Ok, here's the problem:

I have a 3 1/2 year old Rottie (we think he might be mixed with Lab
too because his face didn't widen) who is becoming *growly* as he gets
older and he is skittish/easily startled. Let me say I don't know the
first thing about training beyond sit, stay and down so I need advice
in the form of baby steps (dogs for dummies if you don't mind) He is
an inside, family dog and has been raised with love and respect and I
have figured out the root of the problem and fixed it (please don't
ask, it is a real sore spot right now), I just don't know how to train
this out of him. If I am to be able to keep him and not have to
re-home or shelter him I need to train him to be a nice boy instead of
a *don't mess with me* kinda guy.
First problem: He is afraid of everything that isn't supposed to move
but does (the vacuum cleaner, a laundry basket, the toy truck my 1
year old likes to push etc etc) I've had him since he was about 12
weeks old and I know noone has done anything like throw things at him
and my house is always noisy so I just don't get the jumpiness when
someone tries to carry something by him.
Second problem: He is getting more and more *growly* (dunno how else
to explain it) like if someone comes to the door he will bark and
growl and behave like he wants to bite...which of course I can't have
especially with a baby in the house. I need to know how to train him
to not be like that. He was ok when he was younger, not so possessive
but as he ages it is getting worse. I don't want this to end in a bite
and then having to put him down (my heart would break)
I can't afford to take him to a trainer (I'd love to take him to the
guy about an hour south of me who would keep him for 12 weeks and then
teach me how to train him to me but that's just out of the question)
Let me say I also have an 8 year old Shepherd that I didn't do
anything differently with as far as training goes and she is tolerant
and well behaved. I hope it isn't just the sex and breed difference
causing this and that I can correct this problem. Also My dogs are
with me all the time within the house. They go out to potty and play
for a few minutes several times a day but that's about it.

Anyone have any advice for me? (without biting my head off please,
that won't help and I really want to help my dog) I am a stay at home
mom and have tons of time to do this so if your suggestions are time
consuming it's ok cuz I got all day

Thanks
Jen

I agree with Handsome Jack in that you could be leaving vital information
out. Its very difficult to diagnose a behavior problem that includes
aggressive reactions over the internet because you really need to see the
dog and see such reaction in person. Its even more difficult if you don't
have all the info.

Anyway, I'd recommend contacting the Rottie rescue in your state and asking
them for a trainer recommendation. I personally dislike boot camps for dogs
(where they are sent off and trained by someone else) because IMO it needs
to be the owner doing the handling & training, gauging the responses, and
learning in the process. Many times, dogs will act differently for a total
stranger so sending him to this guy who is an hour away may not be worth
your money, the dog's time or his discomfiture at being left for all that
time. I also believe boot camps generally cost alot more than going to a
local trainer would so you may be able to afford someone local, where they
teach you and you teach the dog.

--
Tara

Hi Jack
Thanks for the reply, my response is threaded through the post.

"Handsome Jack Morrison"
wrote in message news
On Mon, 04 Aug 2003 20:12:00 GMT, "badgirl"
wrote:

Ok, here's the problem:

I have a 3 1/2 year old Rottie (we think he might be mixed with Lab
too because his face didn't widen) who is becoming *growly* as he
gets
older and he is skittish/easily startled.

http://www.amrottclub.org/growl.html

"In general, a Rottweiler is a quite vocal animal who tends to
grumble
when being petted, handled and played with. A normal grumbler,
without
ulterior motives, will grumble low in his chest or throat and no
facial movement will accompany the sound. In other words, he is not
baring his teeth. If he does, you may have an altogether different
problem on your hands.


It's not that grumble/talking thing, he does that too and it's an
altogether different thing.

"Problems with grumbling that escalate to growling usually begin
because the owner is unaware that this behavior exists in the breed.
Hence, the first time the young puppy grumbles it is met with what
is
known as a reinforcing behavior from the owner. In other words, the
owner backs off from the puppy, retreats and/or stops what he is
doing
with the puppy."

We didn't use any corrective action when he was just *talking*. H
didn't start his growling/ wanting to bite thing until about 6 months
ago. I had a few friends with Rots so knew to look for that and that
this breed does have a tendancy to be quite *talkative*


If it's possible, have an experienced Rotty owner have a look at
your
dog and see if it's anything to be concerned about. It might be
nothing, and it might be something to really worry about. If that's
impossible, try contacting a local Rotty rescue group for some help.

Good idea, I think I'll do that. I have a few numbers of rescue groups
I can call (spent 3 days a couple of weeks ago on the phone with all
of them actually) If any of them have the time (which it didn't sound
like they would) I'll ask for help there too.


Second problem: He is getting more and more *growly* (dunno how
else
to explain it) like if someone comes to the door he will bark and
growl and behave like he wants to bite...

Are you absolutely certain of that?

Unfortunately I am positive ;(


Perfectly safe dogs exhibit that same behavior, Jen.

If he behaves like he might actually bite, it's probably time to see
a
*professional* trainer, preferably someone who's experienced with
Rottweilers. At least he'll be able to tell you if it's anything to
worry about, and probably do it for little or no fee.

Anyone have any advice for me? (without biting my head off please,

I don't think you're capable of handling this one by yourself, Jen.


I think you're right ;( I will make some calls and contact a few
people.

Too much is at stake; you have small children, right?

PS: Do you think it's fair to ask for help, while withholding
potentially very important and *critical* information?

For example:

"He is an inside, family dog and has been raised with love and
respect
and I have figured out the root of the problem and fixed it (please
don't ask, it is a real sore spot right now)..."



All I can say to that is I have removed the problem and now it's time
to help my puppy heal. I just hope it isn't too late.
I don't want to give any details because it's an entirely different
can of worms and had been a problem for years before we got my dog. I
just wasn't aware it was an issue until after Magni started having his
problems.


--
Handsome Jack Morrison
*gently remove the detonator to reply via e-mail

Thanks Jack
Jen

"Handsome Jack Morrison"
wrote in message ...
On Mon, 04 Aug 2003 21:26:44 GMT, "badgirl"
wrote:

I can understand why you wouldn't want to share this information
with
the world, Jen, but hopefully you *will* share it with whomever
you
eventually retain to help you with your dog, right?

Of course I will.

Good!

I don't want to give any details because it's an entirely
different
can of worms and had been a problem for years before we got my
dog.

I don't think you're dog-knowledgeable enough to make that claim.

Otherwise you wouldn't be here now seeking help, right?


Would you mind if I sent you an email, I'd fell more comfortable
talking about it off the newsgroup.

No, but it's really not important that you tell me, Jen, just that
you
tell whomever you're going to rely on to help you with your dog.




Fair enough
I'll leae it at that then

Thanks again
Jen


Handsome Jack Morrison
*gently remove the detonator to reply via e-mail