06-13-2012 at 10:18 AM

He's a bit stubborn, but he's a really smart dog. He learned roll over in about an hour, and once he had that down, play dead took him about 10 minutes XD He just had to realize that "play dead" meant only half way over. <br /> No please, I love your lots of writing! It will give me something to refer to while I'm working with him. &lt;3 I'll definetly see if bringing treats along with me will keep him (and me XP) a little more focused. Sadly, my brother ruined the clicker when he stole it and ran around clicking it randomly. Jasper doesn't even react to it now, wether I have a treat or not.

06-13-2012 at 9:49 AM

Awesome! Sounds like you're doing a great job training him. Basic training is very useful when it comes time to more advanced training and socialization. <br /> <br /> Training methods vary greatly from person to person, but I've realized one thing - no matter what "school" you subscribe to, you'll have to tweak every method based on the dog you're working with if you want the dog to be successful. Personally, I take bits from the <i>Dog Whisperer</i> and bits from other sources - I love Cesar's idea of calm-assertive energy (useful in every part of your life, not just dog-life), so I use that to make myself breathe and relax a bit, then I try offering a distraction (think <i>It's Me or the Dog</i> from Animal Planet - I don't like the trainer, but some of her methods are great) with a high-value treat. My dog just adores little pieces of hotdog and will do anything for them. Initially, you might try taking baby steps with him towards another dog. Stop a ways away (definitely before he starts getting worked up), make him sit, treat him, then take another couple of steps forward. Keep his attention on you as much as you can, but let him sniff in the direction of the dog. You might also think about clicker training for this - click and treat when he looks at you and he'll learn that when you click and he looks your way, he gets a treat. <br /> <br /> I'd try socializing this way first (without the muzzle) just to gauge how reactive he is. If he won't take the treat and only wants to get to the dog, take him away and calm him down, put the muzzle on, and try again. <br /> <br /> Oh, and if you're just out for a walk without any intention of training him, bring a couple high-value treats with you just in case. If you see that another dog will pass you, step a few feet off the path, ask him to sit, and show him the treat. Let him have little nibbles of it while the dog approaches. If he looks at the dog and gets really intent (and you know him well, so you'll know if he's going to get aggressive), make a noise (something like "Jasper, hey!" in a happy voice) to get his attention and show him the treat again. And since you do know that you get nervous when people approach with other dogs, just warn them - say something like "My dog is afraid of other dogs and sometimes reacts aggressively - please don't let your dog come up to us." I've found that if you're not blunt about it, people tend don't get it. I've told people that before and they're like "Oh, but my dog is really friendly and gets along with everyone." And then they act taken aback when my dog growls at theirs. People can be oblivious. >.><br /> <br /> Wow. I write a lot. Sorry xD

06-13-2012 at 9:16 AM

Thank you both! I think I'll be going to the store and getting him a muzzle today if my dad gets off work early enough. <br /> Roo, Jasper knows sit, stay, lay down, beg (I call it sit up), play dead, and roll over. I'm trying to find some more advanced tricks to train him though XD And he also does some things in agility like jumps, weave poles, a tire jump, and a tunnel, all of which I built last summer. I'll definently start trying to keep myself calm when other dogs are around. I do stress a lot about how my dog may act if they get too close.

06-13-2012 at 8:12 AM

I agree with Clay - a muzzle is a <i>must</i>, especially if he's afraid. If he feels any fear, his fight or flight instinct will kick in and from what you said, he's got more of a "fight" instinct. This means that he'll lash out and whatever's making him afraid, whether that dog is uninterested in him, wants to sniff him, or wants to play. Definitely invest in a muzzle for him. This will also help him learn from you - right now, he's feeling your fear that he'll bite someone. With the muzzle, you won't have to be afraid anymore and he'll feel that you're calmer. While you being calm won't solve the problem entirely, it will help immensely.<br /> <br /> Even with the muzzle, I wouldn't recommend taking him to the dog park until he's less reactive (i.e. can see and greet other dogs without incident). See if you can find a couple of really calm dogs (older dogs can be good, too) and introduce him to them one at a time in a very neutral area (a park that they don't normally go to would work well). You might even go to the dog park alone (or with your mom - but don't bring Jasper) and see if anyone there with calm dog would be willing to help you. Dog parks <i>can</i> be good places, but all of the dogs there are excited - and this excitement can easily be misinterpreted by a fearful dog (he may start to feel that he needs to protect himself and you and will lash out). He'll probably react poorly to their excitement and already excited dogs might react too strongly to his uncertainty - and this could end badly for you and Jasper.<br /> <br /> Just a couple things to remember whether you get a muzzle for him or not (though I really would try to convince your mom to get one - mention that the owner [her] would be liable if he does bite someone or someone's dog, even if it isn't a bad bite):<br /> -Stay calm - he will feed off your energy, so if you're nervous, he'll be more nervous. This is especially important with a fearful dog - he already feels that everything is out to get him and he has to defend himself, so if you're at all uncertain about something, he'll feel it.<br /> -Start slow - introduce him to one really calm dog on really neutral ground (and try to avoid high energy places like the dog park or a pet store). Be prepared for him to be anxious and probably even a little aggressive, but don't focus on this and do your best to imagine him reacting in a positive way (I know it sounds silly, but it'll help). I'd suggest walking him past the other dog a couple times, at least until he's a bit calmer around him, then letting <i>him</i> approach the dog. <br /> -Try doing some confidence building exercises with him. Does he do any agility? You might try making a couple jumps or, better yet, an a-frame (check <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Dog-Agility-A-Frame/">here</a> for instructions - you could probably improvise one inside if outside isn't an option). I'd really recommend the a-frame as it's easier to teach and a lot more of a challenge. Pushing him to learn something new will both instill confidence in him and teach him to trust you. If he doesn't know any obedience, teach him "sit" and "stay" also. <br /> <br /> Good luck! :)

06-13-2012 at 6:50 AM

Continue socializing him and yes, I would STRONGLY suggest muzzling both dogs. Dogs need to smell each others butts and faces to get to know each other, Jasper doesn't understand this for some reason.<br /> <br /> <i>"he's a little dog and can't hurt anything!"</i><br /> yes but it takes one large dog being snapped at and R.I.P Jasper.