Please Help

[PerfectlyConfused]

I know you said you took him to the Vet. and he said everything was fine, but did he actually run any tests for something like his Thyroid?.

Yes and her test came back normal. That is actually the first test I asked for because this is so out of the blue.

 

[DreamValley]

Did you own Dobermans before?

Dobermans are manipulative and they are using our weakness for their benefits.

 

[Max Hawk]

I feel like this is getting way out of hand! I get the feeling that you are more and more anxious about how she's behaving and this of course is not going to help you handle her! Some of her problem may be confidence issues and you need to be a calm effective leader! I really feel for you and I understand where your coming from in being upset and worried! The more I read what your problems are the more I really suggest a professional! Not seeing what exactly is going on makes it hard for any of us to help you very efffectively! I know one thing she needs to trust you completely you haven't had her very long! Do you ever take her out where she can just run I feel that both of you are getting more and more frustrated! If you could find a big fenced area where someone would let you take her so that she could run free it might be of some help! I always walk my dogs out in our field and they run completely free and recall them and when they come I treat them ....it makes for such happy dogs and happy me as well! I know it's not always possible but it does wonders for them it really does! You need to establish a good bond with her! Even my daughters dog totally will focus on me because she knows I'm the one that takes her for a run! When I get my shoes on or even look like I'm going out ....all the dogs are at total focused attention lol they know what's up and they love it! I hope you can do this with Jayda and I know your really trying to do your best for her! I agree with ev1 don't be discouraged and keep on working with her! I do know this there is no substitute for letting them have a good long run and having some freedom!

 

[Denissov43]

I agree with those who said she needs a behavioralist to evaluate what she is doing and not just a Petsmart obedience class. That is a hokey VERY low level of obedience with usually people who little about behavior and usually people who have VERY little real dog training experience. The talented trainers do not work for Petsmart.
have you had an eye exam? She could be developing something that is obscuring her vision and sudden movements that are 'sudden' to the dog because of obscured vision can trigger 'out right aggression/protection' instincts.
If her eyes are clear? and she has no pain of any kind and she is only acting out she needs a very qualified behavioral expert to train you how to train her...
you are doing all the right things and certainly making a valiant effort.. keep it up... solutions and answers are available! you will find them!

 

[DreamValley]

I agree with Mareen and Diva. You need a professional to look at your relations with Jayda. We may only assume what's going over there ...
It seems to me you are doing all right... but something is missing if she goes after a baby and you could not stop her barking.

We have a problem with neighbor's dog who barks non-stop behind the fence and Asha wants to challenge him when we are going for a walk. I take her on a prong collar and make her heel all the way. She is learning the hard way... but I don't know any other method to correct it. She will learn it as she becomes more mature. It takes time patience and consistency.

 

[Katja Henriksen]

I would still not rule out medical issues. As Denissov mentioned it could be a eye issue, it could be a pinched nerve, it could be a neck injury that only hurts when she moves her head in a certain way. I would have her checked out thoroughly and if the vet you have already seen is dismissive, go see someone else. It may even be a good idea to find a vet that is also a chiropractor. I don't believe that dogs just lash out, out of the blue. There us either something medical or there is something else going on that may have happened in her previous home or something at your house. As Max Hawk mentioned it is hard for us to get an idea of what is going on as we can't see the body language and interactions.

I also second finding a professional and a skilled one that can help you figure out what is going on. And one that is willing to look into all possible causes.

 

[PerfectlyConfused]

well right now we are living in Warren, Ohio due to me going to Kent State and this is a very poor area in wich I do not think I am going to be able to find the top of the top trainers around here nor the top vets. I am going to attemt to find a shutzhund trainer and find a different vet in wich might take time. I will continue to work with her any and everywhere as well as seek out an expert that is not just pulling there methods out of the air to earn a quick buck but actually have the credentials for me to be able to actually see they can walk the walk not just talk the talk. There are many different methods, attitudes, and even though some people have the right idea alot of people do not actual realize that all dogs are NOT the same therfore I am going to do my research to find someone who can really help us and her issues maybe even find a solution and not just waste our time. If ANYONE knows of a reputable center, individual, etc. that I can talk to or seek help from please let me know. All I could find is Tri-State Canine Services and they do not offer to the outside public unless you buy a protection dog from them. Thank for all of your help and time

 

[PerfectlyConfused]

Did you own Dobermans before?

Dobermans are manipulative and they are using our weakness for their benefits.

Yes, dobermans have been in my family starting with my grandparents. I have trained 2 in rally, and ob. throughout my childhood. The only difference is we had them from 8 weeks old at different times but still at 8 weeks is when the simple commands, constant socialization towards children, animals, stranger, etc. started. She is my first rescue doberman and I have never had to deal with any dog like her from mastiffs, goldens, shelties, aussies, bull terriers, and various other breeds ( mom had a tendency to rescue any dog when they were in a poor state of life and heal them and placed them in forever homes. and i started in dog 4H as well as AKC from a young age.) She is definately something new and a challenge for me tho this is why I am so stuck on trying to figure this out so she can just be happy and completly comfortable in any circumstance

 

[Denissov43]

PC: well you sounds like you have some really good solid experience under your belt from early on and you sound really grounded in a good working knowledge of this breed.
Usually a dog who ends up in rescue at the age of Jayda are there because of issues just like this. Something in her temperament 'showed up' or was developing all along and the previous owners DID NOT have a good solid working knowledge of the breed and or behavior problems in dogs. Subsequently the "Jayda's" of the dog world end up in being passed from home to home because of escalating and exacerbated behavior problems by subsequent rejections... Perhaps she has landed in the place where she can learn how to unlearn these issues she has with the patient and careful attention to them by someone like you! Blessings on your head dear young woman! for your commitment to this girl! Jayda sounds like she has met her 'match'.... Karma for Dogs.. or is that Dogma for kars?

 

[Gelcoater]

Very well said Dennisov43.

 

[Ataro]

She could of easily been from a bad breeder who's parents are aggressive and as she is maturing this behavior is just going to increase. Please Help! I do not know what to do!

I forgot to mention, my first Doberman (see earlier post) was from a BYB background, and even if she had never succumbed to illness, she would never have been fully rehabilitated. I had her since she was a young pup, and despite socialising, lots of training (I taught her at least one trick every week), and a military style sort of relationship, I could never trust her reaction with strangers. She was a brown/red, and most people did not recognise her as a Doberman having only seen black ones, and were very curious about her/often tried to touch her without asking permission. I had to pull her away and tell them - children especially, that she bites (she had tried that twice with taxi drivers), and to keep away. There's only a certain amount of influence that you can have on a dog's behaviour, and in your case I sincerely hope this is not the case with Jayda.

 

[MyBuddy]

Perhaps she has landed in the place where she can learn how to unlearn these issues she has with the patient and careful attention to them by someone like you! Blessings on your head dear young woman! for your commitment to this girl! Jayda sounds like she has met her 'match'.... Karma for Dogs.. or is that Dogma for kars?

Cesar always says, " You don't always get the dog you want, you get the dog you need." I agree with Denissov, this dog is with you for a reason.

I just was searching for more on Cesar and found a few quotes on him that I thought were good and perhaps pertinent to all of us.

“We have to use exercise, discipline and affection every day. Most of the time people share affection, affection, affection, and that creates frustration. In a powerful breed, that's going to lead him into aggression. So exercise and discipline play a big role in balance.”


I feel this is very true. Just like a child, dogs need direction and a job to maintain balance.

I'll add this quote from Cesar because it's kinda funny but probably very true!!

“Dogs in America get more affection than women in most Third World countries.”

 

[PerfectlyConfused]

There's only a certain amount of influence that you can have on a dog's behaviour, and in your case I sincerely hope this is not the case with Jayda.

Thank you, this would be my biggest fear that whatever I do will not be able to overcome DNA. I am not going to think like that though. I KNOW she is a great dog, companion, and shadow i am just hoping other people can see it

 

[Marinegeekswife]

well right now we are living in Warren, Ohio due to me going to Kent State

As far as Schutzhund there are two clubs in OH that belong to DVG. NORTHEAST OHIO HUNDESPORT VEREIN has members listed for Youngstown so they might be near enough for you to check with them about some help. Scott White, President, Training Director (330) 793-5865 email:[email protected]. Be sure to ask if they have Doberman experience.

 

[DreamValley]

Please meet a professional before you give up on her.
If she has genetic issues it would be unfair to pass her to other people with less experience than you have.
Sometimes we have to make a difficult decision....

 

[PerfectlyConfused]

As far as Schutzhund there are two clubs in OH that belong to DVG. NORTHEAST OHIO HUNDESPORT VEREIN has members listed for Youngstown so they might be near enough for you to check with them about some help. Scott White, President, Training Director (330) 793-5865 email:[email protected]. Be sure to ask if they have Doberman experience.

Thank you Jess, I will look at there training and get into contact with them.

 

[Twisted_Angel]

When I first read this the first thing that popped into my mind is illness, or pain.

I've worked with dogs in the past, and often when they change that quickly, and to that extent, there is some reason for it. Take steps, get her to a vet and have her checked out. If that comes back okay, then seek professional help to correct the problem.

 

[JanS]

I hope I'm not veering OT here, but by coincidence, I was just reading a plea for help very similar to this in Cesar's Way magazine and what he said is in a nutshell, the same thing our members here have said.

Here was the excerpt out of the magazine:

Question:

We adopted our blind American Staffordshire Terrier, who we think is about 7 years old. She comes from a fighting background. We've had a wonderful relationship with her, and she has loved everyone she's met, but every time she meets another dog, she goes into fighting mode. Then she attacked our daughter when she came to visit, tearing her pants and scratching her leg with her teeth while she was in the driveway. We have never seen this behavior before. We are not unsure about her and don't know what to do. We don't want to give up on her.

Cesars answer:

Unfortunately, I can't give yo a full assessment of what triggered the attack because I was not there. But something definitely triggered her to react that may not have been present before.
I will recommend that you seek out a professional to come to your home for the next reunion to observe what happens. He or she will be able to analyze the interaction.
I might also recommend that you try using a muzzle during the next meeting. The muzzle is a tool to help control unwanted behavior. Think of it in the same way you would a leash to restrain or a door to keep the dog inside - as a tool to help control unwanted behavior.

I would also recommend you learn to let go of this memory. I know it was traumatizing for you and has now made you fearful, but if you become anxious and stressed at the next encounter, your dog will pickup on that energy and exhibit the same behavior. Don't let the fear of a repeat situation take over; start over from where you are and release the past.

 

[MyBuddy]

I would also recommend you learn to let go of this memory. I know it was traumatizing for you and has now made you fearful, but if you become anxious and stressed at the next encounter, your dog will pickup on that energy and exhibit the same behavior. Don't let the fear of a repeat situation take over; start over from where you are and release the past.

And this is one the hardest things to get past.......It's hard not to let anxiety creep in when you've been in a frightening situation like a dog suddenly snapping. This is where a muzzle may be the correct tool to use. I can't believe I am recommending a muzzle! LOL I've never used one and never recommended one. Like the e-collar used incorrectly, I think muzzles are thrown on many times without thought or training. BUT.......................

........if a muzzle will help put you in a calm, assertive frame of mind and allow you to work and train your dog without fear of a bite, I guess it could be very worthwhile. I've seen Cesar do it many times on his show for the very same reason. Not only to protect other people and animals, but to give the owner the chance to feel more confident and be able to move forward with training. I just don't like it used as a crutch instead of addressing the problem.

If you've watched a show, introducing a muzzle properly is must also. Take your time to introduce it and slip it on without force and then allow time for the dog to get used to it before going forward with anything else.

 

[PerfectlyConfused]

I just don't like it used as a crutch instead of addressing the problem.
If you've watched a show, introducing a muzzle properly is must also. Take your time to introduce it and slip it on without force and then allow time for the dog to get used to it before going forward with anything else.

This is exactly why I do not want to use a muzzle for it being a "crutch" and when we do take it off the problem is still there or progresses. But, with the right training on top of proper muzzle use as many above have pointed out it would be a very nice "just in case" to use as well as improving and breaking these issues through proper training. Yes, I have watched the show actually on DVD over and over again and have seen him do well with all of this. o CEASER pick us!