Jealousy Of Other Dogs

[Nekhbet]

Sorry Corvus but tethering and trying to 'calm' a dog in a human way is dangerous the OP runs the risk of being bitten or trying to break up a dog fight.

MEU cockers are a working breed. Many people take them as 'stupid, snappy etc' because they have not properly 1) trained the dog or 2) socialised it.

Cockers can want to be the boss, from the sounds of it this could be the case. A few consults and a training plan from a good trainer/behaviorist will make more difference then advice from a forum as we cannot see your dogs body language etc.

Yellowgirl you have to do what you can. You may PREFER positive reinforcement but what actually works for your dog? Think of it this way if you try and break up a bar fight do you wave $20 in between two blokes and say 'now if you settle down I'll give you this'. It wont work - but a big burly bouncer stepping in and saying 'right next one who tries anything flies' usually gets them to settle. When you talk about heightened emotions sometimes you have to use a bit of muscle to access the part of the brain that will learn and respond back in a positive way - something which relying on purely positive reinforcement cannot always do. Nothing wrong with the water bottle if it works - keep up the good work

horrid irritants

by the way I use a splash of vinegar for the smell and so some dogs dont turn it into a 'ooooh squirty water fun game!', the point is never to use enough to cause pain to the dog.... out to train it not to blind it

Edited January 19, 2009 by Nekhbet

[MEU]

Just a suggestion that worked for my own litle 'prince'. Chester had the same problem, jealousy of other dogs talking to me. I take a squirter water bottle with me to the park and if his manners slip around other dogs I give him a squirt and a reprimand 'ahhh, manners'. It's working really well and his manners are continuing to improve. He even lets other dogs sit on my lap now! I always give him a pat and praise for good behaviour and he seems to know my praise words 'good manners' which I say as soon as he comes over and acts appropriately. I prefer to use positive re-enforcement as much as possible, but the squirter bottle works beautifully as a reprimand/deterrent.

I'd be interested to know what other DOLers think about this method. By the way, I ONLY use water, never lemon juice, vinegar or other horrid irritants.

Jo

Hahah too funny - I'm visualising it! Thanks for your email.

I think I better get the expert in and see what she says - nip this thing in the bud :-)