Conference 7.286::canine

    My dog just chewed up my right hand this morning.  It doesn't look too
    bad, but it sure hurt, both physically and emotionally.  She is a
    shepard mix who I adopted from a shelter 9 months ago.  I'm certainly
    no professional, but I've trained a couple of dogs before with little
    difficulty.  This one has been close to impossible.  After 9 months, I
    am still using a training collar trying to get her to do things that my
    last dog learned in a week or two. Recently, she has started groweling
    and trying to pull away from me when we walk by other people on the
    street.  It does not even seem to phase her that the choke chain is
    digging into her neck, she just pulls harder.  My friends don't want to
    come to my house any more because she jumps all over them and keeps
    nipping.  This morning, she picked up some piece of litter as she often
    does when I take her out.  I went to take it away from her, and she
    chomped on my hand several times.  This is the second time that she has
    bitten me.
    
    Ironically, this is the same dog who seems to crave constant attention
    from me, and loves to curl up in my lap and have her belly rubbed. 
    this just seems like such a contradiction, and really has me confused.
    
    I really don't know what to do.  We are starting obedience classes next
    monday because I realized that I really need some help with her.  But
    I'm wondering if a trainer is going to be able to do anything with her
    either.  I am a person who is firmly committed to animal rights, and
    swore that I would never return her to a shelter (although she is
    really testing my commitment right now).  What I'm wondering is if any
    of you have dealt with problem cases like this with any degree of
    success.  I do not want to give up, but I also need my fingers to play
    my instrument.
    
    Dave

    I'm currently reading "The Dog Who Loved too Much" by Dodson (I think
    that's the name). It is about dog behavior problems and there is one
    that sounds just like yours. You might want to check out the book as
    there are some excellent points of advice in it.  Dr. Dodson is the
    behaviorist at Tufts Vet Hospital and he tells a good story, then gives
    a very clear summation as to the problem and the recommended treatment.
    One lady had a dog that bit her so badly she had to be hospitalized and
    with a change in diet (no high protein food) and some behavioral
    modification, the dog was much, much better. I'd recommend that as one
    way to go.
    
    good luck!
    Sari

    It's Dr. Dodman (not that it matters too much).  Professional dog
    training is definitely your next step, and you may want to consider an
    appointment with Dr. Dodman (or his resident) over at Tufts (or another
    animal behaviorist).  I applaud your patience and commitment to your
    dog, and I hope the training works!
    
    Best of luck,
    liz