I have a shih-tzu/yorkie almost 2 year old male neutured dog.  He is
very aggressive with people and other dogs.  He is only 13 pounds but
doesn't act like it!  He attacked a dog 2 weeks ago, and attacked a
random guy outside.  My boyfriend had him on the leash, the dog saw
this guy who was more than 200 feet away, and lunged towards him.  The
leash slipped out of his hands, and he went for it.  The guy was only
throwing out his garbage, and wasn't even moving towards my boyfriend.
 The dog is fine with me, and people he knows, he is also vwonderful
with our other dog, but with strangers, it's like he snaps.  I have
tried many, many different techniques.  I have to emphasize how
stubborn this dog is.  We are way beyond the positive training stuff. 
I need to know some serious training methods for dogs like this.  He
is either going to injure someone else or someone is going to
seriously injure him.  I have researched this online as well, so I am
not looking for a non-animal expert to post quotes and links.  I
really want someone with an animal background to offer some solid
advice.  For example, one site says to bring the dog around people and
when he is "good" give him a treat ...please understand, that this dog
will bite and bark immediately..we're on a whole other level.  Please
post any questions you have, I will answer them right away!

Hi julie99,

Nice to see you again. :)  I do understand what you are up against. 
This little ball of fur can turn into a raging bull during
circumstances that appear non-threatening and it's scary.  And you're
all at your wit's end.

I'm not going to post any links or quotes for you, but provide you
with a solution.  You mention "I need to know some serious training
methods for dogs like this."  And this is the only route you have open
to you:  Serious training methods... professionally provided for both
you and your dog.

A little backgroud: 
Dogs are agressive for a number of reasons, and many are because they
are mean or "macho" dominant-agressive dogs.  The majority of dogs are
agressive because they are insecure and lack confidence in their
relationship with humans and other dogs. They find human (or other
dog) presence and actions threatening... afraid that their territory
is being invaded, or afraid of physical harm.  The dog's behavior
needs to be modified, along with the an attempt to modify the dog's
temperament.  All this can be accomlished by a series of
confidence-building exercises and friendly training.  Dogs love these
exercises and really do want to please.

First... I'd make sure he's up to date on all shots. 

Then I'd contact an agency in your area who specializes in Animal
Behavior Training. Training is the most effective way to establish a
relationship with a dog and it should be fun for dog and human in
order to succeed.

This training will be done in a professional manner and the end result
will surprise you.  The fact that the dog is acting up in situations
beyond your control is not good for the dog and your relationship with
him.  If you and your dog take a course of action with
Obedience/Behavior Modification Training then everyone will be happy.

These courses vary in cost and length of time.  You can contact your
vet for suggestions or look in the Yellow Pages, and in the short run
you'll have a dog you can rely on to act correctly and you won't be
stressed and neither will the dog.  By nature, dogs sincerely do want
to please.

(I'm not referring to Obedience Training for Competition trials.)

Search terms used:  none... this was all personal experience and
information I've gathered over the years!

Good Luck to you,

tlspiegel

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Request for Answer Clarification by julie99-ga on 08 Jun 2003 14:43 PDT

Hello, thank you for the advice. Hmmm..I was really looking for
training methods that I could use.  Professional trainers are quite
expensive which is why I came here first and gave background as to
what techniques would not work with him.

---

Clarification of Answer by tlspiegel-ga on 08 Jun 2003 15:26 PDT

Hi julie99,

There **are** methods taught through books, tapes, videos, etc. 
 
However, due to the severity of the situation, (and it is serious...
you're not dealing with a puppy, and the dog has already shown
aggressive behavior that is harmful) my suggestion would be to not
rely on anything but professional methods and training.  Most of
agencies that perform the services do so in a **group setting**.  The
cost of one on one is prohibitive.

For example: where I live the cost is $85/for six 1 hour sessions in a
group setting with 10 other humans and their dogs.  You would be
expected to perform the exercises for 10-15 minutes each day between
sessions/lessons.

(One on one in the home cost is out of sight at approximately $500 for
six one hour sessions in the home.)

In a group setting the dog is exposed to other humans and other dogs. 
Why not check into availability by calling your veterinarian or
seeking information through your Yellow Pages.

Your situation is not unique, by any stretch!  The cost is well-worth
the outcome - a happy dog, a happy human, and the threat of serious
damage both financial and physical is totally removed.

I would definitely not attempt corrective behavior at this point on my
own.  In theory, what has happened is the dog hasn't become socialized
to situations. Your dog has no organization, and the result is an
insecure afraid animal in situations where it feels threatened or even
perceives a threat.

Each time an "incident" occurs it leads to a progression to the next
stage.

I hope this helps, and I wish you good luck.

tlspiegel

Thanks for the clarification...I hope your advice works :)

Hi julie99,

Thank you for the nice rating.  After you've enrolled "poochie" in
school and he's gone through basic training   :)  he'll be a joy to
live with in all situations.  No more lunging at people 200ft away,
and no more biting!  Give him a hug from me.

tlspiegel

An excellent answer by Tlspiegel and I wanted to add a little
something I learned when training my Sheltie.  Brian Kilcommons has a
great book titled "Good Owners, Great Dogs."  In it, among much other
excellent tips on dog training, he explains that a dog understands
three tones: a whine, a bark and a growl.  He said that when speaking
to your dog, bark your commands, don't whine them, or the dog thinks
you're playing.

Let's say you want the dog to come to you.  You state in a firm, flat
tone "Come."  You don't allow "sweet tones" into your command like
those you assosiate with "Oh, he's such a good boy! Good dog!"  You
keep all commands non-emotional and firm.  Kilcommons said that dogs
associate with tone so your playful statements can be "whiny" but your
commands need to be "barked".  Then, to let your dog know when you are
displeased, you "growl" your words.

It's so simple and when I adjusted myself to this idea, my dog became
totally obedient instead of just sometimes minding me.  I just had to
learn how to effectively communicate with him.  I highly recommend
Kilcommon's book in addition to you seeking obedience training for
your dog.

As Kilcommons is fond of reminding his readers, you have to train the
owner first.  ;)

Best regards,
journalist-ga

Thank you, journalist!  I will definitely try that technique.  I see
the logic behind it; it's so weird though how some dogs just seem to
catch on.  I also have a Bichon Frise who is just such a pleasure!!!

Journalist and Julie,

I found this a long time ago... don't remember where.  Woof Woof!!!

The Bark Side

Dogs depend mainly on scent and body language to communicate, but they
do use their voices -- both to talk to each other and to us. You can
tell a lot about what dogs are thinking by the way they bark. And
since barking is their native language, you can communicate more
clearly by occasionally barking back.

Woof,  :)

tlspiegel

Most responsible trainers will not allow an aggressive dog into a
group class.  Njor will basic obedience exercises be a reliable
treatment for aggression.  You need to treat the problem.  You need a
diagnosis and a treatment plan, ideally provided by a veterinary
behaviorist.  Yes, it will be expensive and it will be work.  It would
also be expensive to be sued because your dog bites someone.  Even
euthanaisa costs money.  Get competent treatment.