Aggression towards animals

Dear Roady & Leo Volont:

You both have interesting points of view. I believe discovering what drives a person may help them to heal in some cases, but could make it worse in others. I don't know my exact reasons behind what I do, I just know that I do them and it makes me feel bad about myself. I would like to know why I am this way, simply for the sake of knowing. Although I'm not sure how much that would actually help me in the long run. I suppose different methods of coping and treatment only work on certain people, what works for some may not work for others.

I did have a bit of a set back though. Yesterday was my first angry day in a little while. I was in a hurry to get to town and I now bring the dog with me so that she doesn't poop in the house when I'm gone. She likes to ride in the car, and it's cold here now so no need to worry about her getting overheated while she waits in the car. Anyway I usually have her sit before I open the door to let her in, because when she's excited she likes to jump all over the car and can scratch it. I was being impatient and she wasn't paying attention or sitting so I grabbed her collar in an aggressive way and yanked her and told her to sit. I didn't hit her but I did scare her and she cowered. Anyway she sat and I rewarded her by letting her in the truck and she was happy again. There was a bit of tip toeing around me in the house later but I think I fixed it by just talking to her in a calm voice, after a little while she wanted to play.

I'm not going to lie and say that she's my favorite dog in the world or that I really enjoy her presence that much... she's quite rowdy and mischievous. But just because she is the way she is doesn't give me the excuse to hurt her or be mean and unfair. I want her to have a quality life, and she means a lot to my fiance so therefore she matters to me. I'm working on it, it's hard and I think she might benefit from working with a professional trainer. I've been watching some videos online about training to try and help the behavior as well.

Dear MysticDream

Sometimes with animals You have to take the Alpha (dominant) stance. That often requires a Stern Voice, and Aggressive Stance, or even a snap on the leash or slap on their hind quarters. JUST AS LONG AS IT IS NOT PROLONGED. Animals will React to an Alpha Display almost Immediately, and when they do, you can drop it and be Friends again.

For instance, one of my Kitties is still sort of young. he will be in my way when I am walking about (and I am partially handicapped and so it is not easy to move about) and after saying "Kitty Move" in a normal tone of voice a few times, well, I will GO Alpha on Him and say Loudly and Emphatically "Kitty MOVE!" and when he Instantly moves... without a pause between words I add in my Friendly Voice, "Thank You Good, Kitty Good, and I reach down and pet Him". the animals are used to that kind of treatment. Watch a Mother Cat and her Kittens... very caring and affectionate, but if a kitten crosses some kind of a boundary, the Mother Cat doesn't hesitate to 'cuff' the young one.

Oh! But there are your Own Moods and Feelings to Consider. Yes, you must make sure you keep from getting Emotional About It.... to Keep Adrenaline out of it.

Oh, you know, after a few months Practicing with that Annoying Dog... you may be ready to go back to your Favorites -- those Horses.... you may think of Riding Again... get back in that Saddle!

mysticdreams98 wrote:I would like to know why I am this way, simply for the sake of knowing.

You definitely need knowledge