Bad manners

[Nettie]

Dec 28, 2008 14:10:31 GMT -5 houndhomage said:

I'll have to do some 1:1 work with him. Its no fun walking him with Alexa at the mo. Be nice for her to have some relaxed off the lead time with me down the park. Shes a real gem.

I think I might join the 'grumpy dog' class run by Capable Canines. I've hear they're quite good.

I know this sounds awfull, and I feel rotten saying it, but I sometimes feel like returning him and trying another dog. It wont happen though as the kids love him 'madly truly deeply' and actually he's a superb dog at home which is where he spends most his time.

Wish Cesar Milan the dog whisperer lived nearby!!!

Dave who runs Capable Canines is really good. Both Bertie and Rio did their foundation training there - actually maybe that's not such a good ad for them . If memory serves me right I think PrincessC did the grumpy dog training with them too. Their website is www.capablecanines2002.com/ They are also very into clicker training too and only use reward based training, give them a ring, they are very approachable.

[Princess C]

I'd definitely recommend the Grumpy Dog workshops run by Dave at Capable Canines The other point to note is that it is perfectly acceptable for a dog to greet another politely, and then indicate that they have no intention of 'going all the way on the first date' For example, I say hello to my postie every morning, but would slap his face if he decided to snog me If your lad is on lead and muzzled then he really has no alternative but to vocalise - can you perhaps work on your relationship with him to let him know that you will be the one to protect him and your girl, and learn to recognise the point at which you make him take a step backwards to remove him from the situation and therefore he doesn't need to? You don't need to move away completely but the slightest retraction on your part will allow him to realise that you understand his concerns and you are taking control of the situation.

[toni]

Hi,
Have had exactly the same issue with our girl Ava for a while now - not lunging or prey-drive related and fine with smaller dogs but reacts really badly to off-lead, bouncy types (labradors and boxers who 'just want to play')

I know exactly what you mean about the off lead ones who are determined to get around you and ram noses up your dog's a*se!

I really sympathise as it takes so much of the pleasure out of walking. I feel I have to warn/apologise in advance to other owners .

I've also tried everything - distracting with food; asking understanding owners if we can walk along with them and their dogs; trying to prove I'm in charge and doing mad, happy--here's-another-dog-how-great voices!

I've decided enough is enough and have found a local dog behaviourist who is coming every monday to work with us. We had our first session this week and by the end she had a little run and play with two dogs she'd never met in our local park.

It's early days but I'll let you know how we get on.

You mentioned Richmond Park in your earlier post so I'm wondering if you're nearby? I'm near Epsom so maybe we could do some group sessions if the training goes well.

One positive thing which came out of the session was that despite all the noisy snarling and snapping Ava has never actually hurt another dog. Deep down I was worried that in my inexperienced hands her fears would escalate and she would do some real damage. Steve explained that dogs know exactly what they are doing with their teeth and that she really was not a danger to other pets at all. Knowing this has made me more confident.

Sorry about the long post but you described exactly the same issues we've had with Ava and it really touched a chord!

Looking forward to reading what more experienced forum members have to say on this,


Toni

[Jane and Sara]

If you want to bring Becks to Richmond Park - I could meet you with one of my calmer dogs and we could have a little walk (four might freak him out)! Just pm me.. Jane