During the past few weeks, I noticed more increased aggression with Niles. He was no longer capable of friendly meet and greets. Also, when he would hear dogs, he would start growling. This was new and disturbing behavior.
During one of our favorite walks, Crissy Field, he bit a dog after they had greeted each other. This happened two weeks ago.
I looked into other options. I posted an ad on Craig's List and tried to adopt him out to a family in Gilroy in spite of my trainer's admonition that Niles should be spared the confusion of a re-homing.
Niles brought out the best in me. When I had him, for the first time in my life, I was consistently on-time to work. I also learned a lot about how to care and love a creature solely devoted to your well-being. I grew up because of Niles.
To whom it may concern:
I have been working with “NILES” and his owner since November of 2007.
The initial behavior Evaluation was for explosive aggression towards other
dogs -especially inconvenient in the office. Niles also has some mild fear
of strangers and discomfort associated with handling.
Significant progress regarding the aggression has been made using
behavior modification techniques and various food and exercise regimes.
However, progress with prolonged exposure to dogs in confined spaces
is proving to be substantially difficult. There does seem to be a small
guarding component, but it does not account for the level of aggression
nor is it the main trigger. Consistent progress has been made in all
other areas of NILES dog-aggression including on-leash meet and greets,
off-leash socialization & play, stranger fear/handling and predation
(herding). Niles has also learned his basic obedience (sit, down, quiet,
stay, watch, come) and some tricks which have been included in the
behavior modification plan to address the herding/predation and toy
guarding. However, significant stress and aggression still exists in
the office with the other “office dogs” with whom NILES has had conflicts.
All other office dogs are submissive/avoidant types and did nothing to
provoke attacks except walk into “NILES space.” Additionally NILES because
agitated and frustrated when ever other dogs are playing, being pet or
given attention. There is some evidence for owner/favorite person guarding.
Again this is not a main trigger, but a component of the problem.
Overall NILES continues to show signs of stress/depression which may be
partially caused by a chemical imbalance and not just learned behaviors
and poor socialization and it is time consider using medication.
Please feel free to call me on my cell phone to discuss this matter if needed.
