I am the proud master of a beautiful 2 yr old ridgeback, Kiinza. We have had
him since he was a pup...lately ( the past 8 months ) he has decided no one
but our immediate family and next door neighbors are trustworthy...he acts
very aggressive. Postering, barking, and generally terrorizing any one who
walks by our yard. He is trained to an electric fence and has not crossed
it: but because everyone who goes by is not aware of the fence it can be
very frightening for them, Kiinza is very big. I would like for Kiinza to be
more socially accepting of others who are merely passing by. Can I train him
to do that ? How?
I have considered having a trainer come and work with us but I am unclear
how to find a good trainer to deal with an anxiety issue. I am only aware of
obedience trainers and the one I spoke with doesn't deal with what she
called "problem dogs." Any suggestions?
Colleen
You do, unfortunately, have a "problem dog". From your email, I would
initially classify Kinza's problem as an aggressive behavior based in a
bullying attitude, not necessarily an anxiety issue.
A person walking your property has no intention of coming onto your property
and intends to merely walk on by. The walker knows this and we know this.
However, Kinza has learned that only his barking, posturing and carrying on
has prevented this person from encroaching and has actually scared the person
away. In the dog's mind, Kinza has ALWAYS barked (8 months is a long time
for a 2 year old), the people ALWAYS run away (continue on their walk), so
Kinza ALWAYS must bark. The passers-by will exhibit varying degrees of
fright an nervousness - increased adrenaline and pheromone flow, excelerated
heartbeat, rise in body temperature - all noticed by the dog's acute senses
and feeding his blossoming ego.
You need professional guidance to keep this good dog (who is acting badly)
from becoming a truly bad dog. Contact local groomers, vets, and pet store
operators for referrals of local dog trainers experienced in the different
forms of aggressive behavior.
return to Question Topic: Aggression
go to top of the page
