Dog Aggression

[RANOVRU]

So some of you know how much of a dog lover I am. Ive been working with a friend doing lots of different side work for an older guy on a farm with an old territorial broken down dog. The first 2-3 times I was there there was no problem, the dog came up sniffed and I petted him. Ever since then hes been extremely aggressive when I show up in the work truck. A few weeks ago he actually charged me when walking around the corner of the barn.

Now to make sure things are clear, Im in no way scared of this dog, I just dont want to be put in a situation where I have to defend myself, hurt the dog, and lose the business for me or my friend.

The dog has health issues and has been given 6mths-1yr to live and the owner has little to no control over him. Hes (the dog) half blind and cant hear worth a hoot to boot.


So what would you do? Ive had all kinds of ideas floating around in my head, most not good ones. The owner is a insurance agent so hes got money and loads of work he wants done, plus hes a nice guy, Id really like to keep things the way they are.....

[EeePee]

Put a stick in his mouth.

[RANOVRU]

Originally Posted by EeePee

Put a stick in his mouth.

In what way do you mean....cause lately Ive thought about jamming one down his throat if he comes at me with his mouth open again.

[EeePee]

Literally. It's a distraction and something to do. And then off in his own world he will be, and glad that you gave him something to do.

But I did mean sideways, not down his throat.

[klabeaume]

You can't simply have the owner put the dog on a chain or leash while you're there?

[RANOVRU]

Originally Posted by EeePee

Literally. It's a distraction and something to do. And then off in his own world he will be, and glad that you gave him something to do.

But I did mean sideways, not down his throat.

Yeah I know I was screwing with you. If he took to something like that that easily we wouldnt be having this convo...

[RANOVRU]

Originally Posted by klabeaume

You can't simply have the owner put the dog on a chain or leash while you're there?

He likes the idea of the dog "protecting" his land. He leaves him off the leash 24/7.

[EeePee]

No shit?

You could always stick a foot up his ass.

[Die-Laughing]

Bring him a long lasting treat when you visit.. Something that will keep him busy for a while & distracted. I'm not sure a stick would do the job but, a tasty treat just might. Maybe he'll actually like you after that so, you'll only have to do it once or twice.

[ROCKEDUP RICKY]

roll in some shit or a dead animal, dogs seem to like that.

[RANOVRU]

Originally Posted by EeePee

No shit?

You could always stick a foot up his ass.

Believe me its been considered. But Id really like to not screw up business for me or my friend.

[RANOVRU]

Originally Posted by Die-Laughing

Bring him a long lasting treat when you visit.. Something that will keep him busy for a while & distracted. I'm not sure a stick would do the job but, a tasty treat just might. Maybe he'll actually like you after that so, you'll only have to do it once or twice.

Hes already bit one helper on the ass and the lead guy (my friend) on the hand. The dog owner (rational) side of me says thats not the way to solve the problem, by rewarding/begging him to accept me.

[SINister]

mount him so he knows your the alpha

[Postclanker]

Try talking to the owner...???

[OTHGbronco82]

I did my senior research paper on dog aggression and I've done a sh!t load of research on dog aggression. He's to old to put into obedience training, he's on his way out, and he's got territorial aggression. One of the main things to do to help with aggression is to avoid what's causing it. But, it sounds like that's out of the question. If he can still chew on stuff and has teeth left give him a rawhide bone or a rope toy to distract him from you or whatever's causing the aggression. If that doesn't work try toughing it out if you can. Don't hit him either, it can make the aggression worse. A nudge is ok, but no real hitting. A squirt bottle might work too. That's all I can come up with for right now.

[MasonJar]

What kind of work are you doing? Can you make the issue about keeping he dog "safe" from you and your crew? I.e. you don't want the dog to accidentally get injured by being underfoot at the job site? If the owner is in insurance, maybe he'll get this? Although why he doesn't understand the liability of having a biting dog running loose is beyond me...

Andrew

[wings_of_fire]

Originally Posted by OTHGbronco82

to distract him from you or whatever's causing the aggression.

Even in his old age a female dog can distract him

[wings_of_fire]

Originally Posted by RANOVRU

The first 2-3 times I was there there was no problem, the dog came up sniffed and I petted him. Ever since then hes been extremely aggressive when I show up in the work truck. A few weeks ago he actually charged me when walking around the corner

Do you have a dog at home? It can be a possibility that he sniffed your pet dog`s scent on your clothes and that is why he thinks you are a threat...

[isyeskeert]

I have seen many dogs that are semi blind and deaf. Some are lazy and barely move, others are "confused easily" and that causes aggression. The fact that he can barely see may make him easily scared and brings out the aggression. Talk to the owner about putting him up. You can't be Helen Keller dog's new chew toy!

[gregrocks90046]

Originally Posted by RANOVRU

The dog owner (rational) side of me says thats not the way to solve the problem, by rewarding/begging him to accept me.

I hear you, but you gotta swallow your pride on this one.

Part of the problem is the dog's age/medical issues. The largest part of the problem is the owner, as you know. Throw the dog a steak and be over with it.