Trisha, good recommendations. I'll add mine now. As far as the food aggression goes, start feeding this dog a kibble at a time from your hand. He must sit prior to getting a kibble. If he knows he must obey you and do something in order to get his food directly from you, he will stop the food aggression. He has everyone in that house under his command and he is not happy. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, walk this dog at least 3 times a day, and put a pack on him with water bottles to make this walk more productive. he needs to get tired doing something other than commanding everyone. he needs a leader in order to be a dog. No furniture anymore, give him "his" space. a bed or an open crate. that is where he gets his treats. make it "his safe place". I also recommend a spray bottle filled with 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water. when he is doing something you don't agree with, squirt him 'NOT IN THE FACE", BUT ON THE BODY" and give him a stern sound, Arghhhh or no. They don't like the smell of vinegar, again DO NOT GET HIM IN THE FACE". you need to get into the position of leader and your dog will be so much happier and as Trisha said, if all else fails, call Cesar Milan. He is amazing.
Mary
Harborview JRTS
Feb 08, 2008 Rating
Help is much needed, yes by: Pics & Tics
Hi Robert,
My goodness this sounds like a case for Cesar Milan. Are you familiar with his TV show The Dog Whisperer? This sounds just like dogs I've watched him train.
It appears he is the dominant ruler of your household and he must learn that YOU are, as Cesar puts it, the pack leader.
You MUST address this vicious behavior the instant it happens. For instance, when he goes to bite, or even snarls about getting too close to his space, make sure you make yourself a calm but formidable presence. Stand in his space, move him from the recliner and if he goes at you, which I expect he will, you must gently, but firmly hold him to the floor. Let him have the tantrum until he gives out and be sure to keep those teeth away from your grasp. Stay your ground and if he goes at you again, you repeat the holding. There's no need whatever to hurt him, just hold him until he realizes you're not going to quit until he does.
Now, when he does, and it may take quite a few of these episodes before he relents, when you see he has assumed another attitude, reward him with affection.
Others in the household must also not give in to this dog's dominance or he will return to the throne very quickly.
This dog is probably miserable being such a toot. He'll be so much happier when you become his pack leader and he can relax from being always on the defense of his kingdom.
I wish you the best luck and I hope you won't give up on this dog. He's just waiting for reformation and redemption.
