I need help with my dog's behaviours?

Your trainer is right. You have a dog with genetic issues. She has weak nerves and bad temperament. That is where the majority of problem dogs come from, fear biters etc.

There is not very much you can do with this dog, despite on what others may tell you, she is like that because of genetics. Be very careful with this dog, unless you are a very experienced dog person, her behavior will keep deteriorate and cause you more problems. Good luck.

I am having trouble understanding why you are going to a dog trainer when you should be contacting and interviewing Canine Behaviourists?! While there may be some very experienced Dog Trainers who have the capability of assessing and evaluating the reasons for the Behavioural patterns of a Canine, they are in the minority. Oops now I am going to get alot of flak on the statement that I have just made.

The majority of Trainers are involved with teaching people "Obediance" techniques. Yes, their observations skills are usually enhanced thru constant exposure to the canines and people that have attended their classes. But there are so different many reasons and factors to consider in evaluating a dog, that it takes a good understanding of psycology to interpret and determine the appropriate course of action to be taken with a canine that does not appear to be reacting positively to stimulants that most dogs would be happy with ... like taking a walk. From what you wrote - the problem is not an "Obediance" one, but something more serious. If you have confidance in your Vet , contact hm for a refferal to a Doctor in Canine Behaviour ( their Degree includes Psycology) or a Canine Behaviourist Consultant (which could also be a Trainer but one who has graduated and received certification on Recognizing and Modifying Canine Behaviour ). In the long run it might prove less expensive than constantly paying for obediance classes that will not remedy the situation.

First of all, you need a new trainer and fast ! A "trainer" with this attitude is dangerous and may actually be causing your dog to be worse. If this is one of those "trainers" who keeps your dog and doesn't let you see their "training methods" get your dog out of there now ! Some trainers rely on shock collars and beating the poor dog into submission. Contact your vet and get some names of respected trainers in your area that will help YOU train your dog. A lot of pet supplyy stores offer group classes that will help you train as well. You could alson try contacting your local 4-H club or check with the AKC to see if there are any dog obedience clubs in your area, a lot of times you can at least find an experienced dog person to mentor you and give you some tips and advice.

Time to find another trainer. I don't understand how calling your dog "neurotic" helps you OR the dog. To better understand where your dog's aggression is coming from, it's important to know that most aggression comes from fear. It's important to not coddle your dog (saying "It's ooookkkkaaayyyyy....." when it's clearly not) - this actually makes behaviors much worse.

Do your best to keep your dog away, far away, from situations or things that scare her. She needs a big break from all of that. If this were my dog, she would earn all of her meals from a treat pocket or bait bag (like this: http://www.doggonegood.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=ca...

I would be rewarding that dog with food and praise whenever we were in sight of those scary things - and I'd never push her to approach them. A dog cannot learn when pushed in this way - this is called desensitizing and counterconditioning.

Don't worry about the mat/blanket situation - keep giving her different chewies and put forbidden items out of reach. There's a great moderated group called Peacable Paws that I hope you join. It's here:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/peaceablepaws/

Good luck!

A friend of mine has a borderline feral Yorky/Silky mix who exhibits some of the same behaviors. Whenever you touch a toy he's playing with, he snarls and starts showing his teeth. Same thing when you try to walk him when he doesn't want to be walked. Did you get her from the SPCA or a breeder? This will probably tell you a lot. I wish I could give you a better answer. Try giving her more exercise and more attention on a regular basis. What breed is it?