I find a lot of people give him a bad rap, about being "hype" etc. I think that if you cant control your energy the way you should then sure maybe his methods arent for you, but not because they're wrong, just because you cat accomplish them. If you can get in touch with the energy you're projecting, then you shouldn't have a problem.

I also think a lot of people have a hard time giving in to the fact that dogs are dogs, and need to be treated like them. Not because they're any less valuable then humans, just because its healthiest for them to be treated that way, its what they want!

Thank you for rescuing him and giving him a chance. Since you got him from rescue, they should be willing to take him back. Downside of that is they may not try to rehome him again. Hope he shapes up and realizes he has a good thing with you.


I don't rescue animals because I want to feel better about myself, or morally superior to anyone. The best part of my life with animals is the humility they teach and the humanity the foster.
Jon Katz "Soul of a Dog"

Glad to hear that you rescued him and that he's feeling better. Sometimes these dogs just need some extra help. I hope his behavior starts to turn around soon.

yeah...she did mention positive reinforcement, but I'm still leary of the way she worded things. Normally, positive reinforcement trainers use negative punishment in order to let a dog know when he or she is 'wrong.'

The APDT is an open organization. Although they have a code of ethics and try to persuade people towards higher education, there still isn't a requirement to join. It all depends on what you're looking for in a trainer, honestly. Maybe you could ask her what she means by negative reinforcement. She says it's not punishment and she's right--it's the opposite of punishment since scientists define punishment as 'anything that decreases a behavior.' Reinforcement is something that will increase a behavior, whether it's positive or negative. Negative reinforcement can be really harsh at times, and it usually goes hand-in-hand with positive punishment, or adding a stimulus to decrease a behavior. Sometimes it's not harsh at all--like if your dog is pulling on the leash, you stop the walk until he stops pulling, and then you start the walk again when there is slack in the leash. Ask her to define what type of negative reinforcement she is referring to and then go from there.

It's something that's up to you, and I hate to hear that your options are limited. It's not that negative reinforcement doesn't work--it does. But if you could get the same behavior without using negative reinforcement, then why not do that? If you use positive reinforcement, then you don't have to be worried about your dog making a 'wrong' choice. If they're getting reinforced for the 'right' behavior, then the 'wrong' behavior will come to extinction after a period of time.

I have only had Bobo for about 3 months, he was a rescue and was pretty sick so his personality is just starting to emerge now that he's feeling better.

She is a APDT member. I don't think she is advocating negative reinforcement primarily? I haven't hired her yet. There are 2 dog training places here and I don't particularily like either of them. They all pop collars, etc. One is better than the other but I don't know. The basic obedience starts in April and I need to get this handled ASAP.

I have to say this...I would be leary of the fact that this trainer suggests using negative reinforcement, or taking away a stimulus that increases a behavior. Negative reinforcement involves some type of an aversive, or a stimulus that an animal tries to avoid. Most of your behaviorists (people in behavioral research that normally have a PhD) will not use negative reinforcement unless they absolutely have to. A lot of good trainers I know adhere to something called the Humane Hierarchy, which was written by Dr. Susan Friedman.

I also have to say that I have been on conference calls with Dr. Ian Dunbar, and he is very much against using negative reinforcement as a primary means of training. If you will tell me what area you live in, I can help you find a good trainer. I am a member of the APDT and I am currently enrolled in classes studying for my CPDT. I am a dog behavior consultant as well. E-mail me at either lindseybvincent@gmail.com or info@thecollectedcanine.com if you're interested. I just want to make sure that you get connected with a good, solid, educated trainer.

I've seen him in person and I'm almost certain he was a dog in a previous life. He has an amazing connection with dogs. He understands and can translate the meaning of even the smallest eye flicker, tail wag, or ear twitch a dog makes. His intuitiveness and spot on timing is what the average dog owner lacks and it's a huge part of catching and shaping behavior.

Dogs are very good at reading our feelings. Remaining calm when dealing with dog behavior is absolutely a good thing. Frankly, all trainers know that "Dog Training" classes should actually be called, "Owner Training."


I don't rescue animals because I want to feel better about myself, or morally superior to anyone. The best part of my life with animals is the humility they teach and the humanity the foster.
Jon Katz "Soul of a Dog"

right, I have been inconsistant. I don't plan on using Ceasar's alpha roll, etc., but I do believe in his theory of staying calm and positive and in a good place.

The terrible two's!

Obviously he's testing limits. Just like with kids, it's harder to discipline than it is to ignore bad behavior. Sounds like you've been inconsistent with your limits. Not his fault if you are sending mixed messages that permit him on furniture sometimes and not other times. That is confusing for him.

I spent all day last Saturday at an "Adolescent Dog Behavior" seminar. 2 is about when a puppy turns into a dog. Puppy nipping isn't scary. Dog biting is. If you address it now, you will turn it around. Need to be consistent about "4 on the floor" and not tolerating any aggression.

Get help with how to do that in a positive way. Personally, I don't think some of Caesar's strong arm methods work for the average dog owner. With a bulldog, you can get better results using treats and offering alternative "good boy" choices. Plus, it's more fun and less frustrating than trying to out stubborn a bulldog.



I don't rescue animals because I want to feel better about myself, or morally superior to anyone. The best part of my life with animals is the humility they teach and the humanity the foster.
Jon Katz "Soul of a Dog"

I wish you the best. We are getting more and more dogs into rescue with aggression/behavior issues and they are so very hard to adopt out. I wish more owners were like you and did not give up!

www.midatlanticbulldogrescue.com

getting hurt...the point is your the boss you asked him once to get off he would not...the next time he is off...pull him right off...once he is off tell him what a good boy and give him a treat...dont get pushed around..bulldogs can be very very pushy....some think their stupid....but their very smart the know how to push themseles around....
be firm but be consistent....
i swear it was easier to train my rotty for a schuzhund three than it is to teach wilson not to hog the covers at nite or demand to get under the covers!!!!!!

please don't buy into the Milan hype. Have you read this?
http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/dominance%20statement.pdf

Here is an email from her, what do you think?

Hi Anne,

Here is an excerpt from my website:

Here at Golden Paws Dog Training, we strive to
help each and every dog owner, regardless of what
kind of training their dog needs. We feel that dogs
are such an important part of our lives, but the way
to truly enjoy your best friend is to learn how to
communicate effectively with your dog. Good
communication leads to a more well-behaved pet,
because your dog understands what you want.
Equally important in your relationship with your dog
is leadership. Being a leader will ensure that you
and your dog share a great bond.

We use positive training methods in our program,
incorporating treats, toys, and games. We
understand how to influence your dog's behavior by
using language that he or she is familiar with.
When a dog thoroughly understands what is
expected of him or her, we will add negative
reinforcement into the training so that the dog
knows when he or she is incorrect. Negative
reinforcement is NOT punishment; it's simply a way
to let your dog know that he or she is wrong.
Without this feedback, a dog would not understand
the difference between right and wrong.

We offer many training packages, and each one
can be customized to meet your individual needs.
All of our programs include unlimited e-mail
support, because we stand behind our training
methods. We will work with you until you reach your
goals with your doggie friend.


With aggression/dominance cases, I explain how the owner can redefine the boundaries of the pecking order by learning to communicate with their dog while staying safe. I have education and experience with many types of aggression and other behavioral problems. I am familiar with many famous dog behaviorists such as Pat Miller, Patricia McConnell, and Ian Dunbar.

Don't worry, I'm not giving up! It's just so weird, I have had Akitas, which are very stubborn, dominant dogs and have never had a dog not do what I say. It hard for me to remain calm and unafraid (that's what Ceasar would advise for sure) all the time so I'm sure I am doing everything right.

to pull him pretty hard and I am afraid of choking him. Other than those fairly rare times he doesn't want to move, he follows me absolutely everywhere. Up and down the stairs, all around, sweet boy.

and she is coming to my house. It's pretty expensive as she has to drive about 1 1/2 hours to get here. Keeping my fingers crossed.

It depends what the treat is. :0) Using salmon right now.

I doubt any rescue group would take him now.

"...frustrating and kind of scary, but makes me wonder, if he isn't respecting me, if I am the right person for him."

Hope you can get help from a trainer or behaviorist who will set you up with a plan of action to ease your frustration and fear. You are probably his only hope to turn this around.

How old is he?




I don't rescue animals because I want to feel better about myself, or morally superior to anyone. The best part of my life with animals is the humility they teach and the humanity the foster.
Jon Katz "Soul of a Dog"

a 6 ft one on him at all times if he gets on the couch you have a safe way of removing him....just make sure you are giving a command and a treat for the behaior you want....
their are trainers who feel that you should attach the leash to yourself and that way he would have to go every where you do....its a bonding idea...
but the main thing is to keep yourself safe and not to let him push you around....

If you cannot find a local trainer, then perhaps you can find a behavior consultant or behaviorst that would be willing to do a phone consultation with you. It may not be ideal, but perhaps they can help point you in the right direction. An in-home visit is going to be the best solution, though. Sorry

How does he do with treats? Can you coax him off with something tasty & lots of praise, etc.? Same with the crate. Would he enter if you dropped something yummy in there for him? Putting him on a leash sounds like a good plan. He has to learn that you are the boss. Dolly will do almost anything for treats. I'm no expert & I'm sure others will have good advice for you. Good Luck.



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