Pet Lovers

[Westie pup Fiona Lily]

You've received some good advice.  I'd also like to add that a time-out during certain periods of aggression can be extremely helpful.

I have three Westies and occasionally there can be a confrontion that could result in injury.  SO I break up the situation and immediately place the instigating dog into her crate.

Time-out only has to last about 5 minutes and then I bring her out and go through training steps with her. The idea of sitting for treats, taking chews away from her shortly after they're given to her, and making her wait until I go first through the door when we go for walks. 

There is a checklist for the Good CItizenship program that I use to train my dogs.  There are also classes available thrugh this program that are extremely helpful.

[KingstonMom]

@Kachina624 

I know! I've got to figure out how to do that again! Any hints?

[ninjawife]

DH got to DD apartment in time to take Tilly for her lunchtime walk with DD.  Tilly did try to jump on DD a couple times but DH was able to pull her away and told her sharply "No".   I really think that Tilly does not respect DD as her master and desparately needs training.  Fortunately DD found a trainer that can provide one on one training starting next week.   Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

[Lilysmom1]

@ninjawife  Good luck!

[Foxxee]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

@ninjawife   It sounds like DD is letting Tilly walk all over her.  She needs to institute a boot camp atmosphere and let Tilly know she is in charge.  Any aggression should immediate be met with a sharp "NO", She should make her work for everything she gets, sit for treats, sit for her meal bowls, only go outside when the okay is given.  If she misbehaves during play, it should immediately be discontinued.  No growling should be tolerated ever.

Does the aggression seem to be overly enthusiastic play or is it vicious?

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@Kachina624 

Yes, I agree with your cause and solution.  

[Kachina624]

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@KingstonMom wrote:

@Kachina624 

I know! I've got to figure out how to do that again! Any hints?

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@KingstonMom    lol, No, it's been years since I did it but I'll be glad to see his face again.

[Major Shopper]

@ninjawife Maybe your DD could contact the Foster Mom for advice or insight? 

There may be some "triggers" at your DD's house that didn't exist at the Foster Mom's home.

Other pets? Kids? 

Just a thought.

[three4me]

Just retruning her to where she came from should never be an option. Do NOT get a animal if you cannot follow through on a lifetime commitment. They all sound like some behavioral training is in order.

[We rescue cats]

Being a cat person all I know about dog training could fit in a thimble but I often sat at the cat table while the dog training went on beside us. Sadly we never know what baggage a rescue brings with them but one of the best trainers always said when a dog acts out send him to his safe place until he is calm again, speak softly to him and allow him to calmly rest, the crate should be the safe place.  

[Linmo]

@ninjawife Younger rescue dogs are often well behaved when they are at a shelter or foster home and during the first couple of months in a new home.  After the honeymoon period, they test the boundaries to see what they can get away with.  A trainer will be able to help your daughter but it can take time to modify certain behaviors.

She should consider having Tilly wear a muzzle if she is jumping at her during their walks.  I have a reactive rescue dog who did that and now he wears a muzzle when we walk.  He still jumps up at me once in a while when he gets excited about something but the muzzle prevents him from biting at me or the leash.