|
|
Post by macsmom on Feb 4, 2009 16:44:25 GMT -5
My husband and I are now owners of our first Airedale. We got Mac when he was just 9 weeks old. He now is 10 months and has gotten to be quite a big boy at 24" and 55lbs. maybe 60 lbs.
We went through basic training and we re-enforce the sit, stay etc. I have been able to teach him a few more tricks based on the activities he likes to do. All in all, he is very smart, well socialized with humans and other dogs, except he likes to grab onto our wrists and chew (gnawing is more descriptive) the sleeves of our clothing.
I have tried shoving my hand down his throat till he gags, then say no bite, kisses - squeezing the muzzle with no bite, kisses - last but not least - pushing him away with no! no bite and turning our backs on him. He has never broken skin intentionally, usually it is our reaction, so I know that it is not vicious. And, we both realize he is still a pup - a big pup - but still a pup.
I also, do not want this behavior to be taken away totally, just used when the situation is required. After all part of the reasoning for getting him was that Airedales are excellent guard dogs.
Our granddaughters who live 2 minutes away understand Mac's idiosyncrasies and that we are working to get this behaviors under control - They usually take him out in the yard and play with him. He loves them and is a total love puppy. The problem is the CA grandkids are coming in March who have not met Mac. Any suggestions?
|
|
|
|
Post by thistlesdale on Feb 4, 2009 22:34:15 GMT -5
Not a problem. At 10 months old, he needs something to chew/yank on, & something to chase. Throw a ball for him everyday for 15 minutes or so (he'll slow down when he's had enough), & put him on some sort of tug. Any sort of rope or strap will do. Also, get a pinch collar, & whenever he get's rowdy (several times daily. more if he's a good specimen:) run him through a strict obedience routine (heel, sit, heel, about face, repeat.) Don't worry about correcting the protective instinct out of him. It's deeply, deeply ingrained in the breed. When he starts getting toothy on ya, slap him right in the mouth. If you can't handle that, get after him with your feather duster or something. It's not about inflicting physical pain. Don't even bother trying. AT were selectively bred for an incredibly high threshold (badger baiting). It's about your personality. You need to be -DOMINANT- enough to force him into -SUBMISSION-. Put your foot down about this matter with complete finality, & it'll be a thing of the past in short order. Force him to submit to your will all day long. This ain't no labradoodle we're talkin' about here, Lady. You don't need a pet psychologist. Airedale terriers live by the law of the jungle. If you can't handle being the alpha she-wolf of your pack, you shouldn't have an airedale in it. go rescue yourself a cockapoo or something. I can't remember if it was 2 or 3 times, but I had to pop my pup more than once as a teenager. They chew on each other all the time, so it's perfectly natural for them to test our limits, too. & they KEEP ON pushing as long as we stand for it you are lord & master of the jungle, he is just a dog get that straight in your head, then get it straight in his head, & everybody will live happily ever after. The End  |
|
|
|
Post by thistlesdale on Feb 5, 2009 12:27:19 GMT -5
 I see there are a variety of "pinch collars" on the market now (leather, nylon, etc). You want a steel prong collar, like the one above. No need to ever "snap" or yank during an obedience routine. Be gentle. If the dog responds correctly, you did it right. If not, moderate accordingly. No need to over correct. After all part of the reasoning for getting him was that Airedales are excellent guard dogs. Right. You wanted, or at least thought you wanted, a guard dog. & now you've got one ;D I'm -for sure- not tryin' to be snarky to ya. Sometimes my sense of humor doesn't translate into text quite the way I intend. So please, no offense meant. we are working to get this behaviors under control he needs a job to do (ball & tug) & he needs to know you're the boss (strict obedience routines) 10 months old is A CRITICAL AGE He needs lots of structure between now & maturity the dog he is 6 months from now will be the dog you're stuck with so get him in line ASAP  |
|
|
|
Post by macsmom on Feb 5, 2009 12:44:07 GMT -5
I don't have a problem being dominant. Ask my husband. But, there is a difference between dominance and abusive. Having no fear of putting my fist down Mac's throat is a good indication. We have a large yard and he is giving lots of play time. He has a tug rope, balls of all sizes, etc etc. When he does become over-bearing I do put him through the basics of obedience training - the sit, stay, come, down, stay and heel. This is the let him know I am the boss, not him. I have seen dog's that have been cowled. They are more dangerous than my rambunctious Mac, as you do not know how they are going to react.
My concern is the grandchildren who are not familiar with Airedales and their character. I have already decided that we are going to talk to the kiddies about behaviors that Mac would see as a new game or that they are new puppies for him to play with. I am looking for suggestions that can help get him under control before they arrive in March. So, that everyone has a good experience.
That being said I appreciate your advice and will see if some of your suggestion will help.
|
|
|
|
Post by shawnboryca on Feb 5, 2009 12:54:44 GMT -5
I don't have a problem being dominant. Ask my husband. But, there is a difference between dominance and abusive. Having no fear of putting my fist down Mac's throat is a good indication. We have a large yard and he is giving lots of play time. He has a tug rope, balls of all sizes, etc etc. When he does become over-bearing I do put him through the basics of obedience training - the sit, stay, come, down, stay and heel. This is the let him know I am the boss, not him. I have seen dog's that have been cowled. They are more dangerous than my rambunctious Mac, as you do not know how they are going to react. My concern is the grandchildren who are not familiar with Airedales and their character. I have already decided that we are going to talk to the kiddies about behaviors that Mac would see as a new game or that they are new puppies for him to play with. I am looking for suggestions that can help get him under control before they arrive in March. So, that everyone has a good experience. That being said I appreciate your advice and will see if some of your suggestion will help. Another fine example of the pussification of America. The dog will not hurt the grandkids. Ten to 1 this dog ends up a rescue. Lady nest time you want a dog go get yourself a goldfish. |
|
|
|
Post by macsmom on Feb 5, 2009 12:57:33 GMT -5
Thistledale
Apology on snarkiness accepted.
Airedale terrier is a good fit for my personality - I just as stubborn if not more so. And yes he is an excellent guard dog. Recently, we had our mailbox were destroyed by a car sliding on black ice. The gentleman was kind enough to leave us a note on our patio door. Mac quickly let him know that he was on duty. The man also is an owner of terriers and grew up with Airedales, so he was familiar with the breed.
He gave us and Mac a grand compliment. He said as he was putting the note on the door he was taken back seeing Mac's quick response and handsomeness - a fine specimen of the breed. That Airedales are seldom seen, of which I am grateful. Too many breeds are overbred and problems occur that could have been avoided.
BTW - I have always owned some type of terrier.
|
|
|
|
Post by macsmom on Feb 5, 2009 13:01:52 GMT -5
Another fine example of the pussification of America. The dog will not hurt the grandkids. Ten to 1 this dog ends up a rescue. Lady nest time you want a dog go get yourself a goldfish.
The goldfish would be dead within a week. Get real. Part of this problem is an ex-daughter-in-law. I don't want problems with her and I do want to see my grandkids. So a middle ground is being greatly sought for.
|
|
|
|
Post by shawnboryca on Feb 5, 2009 13:24:34 GMT -5
Well here is an idea -- that will solve the problem. Don't be so cheap and build a small kennel to contain the dog whitle strangers and children are around. I had to do it for my blackmouth cur = HE BITES...... lol
|
|
|
|
Post by thistlesdale on Feb 5, 2009 13:49:20 GMT -5
ah, I see the plot thickens   well in that particular case, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, better safe than sorry, etc etc etc I personally might muzzle my hellhound until I felt comfortable with the situation? Give everybody a chance to get to know one another & establish some firm boundaries. Get the kids trained, IOW. crate or kennel might not be a bad idea either? Grandkids aside, I still can't highly enough recommend lots of structure over the next few months, until he reaches mental/emotional maturity. Makes for a much steadier adult over the long haul. Cowling & abuse not withstanding, of course. Any dog bites me, get's popped right in the chops |
|
|
|
Post by macsmom on Feb 5, 2009 15:49:41 GMT -5
Thanks Thistledale & Shawnborya
Mac's crate trained and that is his den. There is no problem getting him to go into the crate. But, it is still just a crate. I will be home with him and the kiddos, so it will not be like they will be alone with him. But, having raised their father, it only took seconds before he would find something to get into.
I like the idea of a kennel; large enough for him to have run room. This especially would work if he get too rambunctious. He is not a bad dog. Actually I think he is quite well behaved for being so young, smart and loveable. My daughter calls him a hugger. However, with strangers it can be misunderstood.
Thistledale - would petsmart or one of the many pet stores carry the pinch collar or does it have to be special ordered? Mac is close to growing out of his chokechain that we use during training. Booth names of the collars sound cruel, but in reality if done correctly the dog gets the message real quick.
|
|
|
|
Post by frankyme on Feb 5, 2009 16:10:38 GMT -5
He now is 10 months and has gotten to be quite a big boy at 24" and 55lbs. maybe 60 lbs. We went through basic training and we re-enforce the sit, stay etc. I have been able to teach him a few more tricks based on the activities he likes to do. All in all, he is very smart, well socialized with humans and other dogs, except he likes to grab onto our wrists and chew (gnawing is more descriptive) the sleeves of our clothing. I have tried shoving my hand down his throat till he gags, then say no bite, kisses - squeezing the muzzle with no bite, kisses - last but not least - pushing him away with no! no bite and turning our backs on him. He has never broken skin intentionally, usually it is our reaction, so I know that it is not vicious. And, we both realize he is still a pup - a big pup - but still a pup. I also, do not want this behavior to be taken away totally, just used when the situation is required. After all part of the reasoning for getting him was that Airedales are excellent guard dogs. I wonder if you got my pups litter mate? I've had two other Airedales before him and this one is incredibly mouthy. Mine isn't there yet but we've come along way. Suggesting you be the alpha isn't going to keep your grand kids from getting chewed on! At my house when the neighbor kids come over and I'm in the room my dog behaves. When I leave or the kids go out to the backyard they get there gloves taken away sometimes worse. It is a good thing he is in this stage in winter. Things I've done to control the mouthing behavior: 1) My kids feed the dog, and they make him earn it with a sit stay and or lay. The puppy starts to understand he's at a level below them. 2) My kids know not to hold there arms up and scream like prey (neighbor kids not that smart) 3) Like Thistledale said lots of other opportunities to bite and chew. And lots of exercise. I use a towel with knot in it, get him jazzed and let him have fun. Pick him up off the ground. He gets to bite the hell out of it. We stop when I say stop. He learns that no matter how much fun it is he needs to stop biting when I say. But even after this we still had the problem with the other kids that come over, some of them are so dumb, but they don't deserve to loose a finger. 4) This one was the hardest for me because I wasn't planning on using the shock collar as a deterrent but..... he's got it on when company comes over. Like I said he is an angel when I'm around so I spy on him and hit him from a distance whenever teeth touch flesh of a child. No words, no correction, no nothing just pain when those teeth come into contact with flesh. He knows he is not supposed to do it that is why he behaves when I'm in sight. The collar is not used for any other corrections, just teeth on child. He still gets to knock them down, he is a puppy after all. He now most often will run up to a child and spin around and butt block them and or steem roller them. Most kids seem to like the attention. Not worth the law suit or judgment against in child court, get the pup under control. I am curious where you got yours. I've never met a dog as mouthy as my current pup and age is the same. The breeder had to keep the pups separate because they tore each up, that should have been my first hint. But in every other way my pup is great and this to shall pass. Good luck! Frank |
|
|
|
Post by frankyme on Feb 5, 2009 16:17:44 GMT -5
Well here is an idea -- that will solve the problem. Don't be so cheap and build a small kennel to contain the dog whitle strangers and children are around. I had to do it for my blackmouth cur = HE BITES...... lol If you do this you get the opportunity to teach your dog what the appropriate behavior is. Also you don't him "punished" with the crate. If you're in the room and dog is giving the child unwanted attention have him lay down and stay on the other side of the room. If the kid keeps going over to the dog and you can't educate or remove the child then the crate would be last resort. Frank |
|
|
|
Post by macsmom on Feb 5, 2009 16:38:52 GMT -5
Hi Frank
I got him from a Farmer who lives in PA. This was his third litter from his two Airedales and it was going to be the last. I live in MD not far from the PA line. When I first heard about him and that this was the last litter, my husband and I went up and met with him. We meet the parents - Mac now resembles his sire a lot. The dogs were kept in a kennel. Very clean and roomy. The Farmer's boys were the caretakers. From what I gathered the boys had to learn to detach themselves from the pups and that is why the Farmer decided to bred the two a couple of more times. The litters were all a little over a year and a half apart.
When we first saw the pups Mac was the biggest and seemed not to be into nipping. He cuddled around my left ankle and looked up at me with those big soft brown eyes and I was hooked.
This gnawing started with the teething phase. All his baby teeth are gone, but the gnawing is still there. He does not try to break skin, but he does know how to clamp down and hold. My husband can attest to that. The first time hubby pull away quickly and the teeth scraped the skin. When he does it with me I push into his mouth until he relaxes and he also gags at that point. My family had a medium size terrier mix when I was growing up - who I think was part Airedale. He was a great watch dog and he had a habit of grabbing our wrist and pulling us to where he wanted us to go. I learn that instead of pulling away, if I pushed into his mouth he would let go. So, I figured this would work with Mac. Instead I have two sweaters with sleeves chewed at the wrists.
Like your pup - Mac is great, and we work every day on getting better and eventually this will pass. But, it the meantime - I will have my two CA grandkids coming. They will only be here for two weeks. Sadly, by the time I get them trained they will be heading back to CA. To my way of thinking Mac should not be punished because of their behavior.
Dogs are easier to train then children!
|
|
|
|
Post by macsmom on Feb 5, 2009 16:43:10 GMT -5
Frank
How does one get a picture of their pup as avatar. The instructions for this are not clear - I am at my office and this computer does not have sound - so I might not be hearing what I need to do.
|
|
|
|
Post by frankyme on Feb 5, 2009 18:01:39 GMT -5
Frank How does one get a picture of their pup as avatar. The instructions for this are not clear - I am at my office and this computer does not have sound - so I might not be hearing what I need to do. I did that a few years ago, I don't remember. Different litter, I did drive through PA and MA to get mine though ;D Frank |
|
