[enigma]

Some may have remembered that I have a cocker that I am fostering. Keeping this short. We have had one failed attempt at a new home and since then he has become very snappy at anyone who comes into the home. We had a potential new owner for hm on the weekend but it just doesn't feel right as he became very stressed out, drooling, pacing and starting snapping and trying to bite.
So I have booked an appointment with mark singer for next week.
Anyone who has used him before what was he like, how does he work? Like does he act like Caeser lol. Is there anything I need to know or do before he comes out here?

[enigma]

Anyone?

[*Spikey*]

I'm from the east, so haven't encountered Mark.

Bottom line is, if you don't like what he tells you or shows you, then you don't follow through with it and you don't sign up for repeats.

I'm not a fan of Caesar myself, so I'd be very careful of someone who shares similar philosophies - I wouldn't discount them, but I would carefully evaluate every suggestion before implementing it.

But nor do I restrict my training to solely positive reinforcement, as there are some instances where it isn't sufficient to break a self-rewarding behaviour in a reasonable timeframe (especially if there are safety or nuisance issues at play). I do a lot of work with rescues these days, and I guess the thing that stands out for me is that there is always something behind the dog's behaviour. With the snapping and trying to bite, that concerns me as it is new - is there a chance he is in pain? Has he been for a vet check since he returned?

[ChexMix]

I've heard very mixed reports. Some people swear by him, others have had no progress/ gone backwards with behaviour. Haven't seen him myself so couldn't say first-hand. Hope the session is helpful for you

[*Ker*]

Mark is NOT like Caesar. He does not use only positive reinforcement. But he is very, very good. I've a couple of friends who have used him, and one of the rescue orgs I know well uses him for rescues that need it.

Try him. He is awesome.

[enigma]

Thank you for your advice and suggestions.
Spikey, he hasn't been to th vet since he came back for the first trial home. He is fine with me and my partner as well as my grandson. Of course I don't let my grandson be alone with him and am always telling him to be gentle. He hasn't once growled at him. My daughter iphe is okay with as well. It just seems to be people that come into the home that he has never met. Which I understand is most likely a territory thing but it just seems concerning that the more people we try to introduce him to and find a new home for he is going backwards and not being nice.
The second time he went with someone else the moment he came through the door he went straight to his lounge and mad ehimself at home.
We have held off on the trial and trying to find some one for him as we need to sort this behaviour out first and then maybe( if I can let him go ) we will look for someone for him.
I had someone say to me today that we are spending too much on him and we should have him put down!!!! Is it just me or is this not even a valid or sensible suggestion!!!!
He really is a gorgeous boy. Loves his belly rubbed and his ears and is starting to play with our little dog a tiny bit better and not wanting to hump every time lol
We have a time booked for next week wih mark so if anyone is interested I can give an update on what we thought and if it will work. I do understand that it will rest on us to continue with the training.

This post has been edited by enigma: 13/12/2012, 10:39 PM