When consulting training books and websites such as this one, I frequently read that one should "consult with a professional" in situations such as aggression and other anti-social behavior. Does a "professional" mean an obediance trainer, an animal behaviorist, or either depending on the situation? I am not exactly sure when to approach one versus the other.
I ask because I had a very troubling incident with my 14-month-old dog last night. He is generally a good dog, but does exhibit signs of fear aggression towards strangers who enter my house. I've considered an animal behaviorist to help correct this. (That's not directly relevant to this incident, but wanted to mention it.)
Anyway, I was trying to get him to drop some trash he had picked up while we were out walking (he snatched it before I could command "leave it"). I can usually tell him to "drop it" once he has it, and by giving the item a gentle tug, get him to eventually drop it. He wasn't cooperating this time, though, and began to growl and snarl when my hand approached his mouth. I should have let it go at that point, but stupidly tried to grab ahold of the piece that was sticking out his mouth. Suddenly, he bit my finger and CLAMPED DOWN. He didn't snap at the air--he purposefully bit my finger and would not let go. He held on for a good 60 seconds, and my girlfriend had to bribe him with treats to let go. It was extremely painful and left puncture wounds.
This was the first serious problem I've had with him; he's a rescue dog and has some issues, but he's never done anything this serious. He has growled before in similar situations, but has never bitten. Apparently he's worked up the courage to do so. I definitely intend on stepping up the obediance training to reinforce who's in charge, but would either like to re-enroll him in basic obediance (we completed a class a few months ago) or contact a behaviorist.
What would you guys recommend? I was quoted about $600 for an eight-week program with a behaviorist; is that typical? Not sure I can spend that much, but I want to do what's right for my dog and me. Like I said, he's generally well-behaved and this was highly atypical ... now I need to make sure it doesn't become typical.
I ask because I had a very troubling incident with my 14-month-old dog last night. He is generally a good dog, but does exhibit signs of fear aggression towards strangers who enter my house. I've considered an animal behaviorist to help correct this. (That's not directly relevant to this incident, but wanted to mention it.)
Anyway, I was trying to get him to drop some trash he had picked up while we were out walking (he snatched it before I could command "leave it"). I can usually tell him to "drop it" once he has it, and by giving the item a gentle tug, get him to eventually drop it. He wasn't cooperating this time, though, and began to growl and snarl when my hand approached his mouth. I should have let it go at that point, but stupidly tried to grab ahold of the piece that was sticking out his mouth. Suddenly, he bit my finger and CLAMPED DOWN. He didn't snap at the air--he purposefully bit my finger and would not let go. He held on for a good 60 seconds, and my girlfriend had to bribe him with treats to let go. It was extremely painful and left puncture wounds.
This was the first serious problem I've had with him; he's a rescue dog and has some issues, but he's never done anything this serious. He has growled before in similar situations, but has never bitten. Apparently he's worked up the courage to do so. I definitely intend on stepping up the obediance training to reinforce who's in charge, but would either like to re-enroll him in basic obediance (we completed a class a few months ago) or contact a behaviorist.
What would you guys recommend? I was quoted about $600 for an eight-week program with a behaviorist; is that typical? Not sure I can spend that much, but I want to do what's right for my dog and me. Like I said, he's generally well-behaved and this was highly atypical ... now I need to make sure it doesn't become typical.