Member Questions 7-26-26

Here are this weeks Q&A

Angel F

Training Question: I love your training!! I am seeking help for my dog's severe fear of trash trucks and other large trucks. His reaction is intense and has become increasingly difficult to manage. As soon as he hears a trash truck in the distance, he immediately tries to bolt toward the house. His fear is so overwhelming that he does not seem to notice or care that he is wearing a prong collar. If I know it is safe, I will sometimes drop the leash and allow him to run directly to the front door. However, there are many situations where it is not safe to let go. When I have to hold onto him, he becomes extremely distressed. Instead of facing the street, he will sit with his back toward the direction of the truck so he cannot see it. During these episodes, he shakes and trembles noticeably. 

I have tried using high-value treats, his favorite ball, and other distractions, but nothing captures his attention once he hears or anticipates the truck. After we make it back inside, he immediately goes into his crate and refuses to come out. I often have to encourage or insist that he go outside later to try to relieve himself. Under normal circumstances, he has a consistent potty routine, but after one of these incidents, he is reluctant to go outside at all. This can continue for several days. During that time, even the sound of any truck in the distance can trigger the same fearful response. I am very concerned about both his emotional well-being and his safety. His attempts to flee put him at risk of injury, and his fear is interfering with his ability to go outside comfortably and maintain his normal routine. I would appreciate guidance on how to help him overcome or better cope with this fear. He is an 8 month old Rottweiler. Thank you!

Michael

Robert, When I try and teach my 11 month old GSD to come, she comes but she gets all riled up and wants to bite me. What suggestions do you have to stop this behavior, thank you.

Stefani D

My eight month old Brittany get in these moods where he wants to snarl and bite either my husband or I. I think he sees this as playing, but he’s biting very hard and growling. I don’t know the right steps to take to stop him. Any suggestions?

Tommy A

Update. The little malinois girl i picked up 4 weeks ago has had an almost unbearable progress. There are still more work to be done but things are going in the right direction. She is now able to play in a healthy way with her mother. She is also very interested in and behaving nicely around my kangal. Around my other two malinois she has become pretty neutral. To me most of the bad behavior looks as a learned behavior from bad experiences. I now know that she has been bullied by the other dogs when she was a puppy.

Carrie S

Looking for some help. I rescued a quirky German Shepherd two years ago off the e-list at our county shelter. I have had so much trouble with him. He would make me cry almost daily the first couple of months with excessive barking, circling, attacking doors if you try to lock him out of a room, demanding bites/mouthy. He isn’t a “normal dog” He’s a little off. Have spend thousands on different trainers, board and train, vet behaviorist, meds and he is still very challenging. He scares people because he has a very demanding reactive bark, he will get mouthy and nip arms at time hates being behind closed doors and has several other quicks that keeps me from having people over or anyone being able to manage him if I’m not there. He’s bad with me sometimes but I can handle him now at this point. He responds to his ecollar after a couple of corrections but it’s almost like he doesnt stop right away or “get it”.

 I don’t want to give up on this dog, I have come a long way but it’s becoming a problem in my relationship and needing someone to check him while I work etc. I’m just really at a loss of how to help him and make life better for us. My last trainer said I need way more structure and he can’t have freedom or make decisions on his own yet. He is so difficult. What are your thoughts on how to help?

Kyle

Client & Dog Profile: Breed/Mix: German Shepherd / Rottweiler mix Age: 10–12 months old (adolescent) Weight: 70–75 lbs History: Surrendered after his previous owner had to go into rehab. No known history of biting humans. Status: Currently fostering, with a strong possibility of adoption. The Issues: Home & Vet Reactivity: He incessantly and loudly barks at strangers (sounding aggressive) the majority of the time when people visit the house or when at the vet's office. At the vet, even after spending time with the vet tech, he would aggressively bark every time the door opened. Vet Handling & Muzzle Sensitivity: He has a "caution" note at the vet. They had to use a trick to get a muzzle on him, though once it was on, he was fine. However, as soon as he saw the muzzle in my hands at home, he barked and nipped at it very aggressively, and he currently won't let me put a muzzle on him. Positive Handling Context (What Works): He does not bite or react negatively to me touching his mouth (I can put my arm in his mouth without him biting) and he allows me to play with his paws. Goals: Establish management protocols for when guests are over (we are open to using a crate or keeping him outside if needed). Work on reducing his stranger reactivity and muzzle aversion so he can become less reactive over time.