Training a Doberman mix. Need some help.

[jnicholes]

Hi everyone,

First you need to know that this dog that I got recently is a rescue dog. He was neglected and abandoned. We were able to purchase him at the animal shelter.

This is Jack. He’s about 8 to 10 months old approximately. 100% mutt. Obviously has some Doberman in him. He didn’t take kindly to us at first, but after a few days he began to trust us.

I’m posting today because I need some training help and advice.

I need to train him in two different areas.

I will start with the first area.

He’s digging. As you can see, he exposed a fiber optic cable in our yard. I’m trying to figure out a way to train him not to dig. I need some advice in this area, as I can’t find anything.

The second area is a little more serious. We had a visitor and he actually started to be very territorial and bit her. I bet that’s the Doberman instinct.

Fortunately, he didn’t do any serious health damage, and he had all his shots.

This one is more important, I need to train him to not be so aggressive with strangers. But like the last problem, I have no idea how to proceed with training him.

Can someone give me some advice on how to train him? Specifically, we need to train him not to dig and not to be so aggressive with strangers.

Regards,

Jared

 

[my spoiled chickens]

@ShrekDawg @DobieLover

 

[my spoiled chickens]

My dog grew out of digging (well, mostly)

 

[ShrekDawg]

I think he just needs more time to settle in personally but those issues are definitely concerning and should certainly be addressed but some of it might get better with time as he settles in and as he grows up too because sometimes they go through a second fear period around this age. Brew did and was scared of certain people and objects but now he’s fine. So it might just take time honestly. BUT! I would continue socializing him as much as you can once he’s settled in a little more.

@SpotTheCat @chickentrains @Ilovemychicks08 @Pampered chicken girl @oldhenlikesdogs might be able to help more

 

[The Moonshiner]

@BigBlueHen53

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

If he's biting I'd personally say you should seek professional help. BUT always keep him on leash or kenneled if company is coming, socialization is important bit it needs to be done in a controlled enviroment, not just taking him wherever. Have a few people he knows come to your house, they don't need to be in his business and petting him but get him used to people coming in and going and being around

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

I would seek professional help like pampered chicken girl said. Biting can and will get worse without proper training. He has big feelings and a good trainer should be able to help you. I would also muzzle train at this point, so you can socialize him without him biting.
For digging keep him on a leash. And say no when he does and gently put leash pressure on.
Mine grew out of digging and im sure he will to.

Also give him some time. He is scared on the inside he will come around and realize people are good.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Thanks, @The Moonshiner . This is not something I can advise about here. This definitely requires someone on the ground that can work with the dog, hands on, on a regular basis. In other words, a professional trainer. The owner of the dog is legally liable when a dog bites, regardless of the circumstances. The dog can be confiscated and quarantined for up to 14 days, I believe, at the owner's expense, to be sure the dog is not positive for rabies, and the owner can also be required to pay for any medical expenses incurred by the person bitten. This is a big responsibility, especially now that the dog has bitten once; it can be proven that the owner knows they are harboring a dangerous animal. This is not something to be taken lightly. You might call your local police department and ask if they can recommend anyone capable of working with a dog with these issues. Good luck.

 

[jnicholes]

Let me ask one more question. What about a remote shock collar for training?

We were thinking about putting it on Jack while we socialize him, then gently shock him when he does something he shouldn’t.

Is it a good idea?

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

Let me ask one more question. What about a remote shock collar for training?

We were thinking about putting it on Jack while we socialize him, then gently shock him when he does something he shouldn’t.

Is it a good idea?

No, he's not ready for that and in his position you could make things worse. He's definitely needs a professional trainer, aggression should be taken VERY seriously.