Hi, I have read all articles about rage syndrome - my cocker diagnosed with possible rage syndrome shows the same signs I have seen in my friends springer spaniel, another friends goldren retriever, my mums collie. The one connection to all these breeds is that they are all working dogs. Working dogs need activity, need boundarys and need attention. They are competitors by nature, they have to fulfil their "jobs". When a working breed is taken out of their natural environment, they have to find something else to do. Competing for owner attention or food just so happens to fill that gap. So it isn't surprising that these things happen. If working dogs are in the wrong environment except trouble. My other cocker definitely isn't a working dog. They both came from the same breeders and couldn't be more different, she is lazy, sleeps all day, isn't interested in going out for a walk, wouldn't hurt a fly cos its too much trouble. If its not handed on a plate she isn't interested! Although given the chance to steal from your hand - she is right up there! So people should take these things into account. If Poppy had been my first dog, I wouldn't have got another. But she wasn't and I soon learnt the hard way. Fortunately things have wored out well for all of us. We are happy - and I wouldn't be without either of them. Just hope all of these forums make a difference somewhere to another "Benji" in need.
I entirely agree. mine are in the hound group and they have other traits like being independant for one, One thing I think this shows, when buying any puppy (if its a pedigree) before committing yourself READ, RESEARCH, and CONTACT BREEDERS Buy a very good concise book on the breed, research (maybe on the internet) into possible problems or health problems known to be in a breed and contact a good breeder and ask questions etc, they should be only too glad to help.
I believe this is good practice before taking on what should be a life long friend.
I would like to post a statement from the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors in response to recent episodes of this program.
Concerns Over Pet Behaviour TV Programmes:
This week's edition of Channel 4’s ‘Its Me or The Dog’ programme has caused a significant amount of concern from pet owners and professionals. It is possible that the full story may not have been told due to time constraints of the show. However, members of the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) who saw the programme, reported that the televised version of the treatment of the dog in question raised a number of issues which could have a serious impact on the health and welfare of other dogs.
There has been an ongoing interest by the media and public regarding the behaviour of pet animals. Many articles and television programmes reflect this interest, sometimes using the opinions of untrained people with no knowledge of the science behind understanding and changing an animal’s behaviour.
Analysis of each individual pet’s behavioural problem is absolutely essential. However, the pet owning public may try to apply what they have seen on these programmes either inappropriately or incorrectly with regard to their own pet, potentially with detrimental or dangerous consequences.
It is always distressing when decisions must be made regarding the life of any pet. Such decisions should be confined to qualified experts. This qualification should include both an appropriate academic background, for a firm scientific grounding, and the knowledge gained by practical experience together with experience shared with other experts.
The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) promotes the highest standards of behavioural appraisal. This is required for reasons of animal welfare and to make certain that the correct behavioural treatment is applied for the individual pet. The APBC would particularly like to address the sensationalising of pet behavioural problems. These programmes trivialise what may be a traumatic experience for both the pet and the people involved.
Donna Brander BSc(Hons);CCAB
Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Chairman Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)
Honorary Fellow Royal (Dick) College of Veterinary Studies
Note: Victoria Stillwell is not a member of the APBC or any other professional behaviour organisation as she does not have the prerequisite qualifications or experience.
It has also not been proven that 'Rage syndrome' exists, and is rather a label used by unexperienced people when they dont understand the problem, rather like 'thats a dominant dog'.
I have only just seen this programme, video'd while I was on holiday.
These dogs were much loved, but badly and inadequately trained and socialised. The decision to apply an identical training regime to two dogs with vastly different issues was, in my opinion, irresponsible: by the trainer/presenter and by the programme producers.
It may well be that, no matter what was done or how, putting Benjy to sleep was the right decision. The key issue is that I don't feel as though Victoria Stillwell or the vet were appropriately qualified to decide this and the real issues weren't covered, or were glossed over so lightly, in the interests of "entertainment" and "ratings".
As Donna Brander has noted ("Bassqueen"), Victoria is wholly unqualified. At best, she is a dog trainer. There is a huge distinction between even a qualified dog trainer and a fully qualified dog behaviourist, although many good trainers have excellent understanding, learning and insight into behavioural issues as well. The decision to leave an aggressive dog's fate to the recommendations of an unqualified trainer, instead of pursuing proper behavioural assessment, is appalling.
I put my cards on the table: I own a solid black cocker spaniel, and researched breeding lines, behaviour, temprament, training and oft-cited "cocker rage syndrome" before getting my dog. I have an excellent vet, but I would not put my dog to sleep on his recommendation alone: he is not a behavioural expert on dogs or cockers in particular, despite the years of veterinarian training he has gone through or the years of experience as a practising vet.
As I noted at the outset of this post, I don't know whether putting Benjy to sleep was the right decision. I only know that this programme, AS IT WAS AIRED, did not responsibly address the issues raised, nor give meaningful guidance to owners or prospective owners, about the importance and effort involved in proper training and socialisation. Shame on Channel 4 for such irresponsible ratings-chasing.
Sorry, I now realise that it looks like Donna Brander posted the message. I (bass queen) posted the message that was taken from the APBC statement written by Donna Brander. I am not Donna Brander.
I was wondering if anyone can offer any dog tips. I have a 3 year old whippet who is the friendliest affectionate little thing and she is no trouble at all in the house. There is only one problem, when I take her out a walk, and its really only me she does it with. When I have her out every now and then she starts biting at the lead, but its not just that, she starts this horrible growling and its not like her at all, it is so embarrassing and people will get the wrong idea about her. For instance if she sees a dog accross the road and i dont take her to see it, it can trigger it off, or sometimes for no reason. I have tried everything and no luck, she did stop for a bit last year but has started it again even more worse than last. She wont do it if we are all away out and walking about a town or in the country, its only if I have her out on a standard walk about the streets. I know it can't be because she is treated badly as she is adored apart from this. Any suggestions?? Help!!
My 7 month old puppy is driving me mad when I take him out for a walk! He is as good as gold in the house and garden but once you get him out the doorhe is impossible to control, once he has seen another dog nothing will distract him from it, I might as well be invisible as far as he's concerned. I have tried everything to get his attention, distractions, calling him, bribing him, nothing works. He has almost been run over in his desperate attempts to get to another dog and I have pulled muscles and damaged ligaments because of this mad behaviour. He is so full of energy that keeping him on the lead is very difficult and stressful for him (and me!). so if anyone has any ideas on how to get him back I would be very grateful!
The answer is there above!!!!! sarah1986 and JT1986 If your pup or dog has behavioural problems then go to professionally qualified people for help. I believe these television programmes are only meant as a very rough guide, handy for learning how to get your pet to sit or recall etc.Other more serious problems MUST be dealt with by people who have been trained and who know what they are doing or more harm can be done than good
qualified dog trainers isn't always the answer especially if you can't afford someone like that so if anyone has any useful hints or tricks please let me know as hes getting worse!
Can anyone help I have a 2 yr old bitch who is petrified of fireworks its got so bad she even trmbles when people kick a ball around outside. This wasnt a problem until last year when she saw an alsation bering really scared.I have had some success with distraction methods such as playing with toys and rewarding with treats however this isnt always possible if she is too sistressed. Also tranqs arent practical due to the unexpected nature of the noises Thankyou for any advice you can give me. Kelly xxxxx
i have a 17 week old jack russel so far he is well trained he will go outside for the toilet at my boyfriends but at my house he will go outside to pee but will insist on pooing in the house i have tried to show him what he has done then take him outside i have bought carpet sprays to try repell him but nothin has work its drivin me mad and costin me a fortune please some one help .
We have a husky who will be three in January. She is a generally well behaved dog, she is brilliant around the house. The problems arise on walks.
She comes when she is called unless there is a distraction-especially another animal. She scares most dogs by jumping all over them excitedly and bascially hunts all other animals. If the animals are larger she will just jump around them barking and it is impossible to get her back. I know this is in their nature but I was just wondering whether anyone had any tips for distraction training to make her come back before she goes after the other animal.
She has completed a five week training course but was useless under distraction and due to her speed is impossible to catch. It is very stressful and takes away the enjoyment of walking her however I do not want to walk her on the lead all the time I feel she needs to run.
Originally posted by PSK: I need tips on how to stop my dog pulling on the lead. She's VERY good in all other respects, but on the lead she becomes a total monster and she's so strong, I can't restrain her. Dog-training classes haven't helped, a Halti hasn't helped, a training harness hasn't helped, turning round and walking in the other direction hasn't helped. Can YOU help?
Hi how oftren is your dog walked, and if she has any time of lead on your walks
Originally posted by Secret Keeper: [QUOTE]Originally posted by cam06: hi hope someone can help, i have a 5 month old dalmatian and im wondering if anyone has any tips on getting him to stop biting. he constantly tries to chew peoples hands and arms how can we control this?
Your Dal is probably teething, and teething dogs tend to bite a lot, it doesn't help that milk teeth are sharp.
The best thing to do is buy things it can chomp on, Kongs (explained in Good Dog's posts) are a good example, the occasional rawhide is also good, but I strongly recommend a high-charcoal diet afterwards, as a Dal owner I can honestly say it gives them horrid wind.
If your dog tries to bite someone's hand, don't give him any attention. By ignoring him you're telling your dog in a language he understands that you are not happy. When he settles down try to pet him, and if you succeed, praise him for it. It will take time, so you need to be patient, but it will work.Also try rubbing citronella on your hands, dogs dont like it and i find they soon learn to leave hands alone
Originally posted by Secret Keeper: [QUOTE]Originally posted by lagooner: I have only just started reading from this forum and some of the advice is great. I have an 18 month old collie/black labrador cross who is pretty good, and responds well to training. I have just recently purchased a harness to stop him pulling on the lead and he is now very good. However as a result of that he has started barking whilst on the harness and getting aggressive with other dogs that he meets. He only does this whilst on the harness, as when off the lead he is very mild mannered. Has anybody got any thoughts on this please? My biggest concern with him though, is the fact that he is attacking the door everytime the paper or post is delivered. I guess he is guarding the door. However I have tried sitting there in the morning waiting for the postman to arrive to show him that it is not someone that he should fear but he just becomes aggressive. He is very social dog and gets excited when friends etc come to the door and I am slowly trying to train this out of him - I like the earlier suggestion about the sit command becoming hiya or hello - might try that. Any help on the aggression would be greatly received.
The prob is, postmen and paper boys come to the door the dog barks and they go away, so its taught your dog that barking ,growling, makes them go away, try getting a friend whome the dog likes to post leters and a paper then when your dog barks let the friend in, its not a quick fix but if you can get enough friends to help you out it will teach your dog that barking wont drive them away
I have 2 dogs, one is a boxer/jack russel cross I got from a rescue centre and he was very difficult to train as he arrived with loads of bad habits and had been hit. He's fantastic now and I got a border collie pup, from working stock, she's now 6 1/2 mths and is a great dog, has been really easy to train BUT she bites my other dog when we're out for walks. She seems to by herding him, but he squeels in pain sometimes and I'm reluctant but think I'm going to have to muzzle her. Any other ideas before I do that? Thanks Ali
I got 21 week old puppy and he lovely but he one rule me I feel i have lost control he run around with my slipper and hiding my sock always late forcollege as My puppy runoff door keys try get busfor college.I feel like he get too much for me but still love him.
[QUOTE]andy im new on c4 and i have sent a story about my parrot think i sent it to another discussion ]if you find it the x husbands name he shouted was andy haha
Hello all, Need some advice urgently so if victoria stilwell is free that would be great!!!! Have a male dobermann puppy who is now 15 weeks old. He is very loving & adores his family. However he just cannot stop biteing from the moment he gets up until he goes to sleep. He is walked regular, has plenty of toys etc attends training classess & yet he still continues to constantly bite. The vet has made several recommendations but to no avail. He just launches himself at you & sinks his teeth in. Obviously i know he is a puppy & i have kept puppies before & they all bite/chew to a certain extent but never to this degree, any advice greatfully received as there is no way we would take him back but we cannot keep on like this many thanks in advance & kind regards claire
Originally posted by claire r.: Has anybody got any advice????????????
Trike Lady has posted on this subject above you in the thread. There are, however, a few things about your post which are unclear to me. You say he is walked regularly. How regularly, and for how long? Also you say he attends classes - presumably he is biting people at the classes - what does the Trainer say? Apart from the fact that he is obviously teething and needs suitable things to chew, you are developing a dangerous dog and this habit will have to be eradicated before he gets any larger.Have you precisely followed your Vet's recommendations, and what were they?
<Sheik Yahbouti>
Posted
We never leave our adult dogs alone for more than 4 1/2 hours without a toilet break and most good dog rescues will advise the same when they home an adult dog. I also know that they would be reluctant to home a pup to someone that went out to work all day.[/QUOTE]
Thank God! Someone who is talking sense. What is wrong with all these people with pets who 'love them to bits' but fail to realize they are flesh and blood creatures. I presume the owner of the spaniel pup goes to the toilet at some stage during the day. Why is she surprised when the pup has to do the same? Honestly, I despair. These are animals, not toys that can wait around all day for the thirty minutes of fun with their owner, after which, they are supposed to stop being inconvenient. Either make allowances, or stop keeping pets.
