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This is a place to gain some understanding of dog behavior and to assist people in training their dogs and dealing with common behavior problems, regardless of the method(s) used. This can cover the spectrum from non-aversive to traditional methods of dog training. There are many ways to train a dog. Please avoid aggressive responses, and counter ideas and opinions with which you don't agree with friendly and helpful advice. Please refrain from submitting posts that promote off-topic discussions. Keep in mind that you may be receiving advice from other dog owners and lovers... not professionals. If you have a major problem, always seek the advice of a trainer or behaviorist!
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Banjo
Little rascal
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 | | Barked: Tue Nov 3, '09 1:44am PST | |  | |  | | I've been working on Banjo's food aggression for weeks now. The hand feeding method didnt work so I moved onto the walking past and dropping treats in. Tonight I dropped a treat in the bowl and Banjo just went crazy, growling and trying to attack me. Someone told me if he ever growls to scruff him to show him that I'm boss and that behaviour will not be tollerated. If this is right I do not know, I've been told so many different things that I'm so confused.
Well I tried to scruff banjo using a book to protect my legs and he just growled and kept coming at me. He really wanted to hurt me, previously it's just been growling but this was an all out attack.
I completely broke down. I started crying and hyperventilating for about 20 minutes. I just couldnt breath, I started getting dizzy and almost fainted. This just happened so I'm still really shaken up. It just broke me down, I try so hard and give so much love and in return he attacks me. I've never ever been lunged at like that and this is my own dog. I've tried so hard and nothing I do is working. Not only is his behaviour not improving it's getting worse.
I'm at a loss, I really dont know what to do anymore. I dont want to give up but I dont know how to fix this. |  |  | |  |
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ARCHX Asher,- RL1X, RL2X,- RL3
Learning is- changing what we- do
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 | | Barked: Tue Nov 3, '09 2:28am PST | | | | | | Banjo, I think part of the problem may be that you are taking this personally. Please don't.
When we first pulled him from the shelter, Ash was a prolific biter. I did not think Ash was going to be mine, so I never took it as a personal affront and instead focused on changing the behavior.
What you have experienced is a common side effect of punishment. That is one of the reasons so many advise against using punishment on aggressive dogs.
It sounds like you may be in over your head. A behaviorist may be in order. You can find a behaviorist on the IAABC website. The behaviorists there have a combination of education and experience. I believe a Masters Degree is required for certification, along with several hundred hours of experience and a test.
You may also want to pick up a copy of Mine! by Jean Donaldson.
And don't dispair, they all come to us for a reason. | | | | |
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Sanka
Dog food? Yuck! |
| | Barked: Tue Nov 3, '09 5:17am PST | | | | | | I agree with getting a behaviorist first.
But if you can not get one, maybe try Cesar Millan's technique of claiming the bowl. Wait until the dog is completely calm before you feed. Then set the bowl down and make the dog wait to eat. When it is calm, let it eat. Then step in and claim the bowl. You just step into their space. But if the dog is attacking you, use a broom as a barrier.
Watch some of his shows that deal with food aggression. The blind lab one was the best, but I can never find it on the internet. | | | | |
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Kolbe
Where can I run- today? |
| | Barked: Tue Nov 3, '09 6:07am PST | | | | | | Get a behaviorist to help you... the scruffing is not going to do anything except most likely escalate his reactions. Like Asher said -- don't take it personally. You need to be able to know when you're in over your head and need the help of a second party. You and Banjo can do it! I just think at this point it's safest for you both to consult a professional. | | | | |
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Henry Miller
Little Munchkin |
| | Barked: Tue Nov 3, '09 7:26am PST | | | | | | I agree about getting a trainer or behaviorist. Until you are able to work with one, I would actually give Banjo a lot of space when he eats. Right now, he is probably confused and anxious (as are you.) If it were me, I would put Banjo in another room, fill his bowl up, place it on the floor, open the door, and say in a high pitched voice, "go find it banjo!". Then I would stay far away, and let him eat in peace. This will help him learn to relax during meal time. Edited by author Tue Nov 3, '09 7:26am PST
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Kahuna
Only my cover is- scary. Read my- book. |
| | Barked: Tue Nov 3, '09 8:38am PST | | | | | | 3 mo's? Such a young pup to have that much control over a human. First try to calm down and breathe a bit here. Your reaction is something your pup has clearly picked up on. Such a fearful energy coming from you will surely escalate his behavior. Stay strong, focussed and confident. No more breakdowns, you can do this. Lots of good advice here, but I'm going with Henry's. It's simple and nonconfrontational. I too believe it will help your pup to relax if he knows no one will be taking his food.
In your other thread about Banjo trying to bite you at feeding time, you said this:
"When I pat Banjo while he eats I dont sit down and stay with him the whole time. I stroke him maybe 3 times and then leave him be. I dont think just leaving him to eat will do anything. The behaviour will still be there, what if Shandi or Zara (cat) goes up to his bowl and he attacks them. What if there is something in his bowl that I have to get out. The other day he almost ate a spider, if I just left him and that happened again would he try and bite me for taking him away from the spider? I cant simply just leave him alone because I need to be able to handle him sometimes".
#1. DON'T stroke him at all.
#2. Leaving him to eat will help him to relax.
#3. Feed him in a place where no other animal can come in contact with him.
#4. Unlikely there will be something in his bowl that *you* did not put in. My dogs have eaten all kinds of bugs including spiders, let it go.
#5. You DO NOT need to handle him for any reason while he's eating. Put his food down after a sit/stay, release, then LEAVE.
Also in your thread for Banjo's aggression around food I said this to you and I'll say it again:
"Our female BM eats at warp speed since she was a pup. She is aggressive to any of the other 3 dogs if they come near her food too. So I keep all bowls stratigically placed around the kitchen. The Chi is tethered to a bar stool away from her and the Griff is behind a gate. The only dog that has access to roam is Kahuna and he knows not to go near her food so he doesn't. Poor lump found out the hard way. When she was a pup and I noticed how fast she ate, I did wonder if it could ever become an issue with hubby or me coming near her during that time. I decided I would always hold her bowl, then have her sit, then put down her food while she was in a sit/stay. When I released her I never touched her or went back until she was completely through, ignoring her bowl. I think doing this gave her some comfort, so she never became aggressive towards us. Not that she would have, but who knows? I saw no reason to risk it. She does know Leave it, learned it as a pup and will if I say it. I'm not on board with the interupting a dog while eating, taking the food, having them sit blah, blah, blah to remind them who's boss. I think it's a bunch of hooey and can possibly create a nervous distrustful dog".
There is no need for you to hang around while he's eating. I'm baffled as to all of the reasons you're giving for staying. All of which are either non endangering or can simply be managed (ie segregating him at feeding time). In all my years of having many different dogs all raised from pups, not once have I had to get something from their bowl. I make the food, I know what's in it. As for any other time you need to retreive or deter your pup from getting something or letting go of something work DAILY on "Leave it" and "Drop it". Please consider that it might be you who has created the mistrust in your pup. Sorry I mean absolutely no disrespect. The good news is it's you who can change it. | | | | |
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Sherpa Tanuk- of Everest
Team Werewolf |
| | Barked: Tue Nov 3, '09 9:13am PST | | | | | | Well, I can definitely see the heeler in him! They can often be emotional little terrors until maturity, so don't feel that he's especially bad or unusual. You just haven't found out what works out best for him yet. All of the above advice is great, and we'll be rooting for you!  | | | | |
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