feeling upset

bigbear1tracey

Today has not been a good day with precious I ran the dogs this morning and found precious has become fixated on sticks I went to pick up a stick as I did she bit my hand I don't think it was intentional bit it hurt I told her off and also she does not want to give it up with out a fight so that's not good tonight we took all the dogs out again playing with sticks again and my old dog went to tell her off and precious went for her and gave her a 2 inc gash length ways in her ear she was really checked a bought home I've taken up all the toys in the toys in the house and there will be no balls of sticks again she had a bone yesterday and went into her cage sophie went in to get it and precious went for her I should of seen the signs again over stuff and fill like I'm to blame over what happened smacking her on her arse does nothing when she's being told off back to the pinning if she shows any sign dominance again .

philsergeant

It's not easy being BOSS all the time, we all struggle with keeping on top because it is tiring and trying... Especially for you as you have so many other dogs around her and she sees everyone as a competitor. We have been lucky in that Isabella doesn't really care for possessions, she only wants love... so, if Marco wants a particular prize, she will play, but if he gets demanding, she just gives him a sideways look and says, "fine, stick it up your arse then, you big baby".. and she walks away with a grin.  But if a dog is besotted with prizes you are going to need to work harder and deliberately take them away so she knows she is not in charge ... even give the prize to a nearby dog who may be interested in it and teach her that she is not going to get her way.

Djammy

Don’t be too disappointed in your dog. Just as humans they have different characters, and some are just more dominant or possessive or even both.

It is probably a little harder to deal with such issues, when there is more than one dog in the household. I think taking the triggering toys away for now was helping as a first step.

But you are also right: Your dog definitely needs to learn that no one in the house is the boss, BUT YOU! She has either not understood or accepted that yet.

You are absolutely right to NOT let aggression that obviously is triggered by a bull headed attitude slip without consequences.

Just a few days ago I pledged for “learning by training” and “looking for underlying reasons” in this other discussion.

http://www.bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/discussion/2243/problems-with-bathing-my-boy#latest

BUT this situation/ behavior you describe is THE exception I’ve been talking about, I called them “defiance/ dominance issues”. These require immediate and unmistakable correction (no hurting involved, of course). 

This behavior needs to be stopped before your girl gets to the idea that she could gain any benefits from intimidating humans or other dogs by aggression in order to avoid it becoming a permanent issue.

Many BT’s tend to mistake butt smacking as “fun”. Because of this and their very high pain tolerance it is usually not very helpful to try and discipline them with any measures intended to cause pain. They will either not get it or you would have to use such force that it would cause serious harm to them.

They are usually much more responsive to hurting their feelings or to isolation from the pack.

I guess, Steve, Philsergeant or one of the other really experienced BT lovers will jump into this discussion soon to help you out with more professional advice.

You are not alone here!

Just stay ahead of it as you already do, give her consequences … time-outs, pinning, if necessary, think about dog training - whatever helps.

As for the bad days - we all know situations like that one way or the other. They always leave kind of a bitter aftertaste and a little bit of distrust in our dogs.

But, after all they are animals, they can never be trusted 101%. Because they are driven buy instincts.

But that does not have to be a problem. Most Bullies appreciate a loving firm and determined guiding hand. Some just need a little more time and attention.

Just because you’ve had some issues lately that does not mean that your Bullie does not want to please you deep inside. You are in control, work on it and “dig it out”!

bigbear1tracey

Thank u for your comments guys @Djammy phil and steve know I had a lot of problems with precious when I got her so I'm not sure if u do just I'll just give a briefing when I bought her I was told she was 4 months but contacted breeder to be told she was 5 months not been socialised at all told she had all jabs and never told she was good with dogs was not I bought her home and she attacked all my dogs soon as I walked in the door within half hr I'd had to pin her for 1hr 45 min it was alfull I've had her 2 months now and have worked so hard she had terrible aggression towards everything people kids Scotter bikes cars and dogs and so on which led to constand lead walking trying to get her used to things she's now fine with people kids scooters prams o can now have her off lead that's been just over a week I do also have 3 other dogs to who all get on no aggression the old girl will put the others in there place but they take no notice I'm going to have to go back to basics again and get on top of this matter she's s done so well just fill a bit gutted and blame myself it is real hard work with 4 dogs as I never knew of precious issues she had as they lied to me I will read your link tomorrow as I'm of to bed and phil thanks it's tuff work and I have to be on top of things 24 .7 it is hard thanks again night all ..

Djammy

Under that link I posted I advise you to read especially what Philsergeant and Steve are saying, because I think that's most applicable in your situation.

Telling you that I can "REALLY COMPREHEND" the stress you are going through, would probably be lying to myself. Because neither do I have 4 dogs, nor was I lied to when I got my BT or received her preloaded with issues.

I can only try to imagine how hard it must be to work with such issues among 3 other dogs and probably a family, without even having been prepared for what was to come.

I think you are in the right spot here to look for advice and with your dog you are sure doing a really great job already! Dont' give up!

As I understand, your dog is still young. That's an advantage. If you manage to get her to accept you as the leader, she will very likely not question it any longer when matured. She seems to be of that certain age where they are wild and tend to be stubborn and rebellious. This is a hard stage, but it's also the best time to lead your dog the way to becoming a well behaved family member.

Don't know, if you have ever been to any obedience class with your girl. In your case I'd probably be looking for a 1-on-1 training, rather than a traditional obedience class with other dogs around. Because your girl seems to need special attention and has some issues with other dogs.

If you have not tried it yet, but are able to find a competent trainer in your area, an obedience class in your case would give both of you the chance to interact with each other without family and your other dogs around, develop better communication and bond. Also it may help to better address the aggression issue in an environment that is less stressful for both the dog AND YOU, because you can then focus on her. And don't have to make sure all the time that she is only not going for the others.

I have been able to work out every behavioral issue with Djamila so far by training in the long run. But I have to admit that is sometimes time consuming, she has only challenged me a few times and then submitted and instead of having of a household with 4 dogs, where things can easily get out of hand, I have an absolutely calm environment for her where I can remove all triggers and distractions.

There may be the day coming when you decide in your personal situation that some things are just working better when managed and avoided. Because trying to correct them by training can be too time consuming and the phases in between progress just too dicey in your family. You will also find solutions for that.

Keep asking around here. I am sure there's going to be ongoing valuable input for you.

 

bigbear1tracey

I've read your link @Djammy thank u for advice I'll be getting on top of things as of today went to the park today no sticks toys etc soon as one of the younger 2 started rough play trying to eat each other running around the instigated was chaos I gently pinned him twice precious once and resulted in a nice calm walk with the pair off the lead chaos was taught from as soon as I got him no biting the other dogs which he learn very quickly as none of my dogs was allowed to do but soon as precious came into our family she bought out this in all the dogs in typical bully play but now I will not allow this to continue they r all chilled out I be filled the pool up and will be doing some swimming with precious in it soon as she wakes up

philsergeant

I hope you took a nap too!!!!

Djammy

Well, aren't they cute!!! I'm happy for you that you are also getting the chance to enjoy such moments. Have a great Sunday!

bigbear1tracey

Have a nap lol no chance, no peace, in my house Thank u @Djammy we had great fun in the pool Sophie and Precious swimming today's been a good day ..

philsergeant

@bigbear1tracey ... Glad you had a good day... Thanks for being a solid Mum for all those needy creatures... You will receive abundant blessings for your good deeds.

bigbear1tracey

Thank u @philsergeant so much it's not easy with 4 dogs but I have to stay on top of things so much with this pack and the 2 young ones maybe I just let things slip a bit with out even realizing. .