Alvin

I have a basset hound that bites my friends and neighbors. I got eddie oct 09. He came from a young family in brooklyn,ny. They could no longer take care of him. He was almost one yrs old at the time. His owner said he was perfect no biting,barking or other issues. He was good for the first few days then started nipping people that come over or that are in the hallways of my building. I have punished him each time and have started putting him on his back when he does it. I have also started useing a muzle when we go out, because my neighbors are afraid of him. I love this dog and dont want to have to get rid of him. I have been to the vet six times since ive got eddie. Because of the ear infections that have got much better. Other then that no health problems.

Alvin

Oh I also have a pit mix.

opus

Why are you putting the poor dog on his back? That's a terrible ting to do to a dog who could be fear aggressive or territorial.

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Arlene and Opus

Alvin

I dont know what eles to do. people in my building wont get on elevator with us. I was told putting him on his back will help. Im not slamming him on his back and most people say im to easy on him.

opus

I can understand how distressing it is to have a dog that bites, but putting him on his back won't make any difference, and may actually make his aggression worse. You've got to get to the root cause of his aggression and work with him from there. I think most dogs respond much better to positive reinforcement than to physical force. Distraction, reinforcement, reward for the good behaviour, things like that. Is he neutered?

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Arlene and Opus

Esther

in his defense, I have heard that this is a way to make them submissive.
i don't think i'd do it... but i HAVE heard that some recommend it.

either way, this could get interesting. haha

Alvin

Yes he is neutered. and I hate doing it and will stop. I dont want to make it any worse. The family I got him from didnt take goodcare of him and I think they just locked him in a cage and left him there. He had bad ear infections and his nails must have been four inch long. Now nails never need triming because we spend a lot of time outside. He only bites in my hallways, elevator and apt. hes not so bad at dogrun or park. Thanks so much for your help

opus

It's that bloomin' Ceaser Milan, he has everyone alpha rolling their dogs, forgetting that dogs are not wolves and a fearful dog doesn't learn anything from being rolled only to fear the roller.

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Arlene and Opus

opus

4 inches! Yikes. Opus has long nails, but 4 inches must be like claws. He probably hasn't had much socialising, poor thing. With patience and reward, you can totally make him a new dog. Best of luck with it though.

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Arlene and Opus

Alvin

Do you know some things I can try? He is better in,some ways. The vet thinks hes a different dog. It worse in my apt hallways. So must be territorial.