Many problems!

by Claire
(England)

My Coton will be 4 in March. He is all round a good dog, he is good with my children and does as he's told (in most cases).

However we have 3 major issues - 1) he is a nightmare on a walk - he barks and growls at anything he sees, mainly dogs but also some people and objects. 2) I cannot allow other children round to my house because he is aggressive with them when they come through the door. I tell them to ignore him and just walk past and once he's had chance to sniff them out it will be fine but this scares most children and then they stiffen up, he senses it and barks more. 3) We have territorial issues, if he goes to a new house he cocks his leg up. He has been known to urinate and soil in our house too. He started doing it during the night but I have found feeding him earlier and taking the water away seems to work most of the time!

I am at my wits end now, it causes lots of arguments with my husband. Is there a way of training him?

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Feb 16, 2016
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Neutering? NEW
by: Anonymous

You don't say if he's neutered or not, that would be my first port of call.

Feb 03, 2016
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many problems NEW
by: Sharon and Jasmine

Have you tried just picking him up and holding him when someone comes over? My dog is not aggressive, but she likes to jump up on people and lick them to get their attention. So when someone is coming in the door, I just pick her up and hold her until she calms down and the new arrival greets her. Then back down she goes and it is all good. Good luck!

Jan 31, 2016
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many problems comment NEW
by: Barbara

My coton also had these problems, especially with men, but not the marking. I found an excellent trainer who used positive training with treats. NO choke chains or harsh "correction".This training was included in his 1/2 day at "school" where he could also play with other dogs his size. They were so loving and he is now a wonderful little dog. It did take several months. And when I walk him I will move to the side, have him sit and watch others walk or run past. I do not encourage strangers to reach down to pet him. Basically he is afraid and he is trying to protect you. Best wishes. I hope you find a wonderful training experience for your little guy.

Jan 31, 2016
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Normal dog NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah

Their r some great videos @ www.YouTube.com/zakgeorge that r free & I recommend watching @ least 3 times per training class in order to help u mustard proceeding.

Even thou u have children it sounds a lot like he was not socialized much when young around other kids , dogs & adults. Really my recommendation would be get your into a group obedience class but you need to commit to doing the practice in between classes.

Get your self into the habit of getting out to the small dog park to work on socializing.

Cotons r very smart & easily trained. But it sounds like when he started sowing his oats between 1-2 barking @ people & dogs he was never corrected for teenage behavior.

Zack George is a very positive trainer. U can also watch free videos of me & the dog with Victoria Still well. But if u can afford it a good group obedience class could get u on the right path.

Here in AZ we have Phoenix Field & Obedience (classes get cheaper if u decide to advance) & most towns have something similar even 4-H. Of course Petcos, Petsmarts also participate in obedience.

Just remember you r paying for a class. Don't be shy to ask for help. Ask questions. Pick their brains. If your having trouble ask for help. We all start somewhere & if you don't understand the lingo ask. When we all started we to did not understand the lingo. U will find as much as u enjoy talking about your dog so do they so relax & enjoy obedience.

One more thing Cotons r very forgiving learners. If you teach it wrong the 1st time go back to the beginning & start fresh. Their never to old to learn.

Marking is a different story. If not fixed they do mark more. But teather (keep a leash on them attached to u) them to u in the house so u can watch them to catch them in the act & use a correction w/your voice. If they will be home alone go back to dog training 101 & confine them to an area. Always where they have marked will have to be cleaned well or they will continue from the smell.

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