HELP: Titan lunged today and I almost lost it

[mx5055]

Actually your incorrect I have students who live in apts and work there dogs w/o having to walk them.
But Ruth your right all I state fails but I left this post alone and I was personally asked to join and give my advice by the poster.
So thank you for your comment[/QUOTE

Deb, Please don't feel this way, or take other people's comments personally. I think you always give great advice; as does Ruth. I have learned so much from your posts!!! Don't not offer advice or weigh in on a subject when you have something to add...if you do we all miss out!! We don't always have to agree with each other, and we all don't do things the same way sometimes. But, the beauty of this forum is all the advice and opinions offered so freely by very knowledgeable people, and people that we know truly want the best for our pets; and to me that is invaluable. I like reading all the different opinions/advice offered so that I have choices! Please keep helping

 

[ruthcatrin]

You don't have to walk a dog to have it go potty.
One thing I train my students to do is train the dog to go potty on a leash & by command.

When I go to events I unload my dogs have them go potty on command and get into my event with them.

It makes traveling easier and rush mornings before work

Unless you insist your students train their dogs to do potty pads you still have to take him outside, and in an apt setting the chances of encountering someone during that time is fairly signifigant. That still has to be managed. Not to mention that most apartments don't have the kind of space nessecary to really do training. Telling someone that they shouldn't have to ever take their dog outside is massively counter productive, especially when you don't take into account the individual situation.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

MusicDeb, I have nothing to ad other than I hope you can get the situation under control. I also agree with Ruby about "owner energies"

 

[chuckorlando]

Musicdeb this is not directed at you.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

[angelbears]

I'm with Ruby and DD. Being like that myself(anxious), I find there is not a whole lot that is going to change. So I take precautions. If that means a muzzle there is nothing wrong with that.

 

[Geisthexe]

I am working on that. He has PEE down, but not POOP, at least not 100%. But when I have him out in his spot on a leash, we always see people.

On not having a good results with stool command.. How long are you waiting before you give up?
Seeing people is fine, if you walk out your apt you have grass, & dirt.. You are a step away from going back inside if something arises you go back inside without having to walk around getting pet back inside.

Taking the dog for an actual walk you are putting the problem out there to happen, owner to bring fear into the situation & dog to react.

 

[mx5055]

Musicdeb this is not directed at you.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

AHAHAHAHA Chuck...Dare I ask who it is directed at?

 

[Rugers-Kris]

I agree about the energy from you. Although, Ruger is not a lunger outside of his "zone", I have noticed that if I don't notice something, he cares less. He still notices EVERYTHING LOL But he does it differently. If I don't notice he looks and seems to be thinking " There is something crossing the street in the direction"....If I look up and notice them he seems to be thinking "There is someone crossing the street in this direction.....What are they doing? Are they heading towards us?"...if that makes any sense. I am not an anxious person but he still notes the difference so if you were the slightest bit anxious he may have been amplifying that by a lot. If the muzzle makes you feel better for a little bit while you are walking until you figure it out, why not? I am sure that you will get on top of it. Look at all of the awesome things you have already done with him. Also, I would not quit walking him. Personally I think it would be a set back. If you have to get a harness, second leash/collar or use the muzzle temporarily, that would be better than just avoiding. Walks are good for him, good for you and he will continue to learn to act appropriately. If you stop walking while you work on the problem, you will be starting all over with leash manners and stuff when you get back at it. I know you are in an apartment so lack of walks for Titan might cause you more problems than he has now.

 

[musicdeb]

Deb, my answers below in caps. I personally asked Deb for her assistance since she is a trainer. I value her input as a trainer as well as Ruth's, Chuck's (love your sense of humor) and everyone else who offered tips and suggestions. I'm sorry that it caused a riff between you and Ruth.

Originally Posted by musicdeb
I've been working on stopping Titan's lunging towards men and other dogs. This morning while walking, the maintenance guy was at the dumpster. I saw him and stopped Titan and stood in front of Titan. We said good morning to each other and Titan heard his voice. He pulled in front of me and wanted to run to the guy. He did one bark. I told Titan to leave it, which usually works, but didn't this morning. He continued to pull and pulled me with him. I finally got a hold of his collar and pulled him in front of me and told him to sit. I had to tell him 3 times to sit, which he did on the 3rd attempt. The poor guy is already afraid of Titan and he saw that Titan pulled me towards him.



Ok first off what kind of collar are you using? FLAT COLLAR. STARTED USING FLAT COLLAR AND HARNESS TODAY WITH 2 LEASHES
Do you have Obedience on this dog? YES, IF YOU MEAN DOES HE RESPOND TO LOOK, SIT, STAY, COME, LEAVE IT AND EAT. WORKING ON CALM.
If so, how well does he know his commands? HE KNOWS ALL OF THE ABOVE COMMANDS.
How many times does it take you to say (ex: Sit?) SIT: IF IN THE APT, ONE TIME. IF OUTSIDE AND DISTRACTED, 2-3 TIMES. HE HOLDS LOOK FOR ABOUT 15-20 SECONDS. HE WILL STAY, COME, LEAVE IT AND EAT ON ONE COMMAND.

Originally Posted by musicdeb
After Titan was in sit and maintenance guy left, we continued to walk. I told Titan he was a bad boy and when we returned to the apartment he immediately went into his crate.



I have to know did you put the dog in the crate b/c he was in trouble or you were frustrated? HE WENT INTO THE CRATE BY HIMSELF. YES, I WAS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED BUT I THINK I WAS MORE SCARED.
What was your point to tell a dog he was a bad boy? again you just frustrated? YES, EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED WAS THE REASON I CALLED HIM A BAD BOY. I THINK I'VE CALLED HIM BAD BOY MAYBE 2 TIMES PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. I USUALLY GIVE HIM POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT BUT I WAS SCARED OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF HE GOT AWAY FROM ME. HE'S NEVER BITTEN ANYONE.

Originally Posted by musicdeb
Black man



Many dogs have an issue with a different race, The reason is b/c different races have different chemistry smell. (Please anyone who reads this I am stating this about ALL races. So it is NO disrespect to anyone on the board or outside this board)
Perfume, Cologne, Oils, etc can also set off a dog. The reason is b/c our chemistry is something dogs need to sniff hence why there head goes "blank!"
But when you put something on like a perfume and it does not blend well with our chemistry, we think it might smell good but a dog will not ..they can react to it w/o knowing why the dog is reacting.

When I see a man approaching us, I make Titan sit and look at me. I tell him it's ok and to look at me. This works 95% of the time.

Originally Posted by musicdeb
When he continues to watch the person or continues to want to get the person, I know that something could be wrong with the person. I then move Titan away and we both leave the area as Titan and I continue to watch him.

Originally Posted by musicdeb
I only use his muzzle when we go on play dates to meet a new dog or go to the vet.

He usually lunges at any man if they are within 10 feet of us, especially if they talk to me or Titan or stare at Titan. I will ask the person to please ignore us and Titan will calm down after we move away from the person.

They both are terrified of Titan because of his size. Could he be sensing their fear that is causing him to lunge at them?



Muzzle, why do you put a muzzle on this dog for other dogs and vet? SO PEOPLE WILL NOT FREAK IF HE HAPPENS TO LUNGE AND THE VET IS AFRAID HE WILL BITE HIM. HE ASKED THAT I MUZZLE HIM BECAUSE THEIR MUZZLES WILL NOT FIT HIM.

Why do you try to move the dog away? Why not ask the man to move so you can keep control? I MOVE TITAN AWAY BECAUSE THE MAN STOPS AND WAITS FOR US TO MOVE, I JUST MOVE AWAY. I'VE NEVER ASKED ANY PERSON TO MOVE SO TITAN AND I CAN GO PAST THEM, I JUST GO ANOTHER DIRECTION OR MOVE AWAY FROM THEM. I WILL ASK THEM TO NOT LOOK OR TALK TO HIM BECAUSE MOST MEN WILL STOP AND STARE AT TITAN.

Yes, the men could be nervous but hun with all you have explained so are you. When you throw off your nerves it will also put the dog into a state of fear aggression and now the problems come. I KINDA FIGURED I CONTRIBUTED A LOT TO THE EVENT YESTERDAY AND PREVIOUS EVENTS. I ADMIT THAT WHEN I SEE A MAN APPROACHING US, MY HEART STARTS BEATING REALLY FAST. I TAKE A DEEP BREATHE, BRING MY SHOULDERS BACK AND THINK I HAVE CONTROL. DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK THAT WAY.

Originally Posted by xtrain
If Titan was a rescue, and he doesnt like men then he most likely was abused by a man in the past. We had a Great Dane when I was young. My parents adopted him from a young lady who's boyfriend was abusive to him. It took a VERY long time for him to move forward enough just to trust my dad. (Dad and Dane was living together 24/7) It was so bad that even with just a little "horseplay" all my mom had to do was let out a little scream/yipe and Blackjack would breakdown the door leading into the house from our entryway, grab my dad by the foot, and drag him off the couch. He had his issues with men (all men in general) but was an awsome dog.



Xtrain I am only quoting you but what you posted is not always correct. Not coming after you just gonna use your post to explain.

Abuse to an animal doesnt always come to hate b/c it is a different sex. I will give one example: I rescued a Great Pyrenees who was beaten by a black man, he was tied to a tree and beaten, when I got him he had to go into surgery b/c his collar (2" thick nylon) was embedded in his neck. He never went after a black man, he did though go after dogs as he was dog aggressive (not there temperament at all) so not sure if he had this before or after I received him.
Now dogs can choose a human sex they like better then the other. I have seen many dogs be this way.
We had a lady who rescued Great Danes (not going after the breed) she has one that had to be brought into the hospital put in the door and hold it there so the vet could tranquilize him, he completely hated men. Was never beaten, or abused in any way. The owner had to put it into rescue b/c she was very ill. Long story!

Anyway just making a understanding point.

Deb Ii need some of the questions answered so I an answer for you like you asked me too. I want to help you get this problem under control. DEB, I ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS AND I DO APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT. I DID HIRE A TRAINER WHEN I FIRST GOT TITAN AND HE WORKED WITH US FOR ABOUT 3 HRS AND THEN THAT WAS IT. I WAS NEW TO THE BREED AND TRAINER AND THOUGHT THAT WAS ALL I NEEDED. I'VE LEARNED DIFFERENTLY DUE TO THIS FORUM AND ALL OF THE KNOWLEDGE ON THIS FORUM. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO WALK TITAN ANYWHERE AND HAVE CONTROL SO HE DOES NOT LUNGE AFTER MEN OR OTHER DOGS. I'M NOT SURE IF THAT IS POSSIBLE. HE'S AN AWESOME DOG WHEN IT'S JUST THE TWO OF US BUT THAT ISN'T GOOD FOR HIM. HE WILL BE MEETING MY BF IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE AND I'M NOT SURE HOW THAT'S GOING TO GO DOWN.

THANKS DEB! THANKS RUTH! THANKS CHUCK! THANKS EVERYONE ELSE THAT I FORGOT TO MENTION. THIS FORUM ROCKS!

 

[Geisthexe]

Actually your incorrect I have students who live in apts and work there dogs w/o having to walk them.
But Ruth your right all I state fails but I left this post alone and I was personally asked to join and give my advice by the poster.
So thank you for your comment[/QUOTE

Deb, Please don't feel this way, or take other people's comments personally. I think you always give great advice; as does Ruth. I have learned so much from your posts!!! Don't not offer advice or weigh in on a subject when you have something to add...if you do we all miss out!! We don't always have to agree with each other, and we all don't do things the same way sometimes. But, the beauty of this forum is all the advice and opinions offered so freely by very knowledgeable people, and people that we know truly want the best for our pets; and to me that is invaluable. I like reading all the different opinions/advice offered so that I have choices! Please keep helping

MX I am not taking it personal. Like I stated I left the post alone and I was Personally asked by MusicDeb to post bc she valued my knowledge. The folks here are choosing to pick a fight that I will not be apart of ..

Thank you for stating I give great advice!

 

[chuckorlando]

It's not directed at anyone. But at a common situation that I find amusing.

AHAHAHAHA Chuck...Dare I ask who it is directed at?

I will say what a person has to do and what they are gonna do is not the same. And I think alot of aggressive dogs are aggressive cause folks stop socializing them when they show aggression. That does not mean not to train, work on, or what have you, the problem at hand. But the dogs out, it will be out tomorrow, and the next day. So untill you cross what ever bridge needs crossing. you do what you need to do.

 

[chuckorlando]

Good god you get picked on more than a scrawny white boy in the projects.

MX I am not taking it personal. Like I stated I left the post alone and I was Personally asked by MusicDeb to post bc she valued my knowledge. The folks here are choosing to pick a fight that I will not be apart of ..

Thank you for stating I give great advice!

 

[mx5055]

Good god you get picked on more than a scrawny white boy in the projects.

Chuck....what if I resemble that scrawny white boy in the projects?

 

[chuckorlando]

I was the white boy so I dont cry much

 

[mx5055]

LOL sry I am just trying to lighten things up from being so tense, I wasn't that boy; but this is an important subject so I'm just gonna shut up and follow the thread for the learning value. Good luck musicdeb

 

[chuckorlando]

Hell bro I'm lightened up. I'm just sarcastic and direct. Bottom line is theres more than one way to skin a cat. When you try to pretend theres only one way you have issues

 

[chuckorlando]

bro-et ahahahaha

 

[mx5055]

Hell bro I'm lightened up. I'm just sarcastic and direct. Bottom line is theres more than one way to skin a cat. When you try to pretend theres only one way you have issues

I was in no way meaning that it was you I was trying to lighten up Chuck...it wasn't I was just wanting answers to this situation in case I ever need them, and I didn't want to see this thread turn into an argument (When you really get to know me I'll let a bit more of my "sarcastic" ways come out and give you a run for your money!!). Sincerely, "The Bro-et" :razzberry:

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Cindy you a bro? :lolbangtable:

 

[mx5055]

lol DD....it might make life simpler? Luckily tho Chuck has given be a new title...The "bro-et" I will be changing my signature soon :lolbangtable: