he wants to play with every dog he sees and will start barking and not stop.  Then after he's all riled up, he will bark at anything.  It's driving all of us batty.  I think it's a combination of immaturity and needing lots more training (our trainer agrees with this). 

At this point, the only thing that helps is to tire him out really well before walking.  An hour or two at the dog park does the trick.  If I'm lucky he will pass another dog without barking like a freak!

Best of luck.

[Susan and Bentley]

The loose leash walking we learned was great - Bentley is great on walks, we have other issues with dominance guarding. And is he also very strong willed.  Other people might say he can be aggressive but I hate that term.  There are dogs that are just mellow, and dogs that are more high strung.  Just like people, dogs have different personalities no matter what breed they are.  He is so sweet and loving, but if he doesn't like something, he will let you know with a low growl.  He does not like being hugged too tight, or being picked up unless he wants to be (that's a whole other story).  But he does wonderfully with positive training - whether it be a treat, or just us giving him attention.  We were also taught to ignore the bad, and redirect and reward the good.  It's a lot of work but works so well.  Remember, like someone else said, attention is what they want so even if you yell at them, they're still getting what they want, attention.   As far as the walking, try having tiny treats with you and making him sit next to you.  If you keep the treat next to your hip, it reinforces that he stay next to you and keep his focus on you.  If he starts acting up, see if you can get him to sit, and if he does, give him a treat.  And like someone else said, stop walking if he does attack you and step on the leash so he cannot move.  Don't start walking until he calms down. I am sure once you start with the new trainer he will be fine.    They are so smart and learn so quickly.  Good luck!

[Kathryn Clark]

Thanks for all the kind words! Hearing your stories gives me some hope. I spent the entire morning quilting while watching all the Doggie Dan rule videos and feel like I'm already seeing a difference indoors. Outdoors, we've got one strong willed guy. On our second walk out the door after watching the Doggie Dan leash videos, we got three steps down before he started nipping my ankles so right back inside for a time out. That clearly sent him a message! He did much better on our third walk (which was only about five feet from our house) but he still pulls a bit. I'm sure I looked like a freak walking back and forth but it's sure made a difference. He seems much calmer now too. Let's hope this is working. Now to talk the rest of my family into watching the videos. They seem to assume as long as one of us does the training, they don't have to do anything. That's part of the problem.

[Susan and Bentley]

Kathryn you're so right!  A big part of my problem is my husband needs to be trained because he doesn't listen!  He undoes in one minute, what I've been training Bentley on for weeks!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I really think you need the "right" trainer and then you need lots and lots of work and practice with Dewey.  I've been where you are with a Doodle who was really "full of himself" and reactive on walks.  I struggled for a long time until I found the right trainer.  One of the things I learned is that it starts in the home before the walk.  You need to start with the relationship and the dog learning that he isn't in control...you are.  With that base, you can then train them how to behave when they're on the walk.  You'll learn a lot about building that basic relationship in the Doggy Dan videos.  I could not have done my "walk training" with Murphy without the right trainer by my side.  He was too strong, and way too reactive for me to manage.  I did learn all about his triggers and how to work through them.  Now he will hell right by my side with a totally loose leash.  I use a Gentle Leader on him for walks because that seems to signal to him that we're working and he knows what those "rules" are.  He will still start to react with some dogs, especially if they're barking at him as we pass, but now I know how to deal with that.  It really is important that you remain calm during his little "meltdowns"....I know how hard that is.  Good luck and I really hope this new trainer is a good fit.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

What Adina said and I just want to add,stay calm. 

You catch more flies with honey and this holds true for dogs.  More Cookies, less rolls ( discipline )

Stop the pack leader focus and get more on a training focus

Many want to take control but that comes with leadership, respect, training, and bonding.

You describe  a personality ( shyness with humans) that certainly sounds concerning.  He should not be afraid but wanting to please so my direction with him would be a positive trainer at this time.  

[Laura and Angus]

I agree with what everyone has been saying about the importance of positive training. Doggy Dan's golden rules should be helpful for you in helping Dewey understand that you're the leader. But more importantly, it sounds to me like what all these other people have been telling you (e.g. your vet and the breeder) has made you feel like you can't handle the puppy. I know how you feel, since we have been there sometimes with Angus, but starting with our new trainer, we have felt like we really can handle the behaviors we see at home with the right help and training tips and PRACTICE. I think you definitely need to make sure you have a trainer that listens to you and that you feel will work well with your goals for Dewey - hopefully this new trainer is that person!

Try to stay positive, though. It's hard to be a calm and assertive leader when you're stressed (I know from experience). Now when Angus tries to grab the leash or go flying at us during a walk, my bf and I just calmly step on the leash and wait for him to lay down and settle.Then whenever we catch him walking calmly on the leash he gets treats. Slowly but surely, he'll get it. Same with Dewey. But I think the additional things at home will also help show Dewey that you are in charge - these I think are covered in the golden rules- although I have not used the Doggy Dan program, I did do a little internet research. Another thing you might consider is family training sessions. My boyfriend and I often go out together on the weekends or on walks together at night so we can talk about how to respond to the behaviors we see. This helps us be on the same page and our adorable, stubborn feisty pup needs the consistency.

For our house, we make sure that Angus sits and waits before he gets his food, he has to wait at the door before a walk and we always step out first and come back inside first - things like this show pup that you are the one who makes the decisions, not them. Angus still misbehaves of course and we're still working on patience (ours and his), but we're seeing small changes here and there. My thought is, just stick with it! It's hard and exhausting, but we're always reminding each other in our house that all our patience and hard work it will pay off in the end when he matures. Sorry that was an essay, but I'm particularly passionate about this subject because we are right there in that boat with ya! Stay strong!

[Susan and Bentley]

I also wanted to add that we actually started practicing in the backyard before going out, granted Bentley was younger but I don't think it's ever too late.  Again, with treats in hand at your side, loose leash, Dewey in the sit position next to you, slightly behind.  Every step he takes staying next to you, he gets a treat.  If he pulls or does anything else, you stop and wait till he's back at your side in the sit position.  We were taught it's best to start where there is nothing distracting him, like other dogs, etc.  You can practice it in the house first.  But like everyone says, patience  - it's a slow process.  But it does pay off!   good luck!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

While you are waiting to get started with the trainer you need to take a look at the Doggie Dan website and start instituting the 5 Golden Rules to Becoming the Pack Leader.  With a strong personality this is more important than every.  You will basically control everything in his world.  He eats after you eat, he gets a bone when you say he gets a bone and you take it away when you want.  The hardest thing you are going to have to do is watch your energy level.  When he gets crazy on a walk you must remain calm.  He is going to feed off of your energy.  The more angry etc you get the worse he will get.  Make sure you hire a trainer who uses only positive methods reinforced with treats or a special toy or something positive and then practice practice practice.  You will get there.  I also wouldn't have a regular collar on a dog of this type.  He could always slip out of it.  I'd use some for of harness.

[Kathryn Clark]

Thanks everyone, Dewey is so strong willed! We've done all the tricks in the book: hand feeding, leash checks, you name it, I've read every book it seems with no luck. There's something about those Doggie Dan videos though that really clicked so far for me and the dog. And it will be easy enough for our 10 year old to get it too. Calm is certainly key here. Yesterday I watched my husband come in the front door after a business trip. The dog went nuts and my husband was freaking out yelling, pushing away, lifting his stuff in the air, kind of comical. I just said ignore him, ignore him, don't make eye contact, don't talk. Funny how hard it was for him to listen to me. I'm training my husband now!  But it worked. Thankfully Dewey settles quickly and doesn't get overly excited too much before walks etc.

I spent all day yesterday watching Dan's 5 rules and I could see very clearly where we were going wrong. Surprisingly, being in control of those chew toys has made a huge difference. We've always controlled his meals but this trick just blew my mind how effective it was. The other one was being in control of when you interact. Also time outs have helped a lot too. He butts us with his nose constantly but now if after pushing him away he doesn't stop, into time out. Problem solved and I'm calm.

We use a gentle leader on him and this morning in an attempt at a walk with me and my daughter, he tried to run toward her. End of walk and time out. The only thing I hate about the gentle leader at the beginning stages of the walk training is when he misbehaves it's hard to control him. But we'll get there. All I can say is if we're doing this well after a day one month from now, I can't say enough awesome things about Doggie Dan! That will be money well spent, and it's not that much compared to a trainer. Wish us luck for our training visit tonight! I know exactly how to have him ready for when she rings the doorbell. I will be in control of that introduction!

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Kathryn, this is awesome! I love how you sound confident and in control. Good for you!!! Glad DD helped and you are moving in a positive direction :-)