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E-mail received at dog fun on 07/04/01.

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hi, I would like to know if there is anyone out there who can help us with STORM. His 2 1/2 years old and is a boystrous as the day we met him. We are a family of five - 2 adults and 3 children. Giving him the name Storm must have been a bad omen, because he causes no end of stress in our house. We had a Dobe before storm, sadly he died - and we know, like humans, no two dogs are alike, but we are having a very trying time with him. He is a very anti-social dog, people cannot pass by our window without him almost attacking the window - he is grumpy, it is completely impossible to take him for a walk in the light of day - he hates other animals and people who are not within the family circle.

Our vet suggested neutering him - which we did - thinking that testosterone was perhaps blinding his good nature - this has not changed a thing! We have tried all the basic training over and over, but don't get anywhere with him. He constantly barks outside in his pen (which is quite big so he's not closed in a small place) he barks whether he has company or not. An altogether anti-social dog! We have dogs all around our area and next door too - but he HATES them all ! I think it is only a matter of time before he might bite someone. Our children cannot bring friends home for fear of the dog. He is so viscious towards strangers.

We love him for the dog he is, but cannot continue anymore with this behaviour. It is causing arguments amongst the family. In the evenings when the blinds are closed and we are all settled, is the only time storm calms down. Can there be an answer for us - or is there another out there who might give storm what he needs? With 3 children, & living in a small village it is becoming very difficult to have him around. We would like to find a solution other than giving him away - but if giving him to someone who can cope with his nature is the best solution for us - then so be it! Finding this ideal person would mean a great deal to us - because we would know Storm would be happy!

PLEASE HELP!

Jade's reply.

Dear Fiona and Storm,
Thank you for your e-mail, it sounds as though you are all having a troubled time at the moment. From your comments it would seem to me that you have lots of smaller problems with Storm rather that one big problem. By identifieing each individual problem and working on them one at a time you will have a better chance of making some progress.

Say to yourself that this week we will be working only on barking at passers by, and we are not concerned about any other problem. If you start to make progress in this area you will become pleased that Storm is making some progress and this will lower your stress but probably more importantly this will lower Storm's stress. He probably spends lots of time being told to stop that or leave it, and this in itself might be frustrating or confusing him, this in turn would help to make him more highly strung. My point is that I would doubt very much that he wants to upset everyone and that it is more the case that he is confused about what his roll should be and what is expected of him.

When walking, Jade uses a halty that fits over her muzzle and the lead clips below her mouth. This gives great control over her head and helps to stop her from charging after cats etc when she is out on her walk. The fact that she has this on also helps to passify her. If she is going through a difficult stage we carry a plastic water spray, as she starts to bark or pull a quick squirt of water is enough to break her train of thought and calm her (this should not be over used). Another good tip is to always say leave when you walk passed another dog and if everything stays calm make a real fuss of him, possably give him a reward. Constantly reinforce the positive things that he does and hopefully he will start to realise that this is how you want him to behave.

You must also consider that this could be a big part of his breeding. As you said in your e-mail no two dogs are the same and with this in mind have a look at this link CLICK HERE You will see that the two lines of dog, the Kristy line and the Phantom line, are quite different and it makes quite interesting reading particularly the difference between being aggressive and viscious.

I feel that you should be able to get somewhere if you can get on top of at least some of his problems. I would however point out in the strongest possible terms that you must always consider peoples safety and you must be the judge of that. If this ever becomes a serious concern you must seek the advice of a qualified professional this should be available through your local vet.

I wish you, Storm and your family lots of luck

All the best, Jade the Doberman

As with the rest of Dog Fun we are only offering advice, we have learned a lot through our own experience and would like to further that knowledge with your help. If you have any good tips or advice that would help dog owners drop us a line to jade@dogfun.co.uk and we will display your advice and give you credit for your help!