Biting question

Can a 3 year old dog be taught not to bite agressively with the help of a professional trainer?
Can the change from a possessive dog (agressive possessive) to a non-possessive dog be permanant? Like how Caesar Milan does it.

P.S. Otherwise, he is such a sweet and loving dog. He just gets agressive possessive when we try to take some things from him.
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my first thought is yes.... sort of

learned behaviors can probably be adjusted over time- genetic issues- not so much

with an experienced behaviorist, and TONS and TONS of money, patience, and patience

I guess WANTING to deal with such dog would depend on a few things- are there kids in the home?
Having an aggressive dog in the house with kids is not an option, in my opinion.

Do you have the time, ability, and money to deal with this? Is this a family pet or are you trying
to rescue a dog?

what behaviors has the dog had? what is the past history?

I'm for sure not an expert, and others on here probably have a lot more to contribute. Let people
know where you are located and they can advise on who to talk to in your area.

good luck
ruforgvn wrote:
1- are there kids in the home?
2-Having an aggressive dog in the house with kids is not an option, in my opinion.

3-Do you have the time, ability, and money to deal with this?
4- Is this a family pet or are you trying
to rescue a dog?

5-what behaviors has the dog had?
6-what is the past history?



1-No, but I'm expecting my first child. I'm 10 weeks preg so I have a good amount of time to get my dog trained.

2-I hope it won't be an issue since I really want to get this behavior corrected and I'm willing to do anything for it.

3- Yes, yes and yes.

4-This is a family pet.

5-The only unwanted behavior my dog shows is claiming whatever is dropped on the floor as his and being agressive if we try to take it from him. He hasn't been taught the 'leave it' command which was a huge mistake. But I'm willing to teach him and have a professional trainer also teach him but I'm not sure if it will work permanently.

6-Past history- Same thing- Being possessive .
so, the topic said biting question

has the dog actually bitten someone? or is he growling when you try to take something from the dog?

I think a LOT of dogs have trouble with a new baby. So now you need to prepare and address that along with the possessive behavior issue.

You have to know that a toddler is GOING to take things from the dog. A toddler is going to pull on your dog.... tail, ears, etc...

I would meet with a behaviorist. Let them meet your dog, share your concerns and see what the expert recommends.

Just know, one bite can scar someone for life. So try to take your heart out of the equation and use your head when you get feedback from a professional.

Hopefully some of the others will chime in and share good/bad experiences and suggestions.

good luck!
I agree, see a bahaviorist. Get it under control now so when baby starts dropping things he/she can pick them up safely.

Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Simon's Mom wrote:
Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Indeed.
It depends on the dog.

My dog Walter used to bite and break skin when I would get too close to something he was protecting. He's 8 now, and while he is still possessive and gets growly/snarly, he knows "leave it" which means that if he drops what he is guarding and comes to me, he'll get something even better from my hand. I can't think of a time that leave it has ever not worked for us, which is pretty cool!

I wouldn't recommend the Ceasar Milan approach with a dog that is showing aggressive behaviors, you *will* get bit. Positive reinforcement techniques worked for taming my aggressive beast.
HeatherRWM wrote:
It depends on the dog.


I wouldn't recommend the Ceasar Milan approach with a dog that is showing aggressive behaviors, you *will* get bit. Positive reinforcement techniques worked for taming my aggressive beast.



I agree with this. If you use agressive/dominate training to retrain an already agressive dog, what happens? You or someone else gets bit.
It does depend on the dog and/or how much you are willing to work with the dog. Get a behaviorist, one that works in reinforcing positive behavior, not punishing bad behavior. Think Victoria Stillwell type dog training. (Its me or the dog)
Thank you all for such incredibly valuable input. Every single reply has helped me figure out what is possible and what I must do. I am working towards getting a behaviorist as soon as possible.
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