wife and the dog

[pepper]

My wife and I have had Pepper for two years now, she actually picked her out, but for one reason or another Pepper is my dog, and she believes she is the alpha female, and will attack my wife from time to time and draw blood. She doesn't do this to anyone else, and no one can believe she would attack. After the last attack she told me it was either her or the dog, help me save my dog, right now when I leave the house I leave the leash on the dog, so if she growls or snaps, she can reach for the leash without getting too close to the dog. My next step is getting a muzzle, has anyone used a muzzle, and does anyone believe this will help the dog get more comfortable with my wife and stop biting her?

[TessieMom]

If you really want to keep your dog, she must learn that your wife is alpha over her. Your wife should be the one who feeds her, gives her treats and takes her to obedience class. Where does the dog sleep? Is the dog allowed on the furnature? Who takes the dog for walks and plays with her? I could go on, but it will require work by both of you to make things work. Aggressive behavior can not be permitted!
Rena and the Waco Pack

[Meemoo]

is called for here. You must not have the dog alpha over any human. The dog could probably benefit from the NILIF program which means "nothing in life is for free" The dog has to EARN everything, when it's time for feeding, the dog must sit before he gets the food, when it's time for walking, sit/stay, etc. Good luck!

[Dapple Dandy]

The biggest challenge you face here is how long it's gone on. Your wife is already afraid of the dog, so she'll also need some re-training. As much as possible your wife should be the one caring for Pepper. Pepper has to learn that your wife is top dog, even over you. If your wife is the quiet reserved type, it's time for her to step up and take charge.

I'm thinking an outside behavioralist is in order here. Someone who can look obvectively at that situation from the outside. Human as well as canine errors need to be corrected and a neutral third party can be invaluable in these situations.

I wish you good luck.

[pepper]

I spoke with a friend of mine, who knew someone who had an unruley dog until they bought a shock coller, does anyone think that will shock some respect into her?

[TessieMom]

I am absolutely opposed to shock collars. Sorry, but I have seen the results on a dog that was pulled into rescue. That would not be my choice. I do believe that if you can modify your behavior and that of your wife and have your wife take the dog through obedience training that the dog's behavior can be modified. Failing that, you might want to consider surrendering the dog to rescue. If you read the "Dog Listener" by Jan Fennell (sp?) you might get some ideas. A behaviorist can help, but only if you follow the instructions. I have had 3 aggressive dogs in my home, one hated the wife, one hated the husband, and the other disliked children. All are successfully in new homes with no continuing problems.

Rena and the Waco pack

[Dapple Dandy]

NO! to shock collars. No matter how low the voltage, they hurt. :tears: I challenge anyone who believes in them to put on the collar themselves and come see me. I'll make you a believer! :devil:

The only way to help Pepper is with patience and professional help and as Rena pointed out, that will only work if the humans are willing to give 110%. There could be a lot of things at work here, maybe even be a chemical or hormonal imbalance.

There's lots of good information out there, just keep looking and talking to people. Rescues get dogs like this in all the time and they are rehabilitated. Somewhere, someone has the answer for Pepper, but I can assure you it won't be easy or an overnight remedy. Time and patience is the key to working with our headstrong Dachsies. :)

[pepper]

Well after one more attack, the wife said it was either a muzzle or her, so we now have a muzzle on the dog, definately took all of the fight out of her, she seems to be depressed now also, when I am home we take the muzzle off, but when my wife is home alone with the dog the muzzle is on. Tonight we are meeting with a trainer so we will see what happens.

[Dapple Dandy]

for what's happening to your family. I hope the trainer can help. Keep us posted.

[Patt]

Perhaps you need a behaviorist for this difficult situation. JMO
Here is a site for you to visit. "The Difference Between a Trainer & a Behaviorist".

http://www.geocities.com/jetflair/behaviorist.html

I wish you the best of luck, please keep us posted.

Patt