My brother's Bobtail, attacked him two days ago...
First of all, sorry about my english. I'm Ricardo, from Spain... hehe We are all very sad, because two days ago Brock (the old english of my brother and wife) suddenly attacked both... Brock is 1 year old and he is very active, restless and affectionate. But he bitted my brother about 3 or 4 times before (sometimes playing, sometimes not). The other day my brother and her wife are in her house with another pair of friends. Suddenly, Brock vomit a little bit. When my "sister-in-law" return with a napkin to clean the vomit, Brock growl and bit she. My brother and her friend tried to move away the dog, but unfortunately he bit my brother near the jaw. My brother and her wife are very sad, because they love Brock, but is very difficul for everydoby to allow Brock to come again to house. Everybody said that there's no solution for him, but we are trying to know the root cause for this. I see that this is the biggest Bobtail's community so, anybody could give me some information or possible solutions? Thanks a lot!!! PS: Sorry again about my English! |
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| The first thing they need to do is to take Brock to a Veterinarian to rule out any physical cause for his behavior.
You mentioned that he has done this before so I suspect that this is a training issue not a physical problem. Dogs repeat learned behavior and by not dealing with the aggression when it started they have encouraged it. They need a good obedience program and personal trainer if possible. They need to re establish control in a firm, calm, non threatening way. A very good approach is the "Nothing in Life is Free" method of training, GOOGLE it and you will find all kinds of tips. But basically the dog is given nothing, allowed nothing without an expectation of good and proper behavior. ANother good training method is found in a book by Jan Fennel "The dog Listener" which gives good tips for establishing yourself as head of the pack. If Brock is biting, this problem has become critical and you need to seek help before someone is hurt. Try to find a trainer who uses reward based training (as opposed to punishment). Your brother is going to need to start at the begining QUICKLY. |
| Thanks a lot for this information.
They are trying since Wednesday or Thursday... but maybe it's too late...  |
| Hello!
Sorry to you all. Have you talk to the breeder, maybe they can help. Lene |
Ricardo wrote: Thanks a lot for this information.
They are trying since Wednesday or Thursday... but maybe it's too late... It is NEVER too late, you just need to start a good training program. Most importantly (they) need to start a reward based training program that established THEM as "leader of the pack". |
| Yes. But it's not easy because they aren't very safe with a dog that bite and growl. The problem is only since 1 month ago, but every day is worse...
PS: In my previous post i'm trying to say "They are training since Wednesday or Thursday" |
| A dog should not become that aggressive that quickly. Have they been to a Vet to r/o a physical problem or pain? |
Tasker's Mom wrote: A dog should not become that aggressive that quickly. Have they been to a Vet to r/o a physical problem or pain? yes, i know... that's why I'm very "pessimistic". I didn't talk to my brother since seven hours ago, but I supposed that they're trying to visit the vet by this week...
No, he haven't got any physical problem or pain... |
| Hi Ricardo-
I think one very important question is- Has Brock been neutered/castrated? If not, please have the family consider having this done right away because it can even out the temperament of a male dog once the testosterone level has been reduced. I am not a veterinarian but it seems that his "coming of age" could be playing a part in this problem. Is Brock food aggressive... does he defend his food dish if someone tries to approach him while he's eating? This might sound terrible and it in no way condones the biting but some dogs view their own vomit as food and many will eat it. Brock needs to be examined by a vet first to rule out any physical problems. Some dogs can be very stoic and will hide pain. The family also needs to find a trainer that is experienced in dealing with aggression in dogs... but in a kind way meaning no hitting. One that will train the owners in how to best handle this dog. Have them ask vets and other dog trainers who is the best in dealing with aggression. Your brother and sister-in-law need to be safe and biting humans is never acceptable. This is becoming a very dangerous situation and it needs to be addressed right away. Wishing you and your family the best in this difficult situation- Jaci |
| Hi Ricardo and welcome to the forum.
I would also agree that Brock should be neutered right away if this hasn't been done. Most breeds become adults and test at aprox a year old, much like teens do with their parents. The hormones are raging and neutering would help with some of the aggressive tendencies. Sigh wish we could do the same with those of us that have teen boys in the house...oh I'm kidding!  (Regarding teen boys but not the dog).
Your brother was bit on the jaw which I can only imagine he had his face close to Brocks. In dog language this is viewed as a challenge to a dog..face to face contact. I think Brock views himself as master of the house and not acceptable. Once medical issues are ruled out he may have to start from scratch retraining him. Neutering takes a few weeks to see any results as it take aprox that amount of time for the hormones to get back to normal. Please keep us updated and we're all here to help. Marianne and the boys |
| Thanks for all the responses. Later, I'm going to ask to my brother some of this questions.
About when Brock bit my brother, the situation is that he didn't bite my brother in a "face to face". my brother is taking the dog behind (because he is "attacking" their wife) and Brock "throw their jaw" in defense... Brock is not aggressive whit the food (as far as i know) and isn't neutered/castrated. Thanks a lot for your answers!!! I think that first of all they need to go with Brock to a Vet. |
| Definately sounds like a trip to the Vet for neutering is in order, followed by a good training program. |
| I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's troubles with his sheepdog.
Brock is 1 year old so he is just reaching sexual maturity. Having him neutered ASAP might solve his aggression issues. When we inquired with our vet and our breeder about when to neuter we were advised we could wait up to 1 year, but if we saw signs of agression to have him neutered immediately (assuming he was over 6 months old). Some male dogs are never neutered and never show signs of aggression, but some vets seem to think that intact (not neutered) males are more likely to be aggressive because of the hormones. This is something your brother should speak with his vet about. Best to him and Brock. |
| Thanks again. |
| Wow, I'm so sorry this is happening.
A trip to the vet as soon as possible is definitely in order. The dog needs to be evaluated for illness or injury. Nothing may be visible, but animals react to pain very differently than we do. He also needs to be neutered, I bet they'll find they have a whole new dog in a month or so when the hormones are out of his system. Training will still be necessary though in case any of these behaviors have become habit, and if after all that your family doesn't feel they can cope, please contact a rescue if necessary. |
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