Exercising Reactive Dogs Thread

[Jemmy]

Thanks for the reassurance BC Crazy and hankdog! I do probably stress myself about it more than I need to.

[BC Crazy]

Same here. I have to remind myself to breath :D

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

tonight's report - mixed success...

starting with the front door - which is where I think a few of my mistakes happen. So we're all ready to step out and I get her to sit at the front door - but as I open it, there's a lady with a very small SWF walking by and evil hound goes into launch mode but doesn't quite get there as I drag her back inside and shut the door pronto...

wait for hackles to go down and dog to calm down... and we try again, and there's someone else walking home from the bus stop... hackles go up and EH starts to bark and I pull her right back in and shut the door again... but she was less demonstrative than the first time....

So we wait for calm sitting dog again, and I open the door again... and she's all good. Alert but calm. Yay... and off we go.

Get to the park and there's a school sports day finishing up so it's busy, there's kids and food everywhere... but plenty of room to walk... we get most of the way round the oval and then have to navigate a narrow bit that has cyclone fence on one side and hedge on the other because 5 people are doing sport training on the other side of the cyclone fence. But there's a dog in the narrow bit. A schnauzer puppy that looks like a wet rat that we haven't been properly introduced to because it's always pulling on the end of the lead... So I wait at a safe distance for it to come out and manage Frosty. I also stay clear of two Husky puppies (who would adopt two from the same litter - yikes) behind me. They're interested but Frosty doesn't care (good).

But the lady with the schnauzer - while I'm trying to keep my dog's attention on me and away from her - decides to APPROACH FFS!!! If that was ok - I wouldn't have to wait for her to get clear of the narrow path. So Frosty does her best fearsome rack off display and the lady with the schnauzer changes her mind... erm.

So now I have to calm her down again. The good thing was she did calm down - she started off looking at me like "I did a good job - do I get a treat?" No. You're not getting treats until we get to the other side... and after that no more problem dogs or incidents - the next time I encountered Schnauzer lady - she stayed away... good.

[hankdog]

Yep eventually you get your neighborhood trained, stay away from the crazy dog. I've had some nutbags who believe they or their dog has magical powers and if they walk towards me they will cure Jake. Frequently they have some mystical belief in making a bah sound or they want to alpha roll my dog. I've had someone carrying a magical bottle of dog deodorant that they sprayed in their dogs face when it reacted. Mmmm, I prefer my peanut butter crazy.

[JulesP]

I'm always amazed by the people that want to come over and say hi when you have obviously moved your dog out of the way! When they say 'mine is friendly' I just say 'well mine aren't'.

Had a really funny incident once when I ducked down a drive to avoid a couple of dogs. Was waiting, waiting and they hadn't come past. Stuck my head out of the driveway as they stuck their head out of the driveway they had ducked down

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

It's time to get assertive MrsRB.

If I don't - Frosty will.

I guess that lady had seen Frosty being friendly with other dogs... but didn't realise. She got the message loud and clear tho.

I didn't see her change direction before Frosty did because I had the huskies behind me and some baseball kid chucking balls at me (was tempting to let Frosty eat one). I can't look ahead, behind and to the side at the same time.

It's tempting to yell - "my dog has kennel cough - stay away"... but they will figure that lie out when they see me doing laps with the sharpeis and the two small fluffies.

I can't yell at people at the moment.

[BC Crazy]

I'm always amazed by the people that want to come over and say hi when you have obviously moved your dog out of the way! When they say 'mine is friendly' I just say 'well mine aren't'.

Had a really funny incident once when I ducked down a drive to avoid a couple of dogs. Was waiting, waiting and they hadn't come past. Stuck my head out of the driveway as they stuck their head out of the driveway they had ducked down

I say the very same thing now days JulesP. I used to be nice but I wasn't being heard, so now it's Mrs attitude when need be. Why folks think dogs need to befriend every other dog in sight is beyond me. My guys are quite happy to just hang together. 3 is a crowd with us & that doesn't bother me one bit.

Driveway ducking :laugh:

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

Maybe it's worth looking for places that aren't so busy and don't have so many people and dogs around so that you have better control over the situations and more space to keep Frosty at a distance where she can stay under threshold?

I guess there are a bunch of places I could go - but I'd have to drive to get there. And I'd be alone. There'd be no social catch up for me - let alone Frosty.

We had another mixed night tonight.

While the football was on - the oval was pretty much deserted - good. But Frosty found probably a bit of cooked chicken leg and ate it. I think we have some work to do there. So I put her back on lead.

And later - there was a small poodle x - and it came zooming over to greet all the people and dogs I was with, so I took Frosty and me apart and away - all good - except the stupid dog chased us and I told it to go away but it didn't. The owners were half an oval away. I can't believe they let their dog do that - but they will learn - Frosty is not the only reactive dog out there.

And then Frosty told it to clear off. Curses... and it ran back to "mummy". It came around for a second go - from behind but Frosty didn't see it.

So overall we had a lot more good behaviour than bad from Frosty but there was some pretty bad stuff eg the food. I wasn't so bothered with her sending off that dog. Personally I think it deserved it and got off lightly. I blame puppy mills. We wouldn't have so many dogs that can't read other dogs if it wasn't for puppy mills...

[hankdog]

Poor Jake. We had a work function at our house last night. Normally he loves a party but when I saw a three year old I was a bit wary. As youngster got more tired she became more intent on patting his face. I kept him with me but a three year old can be as determined as a bulldog. Then of course there was the forty year old, good-with-dogs. Jake will sometimes take a dislike to someone, often people who want to throw their arms up and lean over him and talk loudly. After he barked at her the first time she started stalking him. I put him in the lounge with a pigs ear but caught her sneaking up on him. I had to lock him in a bedroom upstairs poor boy. Later when I took him out on leash to toilet she snuck up on us in the dark. Good lord people are stupid. If a dog clearly doesn't like you why does it become a personal challenge to make the dog like you.

Again managing my dog is easy, managing idiot people is the problem.

[Simply Grand]

Maybe it's worth looking for places that aren't so busy and don't have so many people and dogs around so that you have better control over the situations and more space to keep Frosty at a distance where she can stay under threshold?

I guess there are a bunch of places I could go - but I'd have to drive to get there. And I'd be alone. There'd be no social catch up for me - let alone Frosty.

We had another mixed night tonight.

While the football was on - the oval was pretty much deserted - good. But Frosty found probably a bit of cooked chicken leg and ate it. I think we have some work to do there. So I put her back on lead.

And later - there was a small poodle x - and it came zooming over to greet all the people and dogs I was with, so I took Frosty and me apart and away - all good - except the stupid dog chased us and I told it to go away but it didn't. The owners were half an oval away. I can't believe they let their dog do that - but they will learn - Frosty is not the only reactive dog out there.

And then Frosty told it to clear off. Curses... and it ran back to "mummy". It came around for a second go - from behind but Frosty didn't see it.

So overall we had a lot more good behaviour than bad from Frosty but there was some pretty bad stuff eg the food. I wasn't so bothered with her sending off that dog. Personally I think it deserved it and got off lightly. I blame puppy mills. We wouldn't have so many dogs that can't read other dogs if it wasn't for puppy mills...

If you continue to take Frosty to places where there are lots of other dogs around she is going to continue to have issues, simple as that. It is unrealistic to expect that in an area multiple people take their dogs, particularly if it is an off leash area, you will not have other dogs approaching Frosty. Right, wrong or in between, it happens.

TBH I think you're being a little unfair on other people, many stable dogs are fine with other dogs running up to say hello, your dog is the one with the issue here. I know that sounds harsh but I think you need to understand this. (Btw I try hard not to let my own dogs approach others inappropriately but I have a lot of knowledge and experience and don't expect the lay person to have anywhere near that level of knowledge).

If you want to effectively modify Frosty's behaviour you need to separate her rehabilitation from your social life. It won't necessarily be forever, she probably has a good chance of being effectively rehabilitated and able to socialise with other dogs nicely, but you need to change her behaviour patterns first, without the complication of other dogs and situations you cannot control.

If you can find a decent trainer in your area I think you and Frosty would really benefit from some sessions.

[BC Crazy]

A very kind fellow Doler has been nice enough to share her vast experience with me, hopefully once a week which I'm very thankful for. Very difficult to find a descent trainer in our area. So when she can fit me in to her very busy schedule. I'm really looking forward to it. Stella has improved immensely as far as her reactivity goes. While Stel will never be an angel, she has really surprised me. So now it is time to up the work anti as far as what she actually knows. So I want to really get into general obedience, tricks & Agility ground work. Give her plenty to think about. She is a very smart,complex girl so I need to keep her mind ticking. Wish us luck :)

Sonny isn't going to miss out. He is going to learn some new things as well. He will be happy just to join in. He is a very easy boy thankfully.

Edited September 21, 2014 by BC Crazy

[raineth]

A very kind fellow Doler has been nice enough to share her vast experience with me, hopefully once a week which I'm very thankful for. Very difficult to find a descent trainer in our area. So when she can fit me in to her very busy schedule. I'm really looking forward to it. Stella has improved immensely as far as her reactivity goes. While Stel will never be an angel, she has really surprised me. So now it is time to up the work anti as far as what she actually knows. So I want to really get into general obedience, tricks & Agility ground work. Give her plenty to think about. She is a very smart,complex girl so I need to keep her mind ticking. Wish us luck :)

Sonny isn't going to miss out. He is going to learn some new things as well. He will be happy just to join in. He is a very easy boy thankfully.

that's wonderful BC Crazy! :)

[grumpette]

A very kind fellow Doler has been nice enough to share her vast experience with me, hopefully once a week which I'm very thankful for. Very difficult to find a descent trainer in our area. So when she can fit me in to her very busy schedule. I'm really looking forward to it. Stella has improved immensely as far as her reactivity goes. While Stel will never be an angel, she has really surprised me. So now it is time to up the work anti as far as what she actually knows. So I want to really get into general obedience, tricks & Agility ground work. Give her plenty to think about. She is a very smart,complex girl so I need to keep her mind ticking. Wish us luck :)

Sonny isn't going to miss out. He is going to learn some new things as well. He will be happy just to join in. He is a very easy boy thankfully.

Brilliant news. I am so happy that you and Stella have found some reliable support and are moving in the direction you want to with her working activities.

[BC Crazy]

Thanks raineth & grumpette :D

I'm so grateful for this fellow dolers generosity.

I'm really wrapped with our progress. So proud of Stella. She tries so hard just to please me & do the right thing. She truly is the loveliest girl. I just adore her. I can see my hard work is starting to pay off. Makes me feel all warm on the inside with pride :)

She is ready for a step up now & you know I think she is going to thrive on this new direction. I can really see loads of untapped potential with her. I just have to learn how to show her the way. It's so exciting....

Edited September 22, 2014 by BC Crazy

[grumpette]

Poor Jake. We had a work function at our house last night. Normally he loves a party but when I saw a three year old I was a bit wary. As youngster got more tired she became more intent on patting his face. I kept him with me but a three year old can be as determined as a bulldog. Then of course there was the forty year old, good-with-dogs. Jake will sometimes take a dislike to someone, often people who want to throw their arms up and lean over him and talk loudly. After he barked at her the first time she started stalking him. I put him in the lounge with a pigs ear but caught her sneaking up on him. I had to lock him in a bedroom upstairs poor boy. Later when I took him out on leash to toilet she snuck up on us in the dark. Good lord people are stupid. If a dog clearly doesn't like you why does it become a personal challenge to make the dog like you.

Again managing my dog is easy, managing idiot people is the problem.

Poor Jake. It sucks that he was tormented by a 3 year old. Where the hell was parental supervision?

[grumpette]

We went to a 10 year old birthday party yesterday with the dogs, after being at obedience training in the morning. The theme was a beach party. There were 6 primary school aged kids and 12 adults in a small house and yard. The dogs behaved so well. No food was stolen. No beach balls or blown up palm trees were killed. Squealing girls were not chased while jumping on the trampoline (Dee has a huge prey drive). No people were accosted for food, which is surprising considering how much these two are food hounds. They calmly did tricks with the kids for cheese and kabana. Dee was only startled once by the 9 year old boy. She was lying down with Zeph and he plonked himself on the floor between them unexpectedly. I was right there and was able to get her to drop and get her tummy rubbed in a calm manner. So she recovered well. Surprisingly their favourite activity was playing ball with a couple of older gentlemen. She is doing so much better in crowded situations with unpredictable kids. Calm and confident but able to recover when the unexpected happens. The dogs were even able to put a lady who was rather scared, due to a previous dog bite, at ease, and had her playing ball with them. I am so glad that I have taught them hand signals along with voice commands, as they were able to do tricks for a young girl who stutters badly, and made her feel included and empowered. It was a very good day and everybody had a great time.

[BC Crazy]

Poor Jakey boy

Some people are just so clueless aren't they??? Unsupervised children & an adult that should know better but obviously doesn't Thank dog you know what you are doing HD. Poor Jake they can't tell us to bugger off but I bet he wishes he could of. And you know what would have happen if Jake had nipped one of them. It would have been "Oh what a bad dog" & it's would not of been his fault at all.

Beautiful pic's Grumpette

What great birthday party fun to be had by everyone including your 2 lovelies. Hats off to you grumpette That's just wonderful behavior for 2 large dogs in a small area full with adults, excited kids, balls, trampolines plus lots of food.

Wonderful effort :D

Edited September 22, 2014 by BC Crazy

[grumpette]

Thanks BCC. Previously she would have been hyper-vigilant, constantly switching from prey drive to avoidance, with snapping at approaching hands and not able to listen to commands or praise. Yesterday she was relaxed, engaging, confident and way under threshold, except with the young boy suddenly being there. However, she came back and dropped for tummy rubs. Previously she had been doing tricks for him and playing ball. She has come a long way.

Neither dog was keen on getting cuddles from one adult, especially Dee, but they were happy to sit slightly away and get pats. Male adults can be so childish sometimes. (roll eyes)

[hankdog]

Very hard to train those males!

I had company today so took Jake to the rose nursery. We had a lovely time looking at plants and the only near disaster was Jake trying to climb into the water feature. It's so sad he is how he is because aside from dogs he is so easy to take around. No pulling or trying to greet people. He's so patient and calm. .... Except for the dog thing.

Edited September 23, 2014 by hankdog

[dididog]

Progress report??? I don't think anyone actually wants to read it but I want to keep logging down progress and setbacks/achievements as they happen so that I can see how we're doing as otherwise it all turns into a big blob so don't mind me :laugh:

we had the party...

Was okay actually. The first 3 to arrive were close friends who Didi knew so I let her stay out and hangout with us. Next guest arrived, asked Didi to stay in the kitchen, no wuffing. First person walked in and Didi sniffed but I could see she wasn't very keen so I took her straight to the back of the house before she put on much of a display, only one muffled wuff. She stayed back there for few hours, most people were here and all outside and the door to outside was closed so I decided to let her out for a bit for a leg stretch while my parents and I were cooking food, she just sniffed around the inside of the house, stopped at the glass door to outside and looked at all my friends and to my surprise couldn't care less at 30 people in her backyard.

Bad moment on my behalf, someone knocked on the door and Didi wasn't following me until I opened the door and my friend barged in with his bike and took me by surprise as I was not expecting that and Didi started barking so I put her in a room and told my friend to hurry up and put his bike in the garage and once he was gone let her back out but apparently she had decided that rude bike boy was not someone she liked and barked at him when he came back from the garage. I told him to just head outside but he came over to us and I said to just leave her but then he all of a sudden drops down in front of her (EEEK) and goes to grab her collar and Didi pretty much told him where to go and I quickly turned around and led her back into the back of the house. Another dumb boy who was too insistent on being friends with a dog that doesn't like him Was pretty mad that all happened especially as I've had lots of discussions with this friend about her nervousness (his old dog was DA), I think he was a little drunk upon arrival hence welcoming me with his bike tire.

So after that huge stuff up on my part I was a bit hesitant when only 5 of my friends were left really early in the morning and they said they'd like to meet Didi. I figured she would really need to pee anyway and she'd met 2 of them before (though while she was much much younger). I stressed to them to all stay where they were sitting and don't interact with her and just let her decide if she wants to say hi and when I let her out after she did a wee she was more than happy to approach everyone for pats and hammed up to one of my friends who is a dog guy so at least the night ended on a good note.

Not planning on having a group of people over for a while :laugh: Too much to worry about and I definitely need to hash out a game plan for visitors and start practicing it and sticking to it to get some consistency for the puppy.

Walks are a bit intense at the moment as we live near the Melbourne Showgrounds so plenty of families with crazy kids running around and just in general A LOT more pedestrians and traffic so running across a road to avoid people is harder, even if I go early in the morning or late at night there's still people coming and going to set up so I'm just using lots of laneways and backstreets.

We are doing well with passing people in close proximity (unless they are young children or behaving in any slightly strange manner, in which case the other side of the road is only just sufficient). I've noticed I've been missing a few reactions beginning and while she's still only staring intently, it's too far gone to get a response from the clicker so I'm trying my best to take it all at snail's pace so that I can ingrain in the new behaviours.

She is doing way better at on lead walking though, I bought her a new martingale and lead that are much nicer to walk with than our old limited slip and today we walked down a really long road that was backed up with traffic and I couldn't help smiling to myself at all the people staring out their windows to look at my pretty puppy walking so nicely on her lead, though to be fair they would've been pretty bored :D . My dad even took her for an on lead walk and he said she walked on a loose lead pretty much the whole time and would correct herself if hit the end of the lead, which is an improvement on the freight train mode she would go into whenever he used to try and walk her.