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HI Steve,  I just wanted to give you an encouraging report. I have been reading “The Dog Who Loved Too much”, and I bought the muzzles. (They actually fit!)  Brendon, (the black lab mix) really fought it for a while, even getting it off a couple of times. I finally figured out how to place the buckle to keep it snug. Every time he treid to get it off, I told him to sit and I would pet him on the chest. I had to do this about 8 times, but then he quit struggling. 

Precious, (gold pit bull mix who I think started the attack on our white dog) didn’t take long at all. As I walked around with them and observed, they both became subservient to me. I guess that’s the correct word. They minded every time I called them when they got tho the property line. They even layed in the grass instead of fighting/playing. I realize they need to exercise more, so I’m hoping to separate them and play with them, so they can’t fight over attention from me.  Brendon and precious were on the deck when I noticed some deer on the neighbor’s property. I told them to stay, and Brendon just couldn’t resist, but he gave up the chase realizing his power was taken away with the muzzle. I didn’t speak harshly to him, I just made him go back in the dog run. He had to stay there by himself while I spent some time with Precious. I rewarded her with a dog bone, (muzzle off) then took her back to the dog run. I made their bowls of food and fed Precious first (dominant one?), then I set brendon’s food down away from her. I took the muzzle off and he ate………and for the first time he just ate his food and didn’t try to keep her from eating! 

I also noticed that Brendon’s tail was down while wagging. Not in the scorpion stance.  I have a place for Precious to go, as soon as my daughter’s fiance’ finds a home to rent……he is taking her. 

Brendon still needs a home. We have a possibility, but not definite. He is much better when he is not around Precious….but now I’m sensing something different. He really did obey quickly until the deer got the best of him, and I know it will take a little time. Probably need a shock collar for him! Actually would feel better if both did until I have the possible blending to make the two packs one again, and even then I think I’ll use muzzles. I did introduce Precuius in the house with the white dog, who quit barking when I told her to, and they had a typical “dog intro”. Precious did not show any aggression (muzzle on).  Thank you for all you have told me, and for telling me about the book. Maybe you can come see Brendon again in a couple of weeks. Maybe he will be police material, after all. 

darlene 

Aggression contrary to what is portrayed in TV is never cured. Dogs do not always make this nice friendly pack without confrontation. The triggers to aggression can vary from fear, prey, territory, maternal, dominate or anti social, to learned. What is often not  understoodd about aggression is the behavior is self reinforcing. Behaviors that are reinforcing will repeat themselves. It is extremely difficult to use pure positive when addression aggression. On the other hand if negaitve is not used correctly and fairly the aggression can worsten and become directed at the handler.

Dogs with overt aggressive traits may never be able to just go and play with strange dogs. It may never allow strangers to pet it. However it can learn it must tolerate their presence and not show aggression towards them. The reason dogs cannot be trusted after showing aggressive acts is something known as spontaneous recovery