Advice Needed--My Dog Bit Me

[vandynole]

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.

 

[Zoom]

He sounds like he's developing some resource guarding in addition to his fear aggression. I agree with your assumption that you need a behaviorist...you'll get some great advice on here, but nothing beats someone actually being in the room with you and your dog.

 

[Gempress]

From what I understand, an obedience trainer is just that...a trainer. They help teach dog behaviors. They are great with teaching obedience, helping socialize a new puppy, housetraining and other things. There are also trainers who specialize in working dogs, such as a herding trainer or protection dog trainer.

A behaviorist is more like doggie psychologist. They can help with problems that may have more complex underlying causes, such as aggression, seperation anxiety, fearful dogs, shyness, etc.

In your case, I do believe a behaviorist is your best bet.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

I would try a behaviorist. Good luck.

 

[dr2little]

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.

What kind of dog is he?
I HATE it when people try to skunk so much money out of owners. I would look around for someone who specializes in aggression and resource guarding...$600.00 seems like way too much. Unless they have met your dog and have seen for themselves in YOUR environment the degree of his guarding and aggression, I don't know how they can even give you a quote.

Credentials and experience are essential and make sure that the professional that you choose uses current, positive methods only.

 

[Fran27]

What you need is someone who will work on your specific problem - not some random trainer teaching you basic obedience.

Boris had the same issues. He bit my husband once when he tried to get something from his mouth (although that day my husband was really irritated for whatever reason, which really didn't help). I think we're mostly over the problem now, although we'll just keep working on it. The key is to make your dog understand that it's a good thing to let go of the item - a behaviorist will definitely be able to help. $600 seems a bit steep, but it's close to what we paid, although we paid by session and only had one. Mostly, I don't think a 8-week program is needed. A good behaviorist can show you what to do in one session, then come back one or two months later for a follow-up - but YOU will have to do most of the job.

Good luck, and keep us posted - I know how stressful it can be!

 

[otch1]

What services are being provided for $600.00? This base price didn't make sense to me without more info. In my area, where there is a concentration of trainers, specialized training, large training schools, ect... prices really vary. From a 1 hr private session once a week with owner and dog, or weekly group class for a 6 to 8 week course, or one month In-House training program, where your dog stays at facility, prices vary dependant on wrether you're going to a trainer working independantly or a large school/kennel that sets the price their training staff charges. Hoping you'll "comparison shop", find a good trainer/behaviorist you're comfortable with and do just a 1 hour private session, nothing more, before signing up for any extensive training program. That way you've gotten some help, but have not signed up for more than your dog potentially needs. I have a feeling you called a larger school/kennel and were quoted prices off of their sheet that are given to anyone calling in? At the very large facilty I trained out of and now in my own, we always offer an initial evaluation, free of charge before signing you up for any program that entales "behavioral modification". That gives the trainer a chance to determine what your dog needs and you a chance to see if that school/trainer is someone you want to do business with and trust you dog with.

 

[elegy]

unfortunately, anybody can claim the title "behaviorist" without really being one. i agree very much that you need in-person help. you might try calling your vet and asking for a referral to someone.

 

[vandynole]

Thanks for all the great input. The person who quoted me $600 has a PhD in Animal Behavior and was referred by my vet. He is a professor at a nearby university and has written several books on aggression in dogs and cats. His program begins with a two-hour, in-home evaluation and then continues with weekly phone calls for six weeks. He also provides a written summary of the problem and steps for corrective action.

So he's obviously qualified, but some of you may be right in that his program may be more than I need. I'll look around for additional behaviorists who may have a more flexible program. Thanks again!

 

[dr2little]

unfortunately, anybody can claim the title "behaviorist" without really being one. i agree very much that you need in-person help. you might try calling your vet and asking for a referral to someone.

I agree, I always recommend that people ask to SEE for themselves the creds. of anyone that they're hiring.
I bring mine along on every session as well as written references and phone #'s so that people can 'check me out'. Anyone not willing to show these or who seem offend that they were asked for this kind of proof is not someone to consider for the job.