Agreesive Blue Heeler

[Pretty Miss Emma]

Pretty Miss Emma: "To the OP - triggers are really important to recognise (we just avoid them still." - We shouldnt have to avoid situations at all. He should be behaved.

He is behaving in a way that he perceives as beneficial to him - either by getting the dog to back off or by releasing stress. Dogs aren't born understanding the rules of human society, they have to be taught And they are unlikely to take lessons in when they are in a highly arouosed state, so I believe Pretty Miss Emma is saying (if I may speak for her) is not to let your dog practice an unwanted behaviour during the training process, and gradually work on increasing the dog's threshold to reacting.

Spot on Weasels!!! :thumbsup:

It used to be that Kenzie couldn't cope with dogs 10m from her, now that distance is much closer to 2m and that has happened by lots of practice at inching closer while she is in a calm state. The moment she gets too aroused we back off, calm down and then try again a bit later. It's working a treat!