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gaelgarcia

Newbie

05/01/2007 3:44 PM
my ratty is 2yrs old and sometimes he gets a little violent when hes mad, he bit me really bad today, my hand is very swollen and painful...I'm not sure what to do, i dont know of any good trainers near hillside new jersey does anyone know some...I really don't want to give him to a shelter or put him to sleep thanks

winnihoohoo

Bratty Ratty

05/01/2007 3:46 PM
You have let him become the Alpha...I am sure Nora, rattytatty, will have some good advice for you....

spence9118

Terrier Terror

05/01/2007 3:48 PM
Sorry Im no help but Yeah I bet Nora could give some good advice!

Erica- Charlie and Tucker's Mommy www.myspace.com/ricka9118

DaisysMom

Moderator
Moderator

05/01/2007 3:52 PM
I'm guessing that a dog that has gotten to this point is probably going to require hands-on professional help. Here is a list of dog trainers within 10 miles of Hillside, NJ: Eleasha Gall Sit. Stay. Play! Union, NJ 07083 2.14 miles Telephone: 908-688-3636 Website: www.sitstayplaytraining.com E-Mail: egall12@comcast.net Services: Groups, private and dog day care offered. 20 years experience. Puppy, Agility, Rally-O, CGC Test, Basic-Advanced, Manners. All clicker facility. Elaine Shoe-Ezell TheraPet Roselle Park, NJ 07204 3.00 miles Telephone: 973-778-0885 Website: www.amberlanegoldens.com E-Mail: elaine@amberlanegoldens.com Services: AAA/AAT screening, training and orientation Kathleen Rupprecht Cranford, NJ 07016 4.86 miles Telephone: 732-594-7791 E-Mail: agilhas@mac.com Debra Saperstein D'Tails Springfield, NJ 07081 4.91 miles Telephone: 908-244-8999 E-Mail: debra220@aol.com Services: Private in-home lessons, Teaching household manners..puppies/adults; with reward based training. Behavior modification; CGC prep. Free evaluations available. Sarah Walker, BS, RVT Side By Side Dog Training Newark, NJ 07105 5.00 miles Telephone: 973-945-9174 Website: www.sidebysidetraining.com E-Mail: sarah@sidebysidetraining.com Services: Private training available. Caring, knowledgeable veterinary technician experienced with training all breeds. Discover the joy of using positive methods to teach your dog to behave. Michael Creedon, CPDT Creedon Kennels Bayonne, NJ 07002 5.95 miles Telephone: 201-823-3033 E-Mail: mikeskier@aol.com Services: Training, boarding, and distribution for Benny Bulleys treats, B.A.R.F., and AFS raw meat diets. Lisa Judge, CPDT The Prestigious Paw Clark, NJ 07066 6.53 miles Telephone: 609-937-2293 Website: www.prestigiouspaw.com E-Mail: ljudge@comcast.net Services: The Prestigious Paw offers in-home training, clicker training, group classes, agility classes, puppy kindergarten, CGC testing and clsses. We also offer in-home boarding. Kimberly Mandel DogSmarts, Inc Summit, NJ 07901 7.17 miles Telephone: 908-522-3064 E-Mail: dogsmarts@comcast.net Services: In-home training, behavior counseling, temperament evaluation. Ron Taylor DOGALMIGHTY Staten Island, NY 10314 7.26 miles Telephone: 718-761-5366 Website: www.dogalmightytraining.com E-Mail: ron.dogalmighty@gmail.com Services: A dogcentric training experience rooted in positive reinforcement so that both you and your dog will enjoy the experience. Sessions customized to fit your schedule. Billy Olesky Olesky's Four Paws Dog Training, Inc Belleville, NJ 07109 7.67 miles Telephone: 973-820-5305 E-Mail: oleskyk9@aol.com Services: Training dogs at home, at our facility or our Group Training Classes. Offering Obedience Training, Behavioral Modification and Housebreaking. Barbara Nagy Patience Unlimited Professional Dog Training Bloomfield, NJ 07003 8.00 miles Telephone: 973-338-0831 Website: www.patienceunlimited.com Services: Private in-home, group classes, puppy through advanced; board and train. Consultations for behavior prevention and problems. Breeder referrals. Sue Goldberg Sues Canine College Livingston, NJ 07039 8.00 miles Telephone: 973-992-2999 E-Mail: slgoldberg@comcast.net Services: Private in-home obedience training and solving behavior problems. Gale Meadow Livingston, NJ 07039 8.00 miles Telephone: 973-422-1669 E-Mail: gmeadow1@aol.com Patricia Ali One Happy Hound Port Reading, NJ 07064 8.94 miles Telephone: 731-634-6241 E-Mail: onehappyhound@aol.com Services: Basic obedience, home training, problem solving, group classes, free lesson for shelter dogs. Jordan Rothman, CTC Keen Canines, LLC Roseland, NJ 07068 9.40 miles Telephone: 973-650-1691 Website: www.keencanines.net E-Mail: jordan@keencanines.net Services: Honors Graduate of the SF SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, Certified in Training & Counseling (CTC). Private training and behavior counseling at your home. Jill Tuthill Dogzilla - Canine Training and Behavior Jersey City, NJ 07307 10.0 miles Telephone: 201-656-0808 Website: www.dogzilla-training.com E-Mail: jilltuthill@comcast.net Services: Turn your little "monster" back into a dog! Graduate of the SF SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers. Positive reinforcement trainer teaches Puppy and Basic training.

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

gaelgarcia

Newbie

05/01/2007 3:55 PM
thanks alot for this list i'm gonna contact somebody right away... this is what i needed to not feel the need to give up on my baby tks again

DaisysMom

Moderator
Moderator

05/01/2007 3:57 PM
There is no need to give up. Work with a professional trainer and learn how to be the Alpha dog in the pack He'll be the dog he really wants to be when you do that, which is a calm, relaxed dog. Please let us know if you find someone and how the training progresses. And post some pics

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

kimrose

Feisty

05/01/2007 4:09 PM
Just don't give up on your little rattie! Mic had some serious aggression issues about a year ago (he's 3 now) where he was biting us and getting pretty aggressive overall, we read ALOT, got lots of advice, watched alot of Ceasar Milan shows , and with ALOT more "alpha" walks we eventually got him over the biting issue. We're still working with him, because he still has times when he reverts back and I guess forgets who the alpha is, but he doesn't bite anymore. We are going to be patient though, because as I have learned, this is definitely not an overnight thing. You just have to do your research. We couldn't afford a trainer, but if you can I think that is awesome. I actually found one trainer who understood my situation and spent about an hour over the phone giving me advice and tips, she just felt bad because I couldn't afford her services, but she still wanted to help. I'm not an expert or anything, but just thought I would share a little about Mic's past issues to let you know that there IS hope for every dog. IMO But definitely listen to Nora! So far she has been brilliant in my opinion, and explains things very well.

My Flickr Page MySpace

CrazyMan

Ratterific

05/01/2007 4:11 PM
I had really good luck with Bark Busters...they work with you in your home and guarantee the work for the life of the dog. they work on any problems you are having and will keep working with you in your home until you and the puppy are happy! they are a little spendy but worth every penny!!! the number is 1-877-280-7100. Definately don't give up on your little one!!!!

gaelgarcia

Newbie

05/01/2007 9:03 PM
thanks everyone im feeling a little better about my decision to keep him now tks

rattytatty

Newbie

05/01/2007 9:17 PM
I just saw this... good for you for your willingness to consult with a professional trainer. The behavior you describe is very correctable. The trainer can show you how to deal with it. These little dogs are smart and catch on very quickly... the key is consistency with your efforts to change this behavior. Methods used to correct behavior such as this truly do vary from trainer to trainer, and "hands on" instruction is better than trying to explain via text in cases such as you describe. Find one who will come to your home and work with you on YOUR turf. A few sessions should be all it takes to get a handle on what you need to do. It's well worth the money you spend. Behavior/obedience trainers around these parts charge at least $50 an hour and many charge more than that if there is a "special" behavior involved... but it's money well spent! Good luck and please do keep us posted, ok?

Eva

Newbie

06/04/2007 10:55 AM
Hi all, I am so glad I foulnd this website! My 2 yr old adopted RAt bit me in the face this weekend, hard! She was sleeping and I bent down to kiss her on the forehead and she bit me. She ha been a little weird when sleeping but nothing like this. She also nips at my lab and nips when she wants to play. Any advice? Thanks Janice

rattytatty

Newbie

06/04/2007 11:50 AM
I never bend down and kiss a dog while he/she is sleeping (not even my own).... UNLESS I gently place my hand on another part of the body first. You are inviting trouble... you are invading their "space". I'm not saying that's it's ok that your dog bit you... because it isn't. But understanding a dog's behavior and WHY the dog did what he did will help you understand how to correct it. Usually if my dogs are sleeping... I leave them alone. It's very possible that you startled your dog and if so, this is a natural reaction... instinctive reaction. Was the dog asleep? Did you call the dog's name first? Did you lay a calm hand on the body first?

Mitzy's Mom

PAWesome

06/04/2007 11:58 AM
Yes, that's what I was thinking - I want to keep my lips so I never put my face down to them when they're asleep with talking to them or touching them first.

Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids Georgia Foster Mom, www.newrattitude.org Pics of my current fosters: http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/caradoc http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/fiona

DaisysMom

Moderator
Moderator

06/04/2007 12:44 PM
My older mixed breed girl, Anna, bit my thumb once when I tried to rub her head while she was sound asleep. It was my fault, I should have known better - just didn't think.

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

rattytatty

Newbie

06/06/2007 7:43 AM
Just went back and read this...wonder what happened to the original posters? I hope they read some of the suggestions here. I worry about situations such as these when biting or aggression of any type is involved. Don't you sometimes wonder what the outcome is?

kimrose

Feisty

06/06/2007 6:57 PM
Posted By rattytatty on 06/06/2007 7:43 AM Just went back and read this...wonder what happened to the original posters? I hope they read some of the suggestions here. I worry about situations such as these when biting or aggression of any type is involved. Don't you sometimes wonder what the outcome is? yeah, I was wondering the same thing as I was reading this again. I hope we get an update!!! I've been dealing with Mic's aggression issues, and even though he is doing soooo much better now, its still nice to hear someone else that's in the same boat. I hope things are going well!!

My Flickr Page MySpace

gaelgarcia

Newbie

08/07/2007 9:20 PM
update on patches im soo mad i cant figure out how to put a pic on here...but anyway patches was ok for a little bit he went to 3 training sessions and was doing good no biting till August.... i had to go away for a week this month and he bit my grandma 'cause he thought she was trying to hurt him or dominate him im not sure...she dropped something and went to pick it up and he latched on to her arm and didn't let go until she swat him with a box...she doesnt come over that often, but thats no reason to bite her. She told me he only did it once that week after he tried to do it and she defended herself he didnt try to hurt her again for the rest of the week...also his new thing is being scared of others and attacking other dogs i feel like im walking around with a ticking time bomb.. .now with me and my family he hasnt shown strong agression...but he definately doesnt like to be corrected sometime hell give the warning look..which prompts me to punish him by separating him from us and putting him in the backyard for 15minutes and than after he comes back in his attitude changes a little... i've been working long hours and have my own activities to do during the week but im gonna try to finish going to the training sessions i started, cause they were really good but i didnt have time to finish ...for now i feel a little hopless, but i love him so much i refuse to give up But if he keeps attacking the people i love its going to make it harder for me to convince myself this prob is fixable...'cause i thought it was fixed but i guess not fabi ps sorry if this is too long

Susan

Terrier Terror

08/07/2007 9:44 PM
Even if it is hard to do, being consistant is very important. I learned this with training dogs and children too.

ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH OVERDOING Mom of eight, only three left at home! Pack leader to ten ratties: Maggie, Mysty, Berry, Simon, Ceecee and five puppies, Star,Sari, Bluebelle, Double stuf,and Snortie. As well as Ginger the Border Collie and a herd of turkeys!

tifrichards

Newbie

08/26/2007 10:57 AM
I am also glad to find this site!! My rattie Kata will be 6 years old in September. She lately has been showing some aggressive behavior. A few weeks ago I was upset with her because she wouldn't go into her cage like she has for years. I went to pick her up, she bared her teeth and bit my hand. A few days later she was making up to me knowing what she did was wrong. Just today, she was laying down next to me and when my boyfriend leaned down to kiss me, his hand was near Kata (she was sleeping in the opposite direction of his approach), she bit his hand. He says he doesn't want her around anymore. I don't know what to do because she is my baby girl. I think a professional trainer is a great idea; however, I have been unemployed since March of this year. Money is TIGHT!!! Any suggestions??? I am in mid-Michigan. Tiffany

Mitzy's Mom

PAWesome

08/28/2007 7:07 AM
Posted By tifrichards on 08/26/2007 10:57 AM I am also glad to find this site!! My rattie Kata will be 6 years old in September. She lately has been showing some aggressive behavior. A few weeks ago I was upset with her because she wouldn't go into her cage like she has for years. I went to pick her up, she bared her teeth and bit my hand. A few days later she was making up to me knowing what she did was wrong. Just today, she was laying down next to me and when my boyfriend leaned down to kiss me, his hand was near Kata (she was sleeping in the opposite direction of his approach), she bit his hand. He says he doesn't want her around anymore. I don't know what to do because she is my baby girl. I think a professional trainer is a great idea; however, I have been unemployed since March of this year. Money is TIGHT!!! Any suggestions??? I am in mid-Michigan. Tiffany Can we have some info, please? Is your bf new to Kata or has she known him for a while. That sounds like she is possessive of you...it's up to you to show her you are alpha. Just a thought, too. .... if a bf ever says "me or the dog" - you can't go wrong with your dog! Whatever Kata's issue is, you're catching it early and it can be fixed. A boyfriend who wants an animal gone - well, let's just say that for most of us HE would be gone.

Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids Georgia Foster Mom, www.newrattitude.org Pics of my current fosters: http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/caradoc http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/fiona

DaisysMom

Moderator
Moderator

08/28/2007 8:49 AM
First: Welcome. I'm glad you found us too. You will get great advice here. Now, Kata is 6 years old and you've had her since she was a pup, correct? I'll assume yes unless you say otherwise. My initial instincts say that if, after 6 years of good behavior and willingness to go in her crate, she all of a sudden develops an aversion to it and bites you (assuming she has never showed any aggressive tendencies before this) when you go to pick her up ---- well, my very first thought would be that she is "hurting" physically; that something has caused her to not want to be touched, which may also explain why she bit your bf's hand. It "may" have nothing to do with his bending to kiss you. It may be that his hand was approaching an area that is sensitive to her right now for some reason. Anyway, I would advise an immediate trip to the vet for a very thorough exam to see if he can maybe pinpoint something that is causing this reaction. Has she been seen by the same vet for 6 years, and has never had any type of problem resembling this before? P.S.: I agree with MB about the BF - if after 6 years of being a loving and devoted companion to you, your dog develops a "problem" that is severe enough for her to bite the hand that feeds her, well, frankly, it's your obligation to help her in any way that you can. If your BF can't/doesn't understand that - he's got to go. P.S.S.: It would be most helpful if you would check in again and let us know very specifically what her behavior has been like for the last 6 years, if there have been any recent changes to your household, etc. And one other note, though I maybe shouldn't bring it up - I don't want you to think you're being "yelled at" in any way. And this isn't directed solely at you. We all have to be careful about assigning human thought processes and emotions to our dogs. (Even I, occasionally, and I work hard not to do so.) When you say "a few days later she was making up to me knowing what she did was wrong" --- it's highly doubtful. Dogs live "in the moment" and it's highly improbable that after a few days your dog is even thinking about the incident and even at the time of the incident it is likely that she saw the biting as the right thing to do, for whatever reason. Dogs aren't people and don't purposely do "bad" things. They do not sit around and think "Hey, I know I'm not supposed to get in the garbage and I know I'll get in trouble if I do, but what the heck, I really want to". I hear so many people say that "my dog KNOWS he's not supposed to do (fill in the blank)" and when asked how the dogs KNOWS this, they'll report that "He did it one time and I yelled at him and made sure he knew I was upset and he slunk away". Now, this one incident is not likely to teach the dog anything AND if the dog wasn't caught in the act literally, there's an almost 100% chance he has no idea what he's being yelled at for anyway. They are dogs, not humans, and the training, reinforcement, positive feedback when behaving properly, etc., is a lifelong process and commitment. O.K. somebody stop me! LOL I do hope that you take any and all advice written here into consideration and respond with more information so that we can help you and Kata overcome whatever is going on with her. We'd love to see some pics of Kata, too.

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

rattytatty

Newbie

08/28/2007 2:57 PM
Geez, Tracey -- you've been around ME too long! LOL

DaisysMom

Moderator
Moderator

08/28/2007 2:59 PM
I will take that as a compliment. Are you talking about the advice itself or the long-windedness of the whole thing

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

rattytatty

Newbie

08/28/2007 3:03 PM
The epistle you wrote! haha Remind me not to apologize for my epistles anymore! LOL (good advice too!)

DaisysMom

Moderator
Moderator

08/28/2007 3:07 PM
LOL - Well, it's hard to say it all in 50 words or less - isn't it? I just hope they stop back in and take a look and answer some of the questions. Can I ask...IF the assumption that the dog has never, ever bit or shown aggressiveness before this (in 6 years) is correct, is it not odd that twice in recent days it bit it's owner and boyfriend? Does it make sense that there could be a physical/medical reason for the dog doing that? Either that or we don't have the whole complete story, of course.

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

Mitzy's Mom

PAWesome

08/28/2007 3:15 PM
JMO but I always like to rule out any pain or medical issues when behavior changes suddenly...I learned that with horses. I thought about adding that but since you covered it in your epistle I decided to leave it alone! LOL

Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids Georgia Foster Mom, www.newrattitude.org Pics of my current fosters: http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/caradoc http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/fiona

DaisysMom

Moderator
Moderator

08/28/2007 3:21 PM
I've told Nora before that I think her epistles are most appropriate Now she can say she's not the only one. I just really hope this person shows back up and lets us know what's happening with her rattie. SIGH

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

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