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Post by danhodson on Sept 14, 2012 11:16:09 GMT -5
Poor Dave had a run in with an off lead Labrador about 3 months ago and ever since then he has been a bit hit/miss with other dogs. Initially it was just when they approached him off lead he would give a little warning growl but now it seems to be getting more regular and is almost getting to virtually all dogs he passes on his walks  Although we went to a workshop with Jim Greenwood a couple of months ago, I was trying to explain his problems, and when Jim tried to make him react the little git was perfectly behaved ;D Over the last week it seems to have got worse, this morning he even barked at some poor little old Collie what was on lead and minding its own business being walked by an old man. I don't think its aggressive biting/attacking but certainly warning growl/lunging. I'm going to have to start muzzling him all the time just as a precaution. Is there anything I can do to re-socialise him with other dogs? He was never aggressive when I first got him. I'd love to take him back to do his next set of puppy training classes but I don't think I could now. He reguarly gets walked with my sisters boyfriends Staffie and they love each other, he also likes my neighbours Shitzu, so its definately not all dogs. He is 2 years old (nearly 3) I've had him about 8 months and he is castrated. |
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Post by Nettie on Sept 14, 2012 11:30:16 GMT -5
Whereabouts are you located?
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Post by danhodson on Sept 14, 2012 11:32:42 GMT -5
Near Newcastle  |
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Post by Nettie on Sept 14, 2012 11:36:48 GMT -5
Ok well my suggestion won't work for you then unless you fancy driving down to Surrey twice a month!  These are the people I was going to suggest, don't know if there is anyone in your area doing the same kind of classes. www.dogcommunication.co.uk/ |
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Post by jodav on Sept 14, 2012 13:10:32 GMT -5
I would certainly suggest getting some specialist Behaviourist advice in your area, as you don't want the problem to escalate any further. You mention that Dave had a 'run-in' with a off-lead labrador, just wondering how stressful or significant it was for Dave and just as importantly, for you? It's possible that Dave has become more on-guard and fearful towards other dogs now and also that you are sub-consciously tensing when you see other dogs? The problem sometimes starts because the on-lead dog doesn't have the option of flight whenf they feel under pressure and more aggressive behaviour can be their only choice to scare the other dog away There's lots of threads on here about re-socialising fearful dogs so that might help but I would definitely take it slowly, seek out other biddable greys/lurchers for parallel walking to try to re-build Dave's confidence On a personal note, I have successfully used Ttouch wraps to foster a sense of security and use a clicker with high value treats for Paddy who has been known to shout pretty loudly at some mild-mannered dogs minding their own business ;D Good luck with Dave. Jo |
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Post by lurcherlot on Sept 14, 2012 13:27:18 GMT -5
I would imagine it is fear from when he was attacked and needs reassurance rather than a behaviourist. I would also muzzle him - you will both feel more relaxed ..... you could then walk with a loose lead, just incase you are sending mesages down his lead, with no fear of him doing any damage.
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Post by redpoppy on Sept 14, 2012 17:17:13 GMT -5
I really sympathise as Poppy has started growling nastily and barking at dogs when we are out walking - she can be a fiesty girl who will have a go if under threat but this is every dog before they get close - its really not her usual behaviour - what's worse is when I try to calmly ignore her and chat to the dog/owner is that she shuts down and stands with her back to me in a really miserable way - I'm obviously missing something and I can't think how to help us move on help
Sally and a rather sad Poppy
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Post by jodav on Sept 15, 2012 13:04:31 GMT -5
I really sympathise as Poppy has started growling nastily and barking at dogs when we are out walking - she can be a fiesty girl who will have a go if under threat but this is every dog before they get close Just a suggestion but have a look at the excellent BAT thread ( by Emma I think) for some possible help with Poppy  Distance away from other dogs is key quite often, look for the very first signs of tension in Poppy when she sees the other dog and look for calming signals. You can try all sorts of things to re-direct her, Ttouches, treats etc - find the thing that suits you As a lot of people will no doubt testify, it's the strong eye contact between dogs that sparks the revolution as often as not. If you know anyone with a very placid, minding their own business dog, a parallel walk can be useful. Not forgetting the loose lead effect  Hope it helps. Jo x |
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Post by redpoppy on Sept 15, 2012 14:21:45 GMT -5
Hi Jo thanks for that; i will have a read and also let Poppy take things at her own pace -thinking it through calmly after yesterdays debacle she has had a lot of changes recently as i have moved house and she has left her foster mum and dog walking friends behind - shes also had a couple of injuries which have kept her on bed rest so she must be feeling unsettled. I must admit i have been pushing it a bit with new introductions ( afterall there are three greyhounds and a gorgous whippet in the village ;D) and i was hoping to have some new walking pals but i dont think they will want to see us again after yesterday to say hello to the hound from hell  Sally x |
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Post by julies on Sept 15, 2012 15:05:31 GMT -5
Hiya Just quickly some thoughts ... definitely TTouch which enhances any training method and you use it to reduce tension so they can then learn as they're relaxed (like us really) - a harness with a double ended lead is excellent, take the pressure off the neck and dogs become less reactive Don't rush her- take her only at her pace and don't expect her to love every dog (do you like everyone you meet? I dont ) Find a quiet dog friend and walk first off - as far apart as she needs to be relaxed then come a bit closer - firstly walk perosn to person then you can swop so the dogs are on the inside - take it slowly and use lots of very high value treats ... J xx |
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Post by jodav on Sept 16, 2012 12:56:11 GMT -5
the hound from hell Worry not Sally, me certainly ;D (and others I'm sure) have been there and felt that embarrassment and according to my nutty neighbour - my hound is the .... 'hound from hell' ;D You've just got to shrug it off and think the people you met are intelligent dog owners and understand the difficulties I'm sure Poppy will tell you with her body language how comfy she is with situations - please give us an up-date on her progress, would love to hear Jo x |
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Post by danhodson on Sept 19, 2012 3:40:07 GMT -5
I've been distracting Dave with very high value treats (his favourites being cheese or cheap hot dog sausages nom nom nom) and he seems to be distracted enough not to notice other dogs as much. I'm also tring to relax a little bit more as I'm sure my tension is spreading to him and making the situation worse. Minor improvements but still getting better |
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Post by Nettie on Sept 19, 2012 5:37:23 GMT -5
Sing silly songs, you can't be tense doing that but other people will think you've lost the plot. ;D
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Post by julies on Sept 19, 2012 6:57:17 GMT -5
Great to hear he's improving
J xx
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Post by twiggyandsarah on Sept 19, 2012 12:35:13 GMT -5
Hi Dan. Sorry to hear Dave is having a bit of trouble. He looked so chilled at the Jim Greenwood day! Do you remember what Jim was getting me to do with Solo? As we were approaching another dog / person I had to watch him closely for the sign that he was about to kick off, then very quickly step in front of him, make eye contact, and make a quick sharp noise to get his attention firmly on me. If I remember rightly the purpose of this was to make sure that Solo knew that I was in charge of the situation so he had no need to worry / become defensive. Jim also advised the '3 Ps' - plan, pre-empt, praise. This meant planning what I was going to do while we were approaching others so that I knew how I was going to handle it, pre-empting Solo's reaction (as detailed above0, and then praising him loads for giving his attention to me and not reacting aggressively. It takes practice and we're not 100% there yet, but it helps. As does not getting too tense about it and tightening up the lead as this sends him the message that there is something to be worried about. It's a lot to remember isn't it?! Sing silly songs, you can't be tense doing that but other people will think you've lost the plot. ;D Awesome suggestion Nettie! |
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