newcountrygirl Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 My dog is a two year old Border terrier. When we lived in a town (up to a year ago) we lived opposite a park and I used to take her for a walk each day. We met other dogs and she was always ok with them whether they were male or female. Since moving to the country she has a 3/4 acre garden to play in and loves roaming around it. However - she now seems to hate other dogs. In particular there is a chap who lives down the road who walks his dog every morning past our front gate. Ziggy goes absolutely crazy snarling and racing from one end of the front fence to the other until he's gone. Also, a while ago a friend brought his dog into the garden who is really placid (a male) she went for him even though he was a lot bigger and we had to remove him from the garden. This week we went across to yorkshire to my mother in laws. We were busy in the garden and his mum left the back gate open. Just as I noticed it my dog slipped through. As I went to get her a poor lady was walking a small dog. Ziggy promptly went for it snarling and snapping. I did managed to call her off but felt terrible. Around here there arent any dogs except the one she hates, and no dog training facilities within about 15 miles. Has anyone got any suggestions as to how we can stop her from doing this. The rest of the time she is a lovely dog who loves people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Does she still get exercise and socialisation outside of her garden? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serekunda80 Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 hi, I have a 2 year old lakeland, had him since he was a pup, and have always made sure he mixed with all other dogs, and gets on fine with them, he is always walked everyday, but there was a time when i was on nights and i was to exhausted to walk him, when i did he acted a little agressive at certain dogs, i've made sure now that he is always walked and correct his attitude. Maybe your dogs lost a bit of confidence. hope this might of helped Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Sounds to me like he needs lots of lead walking and to be shown how to behave. I'd suggest deliberately walking him where you know you will encounter other dogs, carry a correction spray or use a spray collar, and gradually lessen the distance between him and these other dogs until you get closer and put him behind you while you greet the other dog. It's usually helpful to explain to the other owner what you are doing - and show him how to greet the other dogs correctly, rewarding when he does it right and telling him off when he doesn't. I'd suggest some dog socialisation classes in your area. If you want a good one, then Jim Greenwood is excellent and travels all over the country doing workshops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcountrygirl Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 Thanks everyone - I'll give these ideas a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Does she still get exercise and socialisation outside of her garden? ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Sounds like she has become overly territorial guarding her new large garden. Unfortunately she now doesn't realise that her territory doesn't extend beyond her large garden. You need to stop the gate guarding by bringing her it a the times that this person walks past your gate. It is a little like dogs that fiercely guard their house via the letterbox from the safety of the other side of the door. She needs socialisation outside your village to get her used to meeting other dogs on neutral territory from her point of view. No meeting dogs in other people's houses or gardens until she is better socialised. A DAP collar will help keep her a little more chilled during your training. It needs nipping in the bud now though. She needs to meet so many dogs that she is bored by the whole thing. Definitely no racing up and down the garden barking at other dogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcountrygirl Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 Where can I get one of the collars mentioned from? Took her for a walk this morning and am aiming to take her each day so that she gets a change of scenery and calms down a bit too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Does she still get exercise and socialisation outside of her garden? ?? Im guessing the answer to this is no then! And right there you have your answer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcountrygirl Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 The answer to your question is not really - she does go for walks but there are no other dogs with the exception of the one previously mentioned. Where we live is quite isolated and there arent parks or anything nearby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 If you google DAP collar you'll get a list of sites that supply them. Rhapsody's question is very valid as the key to sorting this out is careful and intense socialisation. It will be something that you may have to travel to do but it is the only way forward. Dogs that rarely meet other dogs see the meeting as a scary event and can often be nervous agressives. The more she meets the more normal it will seem to her. At the moment her regular interaction with other dogs is to guard against them from the safety of her territory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 If you google DAP collar you'll get a list of sites that supply them. Rhapsody's question is very valid as the key to sorting this out is careful and intense socialisation. It will be something that you may have to travel to do but it is the only way forward. Dogs that rarely meet other dogs see the meeting as a scary event and can often be nervous agressives. The more she meets the more normal it will seem to her. At the moment her regular interaction with other dogs is to guard against them from the safety of her territory. Totally agree. The things that have changed are her interraction with other dogs, stimulation, and exercise levels. A terrier needs to be a busy busy bee to be happy- she needs to run, sniff, dig, and to be a good citizen she needs to be socialised. If you have to travel for this NCG, the harsh reality is that that is your responsibilty as her owner. Personally I travel 20 miles every Saturday to an obedience class for my new rescue dog because the woman who runs it is so Bulldog-Savvy, and so supportive of rescue dogs. I'm sure you want the best for Ziggy and we are all behind you on this one, our honest opinions are meant in the best possible way. How do you interreact with her? Are you the Alpha in her pack of two, or does she feel the need to defend you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcountrygirl Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 Not sure about the Alpha thing. I feed her, and do most things for her but my hubby is the one she wants. If he tells her no then she does it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Hiya I also have a terrier and lots of room for him to run around in (secure three acre field) and I thought this met his excercise requirements (we play ball with him there) so mistakenly thought it met ALL his requirements as very few dogs have the luxury of somewhere secure to run free Sadly he also started to get quite noisy and jumpy at other dogs so we sought out a few dogs in the village for him to interact with and also walk him on the lead to different parts of the local area and he has calmed down completely I am guessing you made a similar assumptiom regarding the fact that your dog also had sufficient space and so was luckier than most, its easy to do and we all like to think we do the best for their pets sometimes not realising they have other needs so I can completely see why you are in the situation you are in. you have been given some good advice here and I am sure things will improve quite quickly. Its not the end of the world so dont feel bad x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Not sure about the Alpha thing. I feed her, and do most things for her but my hubby is the one she wants. If he tells her no then she does it. Ok to pick this question apart-When you feed her does she have to wait until you have her eyes on you before she eats? Is she allowed on the furniture? Are you first to greet visitors to the house or is she? If an agressive dog comes into play do you deal with it first or does she? Does she have any obedience training? Is there anythng you cannot do with her? eg pick her up handle her paws etc... all these things and more will determine to a dog who the Alpha is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcountrygirl Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 I feed her after we have had our meal. She is allowed on the settee with us. Re: the aggressive dog part - its usually that we are in the garden - she suddenly hears the dog barking cos it always does this as it goes past. She hears it then heads for the front gate and goes mad then dashes through into the other side of the garden and back racing up and down til it goes past, and she is satisfied that it has gone. i have been on the internet tonight and found two dog training places quite close by so i am going to get her booked in for some 1 to 1 training to see if we can sort it out. She is a lovely dog and so loving so she is worth the effort (and money) and hopefully we can then find her some playmates. Thanks everyone for your tips and comments Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 One to one training sessions are well worth investing in All the best! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 19, 2011 Share Posted February 19, 2011 The lessons are a good idea She is obviously a bright little dog and I am sure that she will pick up some better habits quickly. See if you can find some other dog walkers that will help you out by walking with you. You may be able to find someone with a placid non threatening mature dog that will get things started on the right track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcountrygirl Posted February 19, 2011 Author Share Posted February 19, 2011 Will do. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted February 19, 2011 Share Posted February 19, 2011 I'm sure you will get the advice and guidance that you need. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 19, 2011 Share Posted February 19, 2011 We have a similar problem in that we have 8 secure acres and don't need to take the dogs anywhere for exersize - we haven't had real problems with Jazz but she would bark at other dogs - just noise, no agression. We had her as a pup not long after we'd moved here and we hit the ground running, we couldn't commit to regular training classes so we went down the one to one training route..........and really wish we hadn't. She didn't really relate to other dogs although she was very well behaved. When we had Tali we took her to puppy classes and then at the silver level we took Jazz along as well and it did her a lot of good. We also try to meet up with Claret, Moochoo and Claret's ex when we meet up at the twice monthly market and take all the dogs walking afterwards. I would really try to find a class with other dogs as well if you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 19, 2011 Share Posted February 19, 2011 Jim Greenwood is an excellent trainer and he does regular socialisation sessions as well as more specialised group work around the country - email and see if there's one coming up near you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcountrygirl Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 Thanks I've had a look on the jim greenwood page but he isn't doing anything near us. One of the local trainers near us does 1-1 but then also mixes them with other dogs after some initial training to help them get used to other dogs so we are going to try this and hope that it works for Ziggy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Good luck, keep us posted of progress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Can I just say I have 30 acres of land but still make sure my dogs get out and about! Zeus comes out riding with me and I walk the three of them every day to make sure they are socialised and stimulated, plus Bowie goes to training class once a week. IMHO its part of the deal as a dog owner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
