biting dog

[snodhutch]

3 weeks ago we rescued a shih tzu/bischon from the rspca. He is 19 months old. We were told by the rspca that we may need help from a behaviourist for his occasional aggressive behaviour. Most of the time he is fine and will retrieve toys and bring them back to be thrown again, lets us groom him and cuddle him and sits quietly on our laps, however, on occasions like when he found my husbands slipper he refused to let us have it and growled and bit me. He has also gone for my 23 year old daughter in the garden, once for trying to get a dead mouse away from him and once for no apparent reason. He also growled and just missed biting a friend who tried to get a brush away from him. We have 2 shih tzus who are 21 months old and he is far too rough with them and occasionally bites them too hard. What opinions does anyone have with regard to dog behaviourists. Are they quacks or is there a possibility they could succeed in making our dog better behaved and non aggressive. Or are we just fighting a losing battle and should not have taken him on in the first place

[lankeela]

I am sure behaviourists have a role to play, but I think the RSPCA should the ones to pick up the bill or arrange for a consultation with one of 'their' people. I find it very strange that they allowed this dog to be rehomed knowing it had aggressive/behavioural problems.

Good on you for taking him on, but consider seriously whether you are prepared to tolerate a dog who may not be able to be helped.

[kita1]

Four bites/attempted bites in 3 weeks is alot.

Were you given any history with the dog?

Like Lankeela says I think the RSPCA should be the ones to pick up the bill for any behaviourist etc. I too am surprised that they rehomed the dog to be honest.

Some behaviourists can be VERY pricy (I have heard of 300 pounds being charged). Anyone can set up as a behaviourist so be careful where you spend your money.

A good site for advice is http://ttlntl.co.uk/forum - you can join the forum (free). There are a number of experienced behaviourists/trainers on there that can and will give you good advice. It is run by Gill White who used to be a behaviourist for the Blue Cross.

[MrsJ1]

Have a look at www. petbehaviourcentre.com