57
Answers Home
» Behavior & Training
I need help with my Weimaraner. I adopted him a week ago and now that he's settling in, I'm seeing so many things I'm n
I adopted him for a shelter and he was a stray they said and someone handed him over on a leash. He is maybe 3 years old. He was neutered the day before I brought him home. He was very sick come to find out and had pneumonia. I have nursed him back to health. He is now showing me a side I don't like. Every little noise he hears he freaks out and growls horribly and loudly barks and his posture is definitely an aggressive one. I can't calm him down when he does this. I'm scared he's going to attack me. He's VERY dominant. All the time. It never stops. He was trained and knows commands, but only follows them when he feels like it. I've got a friend who does training and she said she's not fond of this breed because they are so hard to deal with. I like him when he's nice, but not when he's flipping out. He's very large and I'm afraid this could become dangerous for me, my kids and anyone else around. He walks behind me at all times, he eats after me, he's not food aggress
Asked by
Krauser
on Oct 12th 2011
Tagged
in Behavior & Training
Status
- Cast your vote for which answer you think is best!
Answers
A large dog - aggressive - not bonded to family - children...
I don't think you've thought that though very well.
Becca
answered on 10/12/11.
Helpful? 
/
0
Return the dog. I don't think the average person is equipt to handle this kind of problem, especially with kids involved.
Jasmine
answered on 10/12/11.
Helpful? /
0
"He was trained and knows commands, but only follows them when he feels like it."
1.) The commands aren't proofed well enough then and 2.) You've had the dog for a week. It can takes months for dogs to settle into their home. He doesn't really know who you are, what the routine is, what's expected of him, but he's supposed to follow commands he learned elsewhere flawlessly? Expecting too much too soon.
"she said she's not fond of this breed because they are so hard to deal with."
Hard to deal with in what way? None of the pro trainers I know group entire breeds like that. My BILs Weim is a high-energy wonderdog.
"I like him when he's nice, but not when he's flipping out. He's very large and I'm afraid this could become dangerous for me, my kids and anyone else around."
I recommend a qualified behaviorist. Post in Behavior forum so this can be elaborated on.
"He walks behind me at all times, he eats after me" -- Outdated dominance theories that don't have any bearing on anything.
Kolbe
answered on 10/12/11.
Helpful? /
2
First you need to determine why he is being dominant. If he is allowed on the furniture or your bed then that needs to stop immediately as he is viewing himself as the alpha.
If there is a specific treat he likes make sure you carry it with you at all times in the beginning. Try not to focus on the negative behaviours but use the treats or toy or whatever it is that he may like as a reward everytime he does something good.
Whether that be sitting and obeying commands or not barking or growling. Make sure your praise this behaviour as he probably has no idea what he is doing wrong until you show him.
With regards to the barking and growling, try putting him on a 20 foot leash which he can wear in the house. When he starts to bark or growl give the leash an ever so slight pull and tell him "ah ah" in a stern voice. Once he stops say "good settle" or whatever command you choose and reward with a treat or toy.
Consistancy is key!
Member 1061840
answered on 10/12/11.
Helpful? /
1
It sounds to me like he is more fearful than anything. He just came into your home, and he doesn't know you or your family well enough to trust you yet. And you say he growls at every noise? It's because he's nervous! My Toby also growls and barks at every noise. (Started recently, and we will be taking him to a trainer soon.) He isn't being aggressive... he's nervous! You need to find a GOOD, PROFESSIONAL, POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT trainer! If he isn't food aggressive, and he walks behind you all of the time.. then he is not aggressive. He simply wants to scare the "scary noises" away, because he feels unsafe.
Again, you need to find a good trainer... and it sounds like your friend is not a good, professional trainer if she is telling you that she doesn't like a certain breed. You need a positive reinforcement only trainer that will help you build trust with this new dog, and help him see that he doesn't have to worry about every noise. Obedience comes with trust and training
Toboe (Toby)
answered on 10/12/11.
Helpful? /
2
Krauser is probably not sure about his new environment and the fact you are scared is escalating his energy. If you don't provide a calm surrounding he is going to sense it and act out in different ways. Some dogs chew things up, others bark non-stop, and others become agressive out of fear. For one, take a deep breath. If you want to keep him and are willing to work with him and get him over his fear aggression, I suggest hiring an animal behaviorist (& don't use your trainer friend because she is a trainer, not a behaviorist). The behaviorist will come view him in person, diagnose what is going on, and then give you "homework" to work on to get him over the aggression, and you calm. It will require patience and effort, but it is definitely worth a shot. Weim's are excellent family dogs, love to please, and are very quick learners. Hope this helps, good luck!
Wyatt
answered on 10/17/11.
Helpful? /
1
