Fear Aggression

[leomom]

Looking for some trainer help here. A coworker adopted a bully breed that apparently had been beaten by his prior owner. I've met him, sweet, happy boy, friendly, some obedience. He has been acting out at home, eating belongings in her room, chewing empty boxes. When she comes home from work, he knows he's done something wrong and when she approaches him he growls. I'm assuming it's because he was reprimanded physically in the past. Any ideas how to get him past that? I really have no clue, I've never had to deal with this type of behavior in any of my dogs. Thanks for any ideas!!

[ALDOGMOM]

Really great article by Pat Miller swiped from the ESRA website no less.

http://www.peaceablepaws.com/article...cat=1&type=Pat

What is the rest of his body language like when he does this? Lip raised? Hackles up? Standing? Tail up or down?
Has she considered using a crate with him when she is not home to help eliminate some of this destructive behavior? That might eliminate these confrontations altogether.

She also needs to be very aware of her own body language when she approaches him. She may need to bend down and let him come to her or just stand still and let him come to her.

She could probably really benefit from a few sessions one-on-one with a trainer.

[Itsapyr]

Here is Pat's website. Not sure where your friend lives but Pat has a referral list on her page. Some are people who she has personally trained and others are people she recommends.
http://www.peaceablepaws.com/

[SapheraGirl]

Is he crate trained? If he is destuctive while she is at work, it may be a good option until he is used to his new home. owners, etc.

[leomom]

He is crate trained, but also appears to have separation anxiety. He's goes in his crate when she's home, but he's bent a wire crate trying to get out when he's left alone in it. I'm not sure about the other body language, but I'll ask her about it. I will also give her the links to Pat Miller.

I suggested she get him a thunder shirt to help with his anxiety, but didn't know what to offer about the aggression.

Thanks so much, I appreciate the suggestions!

[kasmith]

What has been a lifesaver for us has been the Relaxation Protocols (http://dogscouts.org/Protocol_for_relaxation.html). Abby has SEVERE crate and separation anxiety. She absolutely hated the crate, but if left out she would literally rip the house apart. She was never aggressive after destroying the house, but that could just be because I never disciplined or prompted that response by invading her space. I spent lots and lots of time with Abby just teaching her how to relax while working on the protocols. So I'd play "Through a Dog's Ear" and reward with kibble for her sitting, then laying down, then dropping her chin, sighing, etc. Lots of work with that coupled with the protocols was hugely helpful for her. Once we built that up and she got used to just chilling we took the next step. We then worked to transition that same work to the crate. At first I would just go downstairs where she was crated and start from scratch with her getting used to relaxing near the crate, then I'd touch the crate, then reward for her checking out the crate, going in it, etc.

[leomom]

Thanks, Kelly! I'll give her these suggestions as well.