Dog help

[Scoop123]

I come with my hat in hand and need help training our dog. It's a golden retriever for crying out loud - nicest dogs on the planet. He is amazingly good too, he is so good with people and he does all the amazing lovable stuff you would expect from a golden or nearly any dog. Licks, cuddles, loves, gentle, etc.

The problem: He isn't good with a lot of dogs. I think it's lack of being around other dogs a lot - We spend a lot of time in the mountains and it's a bit isolated up there. When the neighbor dog comes over, he's great with their dog. We have another friend whose dog who comes over and again - doing great. But when we are back in town and walking, our boy see's another dog he gets snarly and even shows teeth and can jump on them a bit. It sucks! What do I do? Pay a trainer?

I will admit this is on me. I have always rescued dogs and they come pretty well trained. This one we got as a puppy and simply didn't know how to train him for this (or we missed the opportunity to have him around more dogs).

Thoughts?

 

[SuperBigFan69]

I don't want to jump the gun here...but is there a chance that this has something to do with the last election and how the dog voted?

 

[big red23]

I come with my hat in hand and need help training our dog. It's a golden retriever for crying out loud - nicest dogs on the planet. He is amazingly good too, he is so good with people and he does all the amazing lovable stuff you would expect from a golden or nearly any dog. Licks, cuddles, loves, gentle, etc.

The problem: He isn't good with a lot of dogs. I think it's lack of being around other dogs a lot - We spend a lot of time in the mountains and it's a bit isolated up there. When the neighbor dog comes over, he's great with their dog. We have another friend whose dog who comes over and again - doing great. But when we are back in town and walking, our boy see's another dog he gets snarly and even shows teeth and can jump on them a bit. It sucks! What do I do? Pay a trainer?

I will admit this is on me. I have always rescued dogs and they come pretty well trained. This one we got as a puppy and simply didn't know how to train him for this (or we missed the opportunity to have him around more dogs).

Thoughts?

Your best bet is to bring him a professional trainer that has other dogs and has the ability to make your dog consistent with repetition

 

[RBigredMax1]

I don't want to jump the gun here...but is there a chance that this has something to do with the last election and how the dog voted?

I blame the Daughter in law!!!

 

[SuperBigFan69]

I blame the Daughter in law!!!

I feel like we are only getting one side of the story...

I think the OP needs to tell us more...notice how his dog only gets along with "like minded dogs"...

And now the advice is to take that dog to a "trainer" so that trainer can brainwash that dog into wearing turtlenecks and attending some libby college in Minnesota?

No thanks

 

[Poster FKA schuele]

Could be that he feels threatened when on a leash. You could try leashing him around the dogs he's comfortable with, and maybe he would get used to it and see that it's not a big deal.

 

[skin-tight]

Did the other dogs give any indication what was said? (barked). These types of behaviors are usually initiated by cats unfortunately.

 

[SuperBigFan69]

Did the other dogs give any indication what was said? (barked). These types of behaviors are usually initiated by cats unfortunately.

Probably something about wearing masks or vaxs.

 

[Anon1752071136]

I come with my hat in hand and need help training our dog. It's a golden retriever for crying out loud - nicest dogs on the planet. He is amazingly good too, he is so good with people and he does all the amazing lovable stuff you would expect from a golden or nearly any dog. Licks, cuddles, loves, gentle, etc.

The problem: He isn't good with a lot of dogs. I think it's lack of being around other dogs a lot - We spend a lot of time in the mountains and it's a bit isolated up there. When the neighbor dog comes over, he's great with their dog. We have another friend whose dog who comes over and again - doing great. But when we are back in town and walking, our boy see's another dog he gets snarly and even shows teeth and can jump on them a bit. It sucks! What do I do? Pay a trainer?

I will admit this is on me. I have always rescued dogs and they come pretty well trained. This one we got as a puppy and simply didn't know how to train him for this (or we missed the opportunity to have him around more dogs).

Thoughts?

Don't blame yourself. You have a reactive dog and something has happened to trigger this behavior. I'm going through this exact same thing for the first time ever, and I have had Mastiffs for the past 35 years. My current Mastiff (18 months) is dog aggressive and it's scary; I did all the right things with him, but it didn't matter. I've learned more than I ever want to know about fear and aggression reactivity, and have been to many trainers and read several books.

I'd be happy to give you a quick run-down on your options. I don't think we have DM ability on the free board, or perhaps we do. Can you message me for contact info?

 

[SuperBigFan69]

Don't blame yourself. You have a reactive dog and something has happened to trigger this behavior. I'm going through this exact same thing for the first time ever, and I have had Mastiffs for the past 35 years. My current Mastiff (18 months) is dog aggressive and it's scary; I did all the right things with him, but it didn't matter. I've learned more than I ever want to know about fear and aggression reactivity, and have been to many trainers and read several books.

I'd be happy to give you a quick run-down on your options. I don't think we have DM ability on the free board, or perhaps we do. Can you message me for contact info?

Sounds like a "Ruff" spot to be in.

 

[Killersker47]

Do a training collar and bring treats on walks. Try to get around other dogs and do a sound/sm shock for bad behavior and a treat for good behavior. Adjust him to the collar prior to going for walks. JMO/suggestion.

 

[Anon1752071136]

Do a training collar and bring treats on walks. Try to get around other dogs and do a sound/sm shock for bad behavior and a treat for good behavior. Adjust him to the collar prior to going for walks. JMO/suggestion.

He can try this but there is a good chance it will make the problem worse. This is a very specific issue with consensus training protocols. Your suggestion probably won't work. Most highly trained and well credentialed trainers or behaviorists have dealt with this issue, but they need to see the dog in action and go from there. He's going to have to spend time and money to fix this. There is no homegrown or common sense solution.

The only other alternative is strict dog avoidance, and this can be stressful.

 

[SuperBigFan69]

We could recite the motto of all crazy pit bull owners???

"There are no such things as a bad dog...just bad owners"

Usually followed quickly by

"Razor...RAZOR...let go of that baby's skull NOW...Oh he has ever done this before, I swear, maybe your dead baby did something to provoke him?"

 

[dinglefritz]

Could be that he feels threatened when on a leash. You could try leashing him around the dogs he's comfortable with, and maybe he would get used to it and see that it's not a big deal.

Probably more like he views other dogs as a threat to his owner. If he’s not neutered that’s a place to start. Roughly 10% of intact male Goldens get very aggressive.

 

[Big bo fan]

Your best bet is to bring him a professional trainer that has other dogs and has the ability to make your dog consistent with repetition

This is the best advice. Don’t pay attention to the other OPs that tried the Barny Fife dog training on the Andy Griffith show.

 

[TheRealPeliniTheCrutch]

Let him meet like some Anatolian Shepherds or Pyrenees or Caucasian Shepherds for awhile.

Then get back to us about how tough he tries to be.

 

[Baxter48]

Buy a e collar and then if you have a friend that has a dog meet with them in a neutral place your dog will not be so protective since it’s not his home, take baby steps use the collar to make corrections. We have two pups and we have two e collars they work great sometimes all it takes in the vibrations mode

 

[Towlie]

You need to correct him immediately and consistently the moment he shows any obsessive behavior toward the other dog. It's a golden retriever. It won't be that hard.

 

[Killersker47]

This is the best advice. Don’t pay attention to the other OPs that tried the Barny Fife dog training on the Andy Griffith show.

It worked for both my dogs (German/Husky, and a Lab/Terrier). Like someone said above i”t’s a Golden Retriever shouldn’t be hard.”

 

[dinglefritz]

It worked for both my dogs (German/Husky, and a Lab/Terrier). Like someone said above i”t’s a Golden Retriever shouldn’t be hard.”

People assume all Goldens are nice. That’s just not true. Some are virtually untrainable. Worst dog bite I ever experienced was a male Golden. Unprovoked with my hand at my side. Bit right through my right index finger joint. There’s a subset of intact males in particular that are dangerous.

 

[Huskers12345]

Dogs are all different. My female golden was mildly aggressive around other female dogs for the earlier part of her life. Not a big deal for us, you just didn't want to bring a female fufu dog to our house.

 

[SuperBigFan69]

Dogs are all different. My female golden was mildly aggressive around other female dogs for the earlier part of her life. Not a big deal for us, you just didn't want to bring a female fufu dog to our house.

A female not getting alone with another female?

I hope you caught that on video because scientists would love to study something so rare.

 

[steinek11]

I come with my hat in hand and need help training our dog. It's a golden retriever for crying out loud - nicest dogs on the planet. He is amazingly good too, he is so good with people and he does all the amazing lovable stuff you would expect from a golden or nearly any dog. Licks, cuddles, loves, gentle, etc.

The problem: He isn't good with a lot of dogs. I think it's lack of being around other dogs a lot - We spend a lot of time in the mountains and it's a bit isolated up there. When the neighbor dog comes over, he's great with their dog. We have another friend whose dog who comes over and again - doing great. But when we are back in town and walking, our boy see's another dog he gets snarly and even shows teeth and can jump on them a bit. It sucks! What do I do? Pay a trainer?

I will admit this is on me. I have always rescued dogs and they come pretty well trained. This one we got as a puppy and simply didn't know how to train him for this (or we missed the opportunity to have him around more dogs).

Thoughts?

Do what I would do. Get onto YouTube and watch a bunch of Cesar Millan. You can teach the dog to be socialized.. It’ll take some time.

 

[Dylman]

 

[steinek11]

This is the best advice. Don’t pay attention to the other OPs that tried the Barny Fife dog training on the Andy Griffith show.

F that. Too many betas outsource everything to the ‘expert’ class. Be a man. Figure out your life. It may take a couple of hours and it may be messy, but let’s not lose sight that it’s a freaking dog. They eat their own ****. I’m also not hiring a therapist for the dog when this is all over.

 

[Nuts McClanahan]

I come with my hat in hand and need help training our dog. It's a golden retriever for crying out loud - nicest dogs on the planet. He is amazingly good too, he is so good with people and he does all the amazing lovable stuff you would expect from a golden or nearly any dog. Licks, cuddles, loves, gentle, etc.

The problem: He isn't good with a lot of dogs. I think it's lack of being around other dogs a lot - We spend a lot of time in the mountains and it's a bit isolated up there. When the neighbor dog comes over, he's great with their dog. We have another friend whose dog who comes over and again - doing great. But when we are back in town and walking, our boy see's another dog he gets snarly and even shows teeth and can jump on them a bit. It sucks! What do I do? Pay a trainer?

I will admit this is on me. I have always rescued dogs and they come pretty well trained. This one we got as a puppy and simply didn't know how to train him for this (or we missed the opportunity to have him around more dogs).

Thoughts?

It's usually the owner. If you pay a trainer, a good one will be training you, not the dog. Golden Retrievers are great dogs, but a minority of them can be overly protective. I love dogs, but your dog is going to need some tough love. No doubt to me that it's just a lack of socialization and some steps that the people walking him need to take.

Not sure what you meant by "But when we are back in town and walking, our boy see's another dog he gets snarly and even shows teeth and can jump on them a bit." But assuming "our boy" is the dog and not your actual son, I would limit who walks your dog. Whoever walks him has to have his own act together. That person (you?) needs to stay relaxed. You get anxious or anticipate trouble and your dog will pick up on that and do the same. Keep a tight leash (body harness, not a neck leash). Act as if every dog you come across is the neighbor dog or just ignore the dog and keep walking (very calmly). If you stop and chat, have zero tolerance with your dog if he acts out. Correct his behavior immediately. There should be no way possible for that dog to get even close to another dog. Stay away from the dog park until the owner has total control.

 

[SuperBigFan69]

Wait, you thought he was talking about his son showing his teeth?

I love this board!

 

[Nuts McClanahan]

Don't blame yourself. You have a reactive dog and something has happened to trigger this behavior. I'm going through this exact same thing for the first time ever, and I have had Mastiffs for the past 35 years. My current Mastiff (18 months) is dog aggressive and it's scary; I did all the right things with him, but it didn't matter. I've learned more than I ever want to know about fear and aggression reactivity, and have been to many trainers and read several books.

I'd be happy to give you a quick run-down on your options. I don't think we have DM ability on the free board, or perhaps we do. Can you message me for contact info?

I would love to have a Mastiff one day. Awesome dogs. But that is not a social breed. I think dogs are like people in that some are just more inclined to being aggressive. But to have a large, powerful and aggressive breed and have an aggressive personality for that breed? Scary.

 

[SuperBigFan69]

I know when my "son" sees other "kids"...he will try to mount that "kid" from behind...happens all the time when I take him to the park.

 

[Nuts McClanahan]

He can try this but there is a good chance it will make the problem worse. This is a very specific issue with consensus training protocols. Your suggestion probably won't work. Most highly trained and well credentialed trainers or behaviorists have dealt with this issue, but they need to see the dog in action and go from there. He's going to have to spend time and money to fix this. There is no homegrown or common sense solution.

The only other alternative is strict dog avoidance, and this can be stressful.

I think that dog is picking up fear, anxiety from you. Just a guess. Seems odd considering that this isn't your first Mastiff. But this guy is difficult I guess. Or maybe you are different with the dog without realizing it? Kinda like parents who raise that youngest child differently? Is it possible that you aren't as confident with this dog as you were previously?

In any case, dog avoidance is a great idea. At least for now.

 

[Nuts McClanahan]

Let him meet like some Anatolian Shepherds or Pyrenees or Caucasian Shepherds for awhile.

Then get back to us about how tough he tries to be.

LOL. I know what would happen. Eyes forward, keep walking on by....

Great Pyranees is another great breed. This is one of my favorites.

 

[dm1330]

I come with my hat in hand and need help training our dog. It's a golden retriever for crying out loud - nicest dogs on the planet. He is amazingly good too, he is so good with people and he does all the amazing lovable stuff you would expect from a golden or nearly any dog. Licks, cuddles, loves, gentle, etc.

The problem: He isn't good with a lot of dogs. I think it's lack of being around other dogs a lot - We spend a lot of time in the mountains and it's a bit isolated up there. When the neighbor dog comes over, he's great with their dog. We have another friend whose dog who comes over and again - doing great. But when we are back in town and walking, our boy see's another dog he gets snarly and even shows teeth and can jump on them a bit. It sucks! What do I do? Pay a trainer?

I will admit this is on me. I have always rescued dogs and they come pretty well trained. This one we got as a puppy and simply didn't know how to train him for this (or we missed the opportunity to have him around more dogs).

Thoughts?

Either he needs more socialization with other dogs or he is doing this to protect you, his favorite person. If you are in a large area there maybe Doggie Day Out places whereby dogs are put together after reviewing them and they are supervised by humans. They play together, etc and get socialized. Goldens typically are not protection dogs but yours perhaps is. Would suggest paying a trainer to come and check him out and see where it goes. The key is to socialize pets when they are young but some breeds such as Pit Bulls or Chows are just aggressive even if trained. Good luck.

 

[Scoop123]

I would love to have a Mastiff one day. Awesome dogs. But that is not a social breed. I think dogs are like people in that some are just more inclined to being aggressive. But to have a large, powerful and aggressive breed and have an aggressive personality for that breed? Scary.

My buddy spent almost 5k on a purebred Mastiff and it is the COOLEST dog ever. Absolutely huge and he's only 11 months old. The best part is he has an 11-year old lab who can barely walk as a big brother dog and so the Mastiff is the most chill dog on the planet. Doesn't act like a puppy even - and he hasn't even been snipped yet.

This dog is the awe of everyone around him, including me... Women would marry the owner just because of his Mastiff... lol

 

[dinglefritz]

LOL. I know what would happen. Eyes forward, keep walking on by....

Great Pyranees is another great breed. This is one of my favorites.

My son “adopted” a cute little Aussie mix from the humane society in Austin TX. DNA test came back majority Great Pyrenees. I guarantee you if you messed with my son or his wife, that dog would F you up. Always positions itself between me and them and growls the minute I walk in the door. Finally let me pet him at their wedding in the guys cabin right before the ceremony.

 

[Big bo fan]

My son “adopted” a cute little Aussie mix from the humane society in Austin TX. DNA test came back majority Great Pyrenees. I guarantee you if you messed with my son or his wife, that dog would F you up. Always positions itself between me and them and growls the minute I walk in the door. Finally let me pet him at their wedding in the guys cabin right before the ceremony.

That might be the DIL teaching the dog that .

 

[dinglefritz]

That might be the DIL teaching the dog that .

Nah. They’re know as shepherd guard dogs. Instinctive.

 

[Nuts McClanahan]

My son “adopted” a cute little Aussie mix from the humane society in Austin TX. DNA test came back majority Great Pyrenees. I guarantee you if you messed with my son or his wife, that dog would F you up. Always positions itself between me and them and growls the minute I walk in the door. Finally let me pet him at their wedding in the guys cabin right before the ceremony.

Wow. Yeah, that's where it is a bit too much as far as I'm concerned. I studied several breeds a while back when we got our dog. The Great Pyrenees was very interesting. Not even a consideration for our family for numerous reasons, but man. Pretty cool breed. That dog is not scared of anything.

 

[TheRealPeliniTheCrutch]

Wow. Yeah, that's where it is a bit too much as far as I'm concerned. I studied several breeds a while back when we got our dog. The Great Pyrenees was very interesting. Not even a consideration for our family for numerous reasons, but man. Pretty cool breed. That dog is not scared of anything.

Livestock guardian dogs are like the dogs that pitbull owners want, but don’t actually know about.

Screw any apps or ADT or whatever…if an intruder breaks into a house with one or two LGDs, he could die a horrible death that night.

 

[NikkiSixx]

I come with my hat in hand and need help training our dog. It's a golden retriever for crying out loud - nicest dogs on the planet. He is amazingly good too, he is so good with people and he does all the amazing lovable stuff you would expect from a golden or nearly any dog. Licks, cuddles, loves, gentle, etc.

The problem: He isn't good with a lot of dogs. I think it's lack of being around other dogs a lot - We spend a lot of time in the mountains and it's a bit isolated up there. When the neighbor dog comes over, he's great with their dog. We have another friend whose dog who comes over and again - doing great. But when we are back in town and walking, our boy see's another dog he gets snarly and even shows teeth and can jump on them a bit. It sucks! What do I do? Pay a trainer?

I will admit this is on me. I have always rescued dogs and they come pretty well trained. This one we got as a puppy and simply didn't know how to train him for this (or we missed the opportunity to have him around more dogs).

Thoughts?

find a dog training course.. (it's actually training for humans) but it will change how you look at and approach everything.. it's really worth it imo. ty for being a good dog owner! we need more of you!

 

[Nuts McClanahan]

Livestock guardian dogs are like the dogs that pitbull owners want, but don’t actually know about.

Screw any apps or ADT or whatever…if an intruder breaks into a house with one or two LGDs, he could die a horrible death that night.

We have a substitute for such a situation. We have a Golden Doodle. A very intelligent, playful, nice, doesn't shed. Anyway, gen 1 Goldens get their bark from the Golden Retriever side. And it is impressive! Anyone coming to our door hears it and they don't know what's on the other side of the door.