Need help with nervous/aggressive dog.

[Craig]

I wouldn't use the 'ignoring' component of some NILIF programs for an insecure dog. I did initially use this with my timid female when she was younger and it made her more insecure. I spoke to a vet behaviourist about it and she recommended continuing NILIF program, but without withdrawing attention. This approach worked fantastic, instead of withdrawing attention I lavished it when she was being good and only withdrew the attention when she was doing something inappropriate. It meant when I did withdraw attention it was more meaningful (ie she understood if she did something naughty she was in 'time out'). Witholding attention may be more appropriate with a boisterous dog, but in the end we want unconditional love from our dogs and should be able to give affection to our dogs when we want. I like this blog about modifying NILIF to suit the dog http://successjustclicks.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/a-new-take-on-nilifnilf/

Continue with the other behaviours though - commands for food, walks, play etc.

I understand the problems with walks, many of us go through this. Being herding dogs they do get excited by movement and being smart they are always looking for stimulation. Something like a gentle leader or halti head collar, or an ezy-walk harness will give you extra control when walking. They are a good tool in helping you teach control and focus when walking. I fit up to 50 a term at my dog club and have used them myself. If my dog's are acting up on walks I put on the Gentle leader/Halti for a while to break the cycle of silliness, then when they are showing a bit more restraint on walks they go back onto their normal collars or harness. I know many people with larger breeds use the head collars all the time for their own safety. You'll need to try them on to decide which fits better. My male has a very long thin nose and the Gentle Leader fits best, whereas I use the Halti on my female.

She's not super nervous with me anymore. She's wary of new people but she and I have been buddies for a long time. I generally ignore her when I first walk in the door because she tends to go crazy with her barking. She actually knows the sound of my car door when I shut it and will start barking her butt off until I can get in. Even then there's alot of barking. Ignoring her when she does this is the only way I've been able to stop it. If I acknowledge her she will still bark and she'll follow me around trying to get me to pet her. She's quite assertive about it too. She'll throw herself down next to me and nudge my hand up pretty hard and quickly throw her head under.

I wish she would use this energy for better behaviors :sadsmile:

I'm hesitant to treat train because she knows manipulation. Had my mom under her paw.

Definitely going to look into a collar. She's actually wearing a martingale now because her old standard collar would jump over her head. She's really narrow in the head. Little needle-nose dog.

 

[SheltieChe]

look for blog "Reactive champion", has lots of good info

 

[OntarioSheltie]

She's not super nervous with me anymore. She's wary of new people but she and I have been buddies for a long time. I generally ignore her when I first walk in the door because she tends to go crazy with her barking. She actually knows the sound of my car door when I shut it and will start barking her butt off until I can get in. Even then there's alot of barking. Ignoring her when she does this is the only way I've been able to stop it. If I acknowledge her she will still bark and she'll follow me around trying to get me to pet her. She's quite assertive about it too. She'll throw herself down next to me and nudge my hand up pretty hard and quickly throw her head under.

Its a tough call when you're working with an insecure, demanding dog. A friend of mine has a dog just like that. The only way I've ever found to stop the demanding behavior, particular when he is demanding attention, is to ignore the behavior. But I think the trick is not to ignore too much and to make sure you compensate by giving a LOT of praise for the good behavior.

I'm hesitant to treat train because she knows manipulation. Had my mom under her paw.

If positive reinforcement training is done correctly they cannot manipulate you for most things. The link that Caro sent you is really good.

In case you missed it, here it is again.

http://successjustclicks.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/a-new-take-on-nilifnilf/

look for blog "Reactive champion", has lots of good info

Yes, great blog, tons of info on how to handle a reactive, anxious dog. Its been a big life saver for me and REALLY helped me to learn how to handle Toby