Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

FH and I adopted a dog from the pound about 2.5 months ago (Larry David - I've posted about him from time to time). So 95% of the time, Larry David is the sweetest most affectionate dog ever. However, the other 5% of the time he is literally a monster that scares us.

This has been happening more lately but the most recent incident was last night. He got a hold of a sock and was on the bed where I was getting ready to go to sleep. We've been trying to train him with 'Drop it' and sometimes it works but really only with his toys. Last night I tried the 'drop it' and he started growling at me. I called FH into the bedroom and we both tried with the 'drop it' and he growled even louder, starting to show his teeth. Stupidly, when he stopped growling for a second, I put my hand a little closer to the sock and he lunged for it and bit me very hard. I ran into the bathroom to make sure that he didn't break skin when I heard FH scream - sure enough, he bit him also, on his stomach. He was so unbelievably aggressive - lunging, growling, baring his teeth and barking.

We finally had to bundle him up in the duvet and lock him in the stall shower (no water on, just a confined space) for about 25 minutes until he calmed down.

I'm at my wit's end with him, I cannot live with an animal that I am frightened of but I love him so much. He's sitting on my lap as I write this, head against my chest - it's hard to believe it's the same dog.

Please please HELP!! Can anyone recommend an amazing trainer or obedience school??

Re: Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

Yikes, he sounds like he needs a little training maybe? What is his story...his background? I wouldn't give up on him he sounds like he is a sweetheart for the most part. Maybe call a trainer?

Re: Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

I know the ASPCA in NYC (on 92nd Street) does aggression behavior training courses, but I'm sure you're looking for someone more local. My advice is to get a referral from the vet. I'm so sorry this is happening to you. Good luck!

Re: Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

Was it possible that he was mistreated as a puppy? DH found a dog almost two years ago on his doorstep that had been abused. She was SO bad at the beginning - barking, growling, snapping at people. SHe has come such a long way over the past two years. SHe is still super protective of us and barks at new people when they come into the apt - but has changed so much. The 1% of the time she'll growl at me I ignore it. But I do tell DH that when we have kids. she's living with his parents - she loves them.
Give her time, and love - if you can afford a trainer, that would certainly help. Good Luck!

Re: Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

That happened once with me and Gizmo also. We had family over for dinner and someone dropped a bone on the floor, I forgot what kind but it was one of the bones that are too brittle for dogs to eat. Sure enough Gizmo picked up the bone and ran away with it and started eating it. When I tried to take it away from him he did the same thing Larry David did, he growled at me, showed teeth, tried to bite me... when I finally got it away from him I was really upset and he could tell. He came over and was rubbing his head on me like he was apologizing. It never happened again with Gizmo but I know how scary it can be. It is like an instinct they have when they are eating. it can't hurt to speak to a dog trainer or obedience school or even his vet for recommendations. Good Luck and I hope everything works out

Re: Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

What type of dog? Do you know how long your dog was in the pound you adopted him? How old was he when you adopted him? That is information that you really need to know.

My parents took in a dog that was abused and I have to tell you (though he is extremelly overindulged, my stepfather never had kids and this is his son) but the quirks he had from being abused did not go away. I agree with the suggestion that you bring in a trainer. Dogs must be reminded that they place in the pack and who the leaders are. The trainer will probably be able to give you ideas how to stop this.

Good luck.

Re: Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

Try contacting the pound. maybe they can give you his history.

He really could benefit from dog training. Petco has obedience classes, but you may need agressive behavior classes for him. Try calling petco, maybe you can get a referral.
His vet can help you out with that too.

But, he might have something wrong (dental,etc). He really should get a full checkup before starting training.

Good luck

Re: Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

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Posted by julz33

That happened once with me and Gizmo also. We had family over for dinner and someone dropped a bone on the floor, I forgot what kind but it was one of the bones that are too brittle for dogs to eat. Sure enough Gizmo picked up the bone and ran away with it and started eating it. When I tried to take it away from him he did the same thing Larry David did, he growled at me, showed teeth, tried to bite me... when I finally got it away from him I was really upset and he could tell. He came over and was rubbing his head on me like he was apologizing. It never happened again with Gizmo but I know how scary it can be. It is like an instinct they have when they are eating. it can't hurt to speak to a dog trainer or obedience school or even his vet for recommendations. Good Luck and I hope everything works out

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The same thing with my 1 year old shih tzu. If he has something in is mouth he is not supposed to have, like plastic or a tissue we try to take it out and he growls. Then if he has his favorite treat and we go to pet him he growls. He does not like us to try put our hands near his bowl when he is eating his dinner either. We put a laundry basket over him for 30 seconds, so he is confined, usually he knows we are mad, but this has not fixed the problem. My mother is having a trainer come over to help.

Re: Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

the only thing i can tell you is that i know with my dog when she was younger
i never played tug-of-war types games with her b/c she would get so crazy and growl

she never tried to bite me but maybe when you do that larry david (i am hysterical right now) feels threatened

did you try and research online??

Re: Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

I know, I know - the name is a bit much Blame my fiance.

Ok, Larry David, according to the pound, is a shih tzu. I'm certain he's not full breed and is probably at least part terrier based on his snout. The vet told us he's between 2 and 3 years old and all the pound knows is that he was a stray (it's a NYC pound in Brooklyn... not quite the same as going to North Shore).

So, I really want to get him some aggressive behavior training. I will contact his vet and also the ASPCA as some of you mentioned.

Thank you all for your responses. I hope kids are easier .

Re: Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

We have a male boxer at my Moms house. Jake was just way you described Larry David ( Cute name!!). We were all very frightened a lot of the time with him. The only thing my father did was to become this dogs BEST FRIEND! He would cuddle with the dog when he was calm & eventually the dog looked forward to it I think!! It took Jake about 2 years to really settle down. He is now the most affectionate & gentle dog we have ever had. Sometimes it just takes persistance.

NEVER try to take something from the dog even if he stops growling for a minute. Always wait till they loose interest & walk away. We had the same problem & that was the only real solution to that.

Re: Really Bad Dog Behavior - I Need HELP!!! (long, sorry)

I love that name
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