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Ive posted before about my dog but incase you dont know he is: a 2 year old fixed Pharaoh hound. He was fixed at about 5-6 months or as close as you can fix a puppy and be safe. I have taken him for walks ever sice I got him and he has been in contact with dogs from these walks and going to puppy classes. We are still going to classes although they are now obedience and agility etc. So there is no shortage of dogs he can meet. I also started taking him to the dog park about a year ago off and on( I had surgery so he wasnt able to go for a while!)

Recently Ive noticed some alarming behavior in him that just isnt like him at all! First off he likes to hump his bed once in a while and I dont think much except that hes hyper and takes it out on "loving" his bed. He paws it into a ball to how he likes it(which includes 10 min. of prep. and dragging out of the room) then has his 1 min. way with it. I didnt think much of it except how much of a pain it is when I have to fix it so he will sleep on it instead of my bed and drag it back into my room from the next room he drug it to! But lately...hes been doing it a lot!Not only his bed hes been doing it to people now, he nibbles and makes a whine and if let go he does the mount posture but hasnt been let past that. One day I was playing with him as I lay on the couch and he got hyper from that nibbled by knees I thought it was funny till he wouldnt get off and leave me alone then mounted my knees and as I got up wouldnt stop nibbling and whining on my elbow so finaly I had to force him to lay on his side as I gently lay on him and pet him soothingly till he lay still for a few minutes, he was out of line that day. Is he being domanant over the bed and us by that behavior?

The major issue is at the dog park. I have a training collar on him and he knows the tone very well and responds with the tone so no punishment need be required but something is wrong with it(I replaced the batteries) I have to be RIGHT THERE in order for it to work. The range is supposed to be 100 yards or meters, a good distance. So when he does a bad behavior all he may hear is me scolding rather than the tone or a shock because there is something wrong so hes not being fully punished at times. Lately at the park he is trying to be domanant over every dog there is! He barks and nips ears and chases but that is how he plays and others see that as aggressive, I dont because he is a hound. But now he is placing his head over other dogs shoulders and I know that is a domanance stand, and trying to mount other dogs.Hes also had stand offs where the two just stand and stare, I dont like that at all and call him away whenever he does that. Hes gotten into a few snips because of this behavior, the other dog doesnt like the shoulder stand off and gives a warning bite and my dog wont back down so he gives a warning snip and it escalates to a few more! Luckily there has been no true dog fight. He has snapped or snipped at the same great dane 3 times now! I think he may be intimidated by size. The great dane didnt think anything of his attitude gratefuly. But one of the times it was over the great danes ball! My dog wanted it and if the great dane wanted it he figured it was too bad.

He has been somewhat aggressive and possesive of things such as sticks, he loves to grab one and play: catch me if you can! But if he drops it and another dog goes to approach he growls and even snips at the other dog. I can stick my hand into my dogs food bowl take food out look at it and he wont care a bit and with bones ones you would think he would be human wary of he lets me pet him hes a little stiff sometimes thinking I will take it away but he wont growl.

All these behaviors are not like him at all. I wonder if he is getting spurts of testosterone from being fixed or fixed very early or if it is something I am not doing,or doing. I have been punishing him for wrong behavior such as snapping at other dogs. But I have noticed where I was wrong in that I wasnt right there at his side correcting him for most but scolding him,it is a dog park and he is allowed to be let loose as with most of the dogs there and he loves to run ahead but I always keep him in eyesight. So I was told to have him on leash at my side when other dogs are there so if he does do an inapporpriate behavior to correct him with the prong collar. I did that yesterday and I am glad because we met a yellow lab and my dog bared his teeth at it I cant remember why, if he was trying to be domanant again or just was trying to be protector. Someone also told me that is probly what is going on, hes being my pack leader and protector off leash. So I have to gain back the leader status and he has to learn that the behavior he was recently doing is wrong hence the back on leash correction.After a few weeks of this and I know he has learned I was told he can be off leash again.

Am I doing the right thing in correcting this behavior? And why is he doing this behavior? The domanance and the bed/people humping? Any help,suggestions, advice would be gladly appreciated.

At least part of the reason for the changes in behavior are that he is maturing. The behaviors are likely to get more extreme to the age of three years without the right intervention. I expect that is going to take a behavior specialist (for a good assessment of exactly what is going on with his temperament) and formal training with a good private trainer or a good class.

You're using mix-and-match techniques, and some of them are risky, things that may make his behavior much worse. You really do need in-person expert help at this point. Using tools like the electronic collar can do serious damage to a dog's temperament if they are not top quality equipment and used expertly.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

>>At least part of the reason for the changes in behavior are that he is maturing. The behaviors are likely to get more extreme to the age of three years without the right intervention. I expect that is going to take a behavior specialist (for a good assessment of exactly what is going on with his temperament) and formal training with a good private trainer or a good class.
>>
>>You're using mix-and-match techniques, and some of them are risky, things that may make his behavior much worse. You really do need in-person expert help at this point. Using tools like the electronic collar can do serious damage to a dog's temperament if they are not top quality equipment and used expertly.
>>-----
>>Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

He reacts well to the training collar, I only need to use the tone and save the real punishment or shock for when he is doing something that the tone doesnt catch his attention and he wont stop, but I am not using it as my prime tool. It doesnt seem to work unless im right there despite it saying it works from afar. Its a dog park he can go without a leash so I let him loose and as long as he behaves which up to this point he has (I watch him like a hawk!) he can go free of his leash.

I go to a dog training club Alyeska Canine Trainers they have helped me out for years since he was a puppy and taking their classes but that is all i can afford and I dont know where I would find a lone trainer to help me out with his new dominance role. Let alone pay for one! I mean they teach whole classes not one on one unless you stay after but even then it isnt the same as you are asking. Be real Kathy, America wants smarter students but they want to break your bank to pay for it. Do you get what Im saying?Not trying to be rude but not all people know where to find what you are asking for nor can they afford it. Not only would I take the trainer if I could but its not possible in the real world right now.

I was told recently to: on leash when we meet up to and not exceeding 2 dogs to command him to lay down and have other dogs sniff etc him that way he isnt going to try to dominate. He trusts me he will allow me to do this and knows his commands well. Then everytime there is a dog coming to us or us to a dog to call him back and make him lay down. If he is behaving then tell him a command then let him off leash and continue the lay down training and if he is being aggressive/dominant to immediatly take him home,if he cannot behave then he cannot run free and have fun at the park etc. This was what I was suggested besides my prong collar walk along suggestion(we walk up to another dog him on the prong collar and if he acts up to correct him) I was also told that he may be protecting me and if he is doing that then I cant take him to the dog parks and to just walk him in an abandoned school yard etc. But if he isnt being a guarding dog and just asserting dominance to show him I am the leader not him. Such as allowing him back off lead after he had done something wrong or only scolding him and allowing him to continue to play with other dogs minutes after doing something wrong. I admit I can be doing some of this wrong but I need help in what I am doing wrong with him.

I know he may be maturing but hes doing it in a mannor that is not acceptable for others who go to public dog parks. So are there any suggestions i could try that have even been done? Thank you

don't know why I'm replying, don't have any ideas, just that I'm suprised, since I know that you have had him in classes & would think that he would be more chillin around other dogs. I've heard that dogs like German Sheps do get more protective at/after age 2, but know nothing about Pharohs. That is really strange about his 'mating' behavior. I'd ask a vet about that. I do know that our Haiku (Shiba) attacked our other dog, that they'd practically grown up together & sure they'd get into a 'dispute' over a toy, but this was sudden unprovoked rage & it turned out that Haiku had a sprained back & she was in pain. Pain can bring on odd behavior, so I'd keep an eye out for any signs that Seth doesn't want to jump up or move certain usuall ways. I hope that whatever, it passes soon. Maybe that you can maintain your steady training & avoid other dogs for awhile & that will create less stress for him, cos it seems he is stressed, ya think?

>>
>>He reacts well to the training collar, I only need to use the tone and save the real punishment or shock for when he is doing something that the tone doesnt catch his attention and he wont stop, but I am not using it as my prime tool. It doesnt seem to work unless im right there despite it saying it works from afar. Its a dog park he can go without a leash so I let him loose and as long as he behaves which up to this point he has (I watch him like a hawk!) he can go free of his leash.
>>
>>I go to a dog training club Alyeska Canine Trainers they have helped me out for years since he was a puppy and taking their classes but that is all i can afford and I dont know where I would find a lone trainer to help me out with his new dominance role. Let alone pay for one! I mean they teach whole classes not one on one unless you stay after but even then it isnt the same as you are asking. Be real Kathy, America wants smarter students but they want to break your bank to pay for it. Do you get what Im saying?Not trying to be rude but not all people know where to find what you are asking for nor can they afford it. Not only would I take the trainer if I could but its not possible in the real world right now.
>>
>>I was told recently to: on leash when we meet up to and not exceeding 2 dogs to command him to lay down and have other dogs sniff etc him that way he isnt going to try to dominate. He trusts me he will allow me to do this and knows his commands well. Then everytime there is a dog coming to us or us to a dog to call him back and make him lay down. If he is behaving then tell him a command then let him off leash and continue the lay down training and if he is being aggressive/dominant to immediatly take him home,if he cannot behave then he cannot run free and have fun at the park etc. This was what I was suggested besides my prong collar walk along suggestion(we walk up to another dog him on the prong collar and if he acts up to correct him) I was also told that he may be protecting me and if he is doing that then I cant take him to the dog parks and to just walk him in an abandoned school yard etc. But if he isnt being a guarding dog and just asserting dominance to show him I am the leader not him. Such as allowing him back off lead after he had done something wrong or only scolding him and allowing him to continue to play with other dogs minutes after doing something wrong. I admit I can be doing some of this wrong but I need help in what I am doing wrong with him.
>>
>>I know he may be maturing but hes doing it in a mannor that is not acceptable for others who go to public dog parks. So are there any suggestions i could try that have even been done? Thank you

>>>>>>>>>>

It really just sounds like the situation is going South and will get worse without the right help. The help you're getting isn't working, so getting other help is logical. You could ask at your training school, ask at your local humane society, and ask your vet to see what trainers are in your area. You might be able to trade some work for the trainer for the help you need with your dog.

Be careful about taking him out when he's behaving aggressively, because that will REALLY get expensive. You might try a head halter, since it somewhat prevents the dog from biting. It's only safe with a regular leash, though, because him hitting the end of a long line or retracting lead while wearing a head halter could damage his neck.

I am very concerned about the mixing of methods and this particular use of the electronic collar. But it takes someone in person to really determine what is going on with the dog and what kind of training is best for him. I hope things get better.
-----
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>
>>It really just sounds like the situation is going South and will get worse without the right help. The help you're getting isn't working, so getting other help is logical. You could ask at your training school, ask at your local humane society, and ask your vet to see what trainers are in your area. You might be able to trade some work for the trainer for the help you need with your dog.
>>
>>Be careful about taking him out when he's behaving aggressively, because that will REALLY get expensive. You might try a head halter, since it somewhat prevents the dog from biting. It's only safe with a regular leash, though, because him hitting the end of a long line or retracting lead while wearing a head halter could damage his neck.
>>
>>I am very concerned about the mixing of methods and this particular use of the electronic collar. But it takes someone in person to really determine what is going on with the dog and what kind of training is best for him. I hope things get better.
>>-----
>>Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

I am not using the training collar a for his dominance training! Besides, after putting in new batteries the darn thing isnt working properly in that I have to be RIGHT there right next to him for it to work. The collar is on the sideline until I know it is fully functioning for his safety and even mine. BTW Ive tried it on myself twice just to feel what it is like.

He doesnt behave aggressively in terms of serious damage its more of the rough play when he does play(in the Pharaoh Forum they tell me theirs play rough too) and the domanating stance he wont stop doing to other dogs. He will stand with head over the other dogs shoulder and if the dog moves away he keeps going until it gets annoyed and snaps at him and he of course finds that aggressive(ya think?) and snaps back. It hasnt gotten serious...yet and thats why I want it to stop now before he finds it a game or just get away with it!

I tried a Halti but they are not designed for Pharaoh Hounds, one size that was for labs and those types was too big made the skin on his face scrunch up into his eyes when he pulled and the next size down made for spaniels and those types was too small, digging into his flesh on his muzzle. Both signs of what the maker says either too big or too small. I tried a harness but he still pulls, I use a prong collar with those rubber nubs on the prongs and even then he pulls somewhat.

Are there any other head halters I should know about? Halti is the only one I know of. How long would he have to wear it? The rest of his life or just until he stops being so dominant?

Thank you for the advice,
Squeakey

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>It really just sounds like the situation is going South and will get worse without the right help. The help you're getting isn't working, so getting other help is logical. You could ask at your training school, ask at your local humane society, and ask your vet to see what trainers are in your area. You might be able to trade some work for the trainer for the help you need with your dog.
>>>>
>>>>Be careful about taking him out when he's behaving aggressively, because that will REALLY get expensive. You might try a head halter, since it somewhat prevents the dog from biting. It's only safe with a regular leash, though, because him hitting the end of a long line or retracting lead while wearing a head halter could damage his neck.
>>>>
>>>>I am very concerned about the mixing of methods and this particular use of the electronic collar. But it takes someone in person to really determine what is going on with the dog and what kind of training is best for him. I hope things get better.
>>>>-----
>>>>Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com
>>
>>I am not using the training collar a for his dominance training! Besides, after putting in new batteries the darn thing isnt working properly in that I have to be RIGHT there right next to him for it to work. The collar is on the sideline until I know it is fully functioning for his safety and even mine. BTW Ive tried it on myself twice just to feel what it is like.
>>
>>He doesnt behave aggressively in terms of serious damage its more of the rough play when he does play(in the Pharaoh Forum they tell me theirs play rough too) and the domanating stance he wont stop doing to other dogs. He will stand with head over the other dogs shoulder and if the dog moves away he keeps going until it gets annoyed and snaps at him and he of course finds that aggressive(ya think?) and snaps back. It hasnt gotten serious...yet and thats why I want it to stop now before he finds it a game or just get away with it!
>>
>>I tried a Halti but they are not designed for Pharaoh Hounds, one size that was for labs and those types was too big made the skin on his face scrunch up into his eyes when he pulled and the next size down made for spaniels and those types was too small, digging into his flesh on his muzzle. Both signs of what the maker says either too big or too small. I tried a harness but he still pulls, I use a prong collar with those rubber nubs on the prongs and even then he pulls somewhat.
>>
>>Are there any other head halters I should know about? Halti is the only one I know of. How long would he have to wear it? The rest of his life or just until he stops being so dominant?
>>
>>Thank you for the advice,
>>Squeakey

>>>>>>>>>>>>

I just don't think online advice is going to work for this situation. There is too much going on. There are other head halters, and you could keep trying different ones, but he can't safely play in the dog park wearing a head halter--or a muzzle, either. I really think you're going to need the help of a trainer in person. I'm very afraid that trying to tell you how to train this dog online could give a false sense of security that will result in someone getting hurt, and I would just hate to see that happen.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com