Leash Reactive

[phantomreptiles]

Not well:( I'm doing what I can. I appreciate three kms is not much and have stepped it to twice a day. (Positive, I'm losing weight)

Again the collar is very soft leather and very comfortable. She now only wears this whilst at home, and yes it is for deterrent reasons.

I have now purchased a harness and lead that are red and say caution. Yes bringing attention to myself, but it stops people approaching her.

Currently walking in the sporn harness and a halti so I can redirect her head if need be.

She is getting much better past the "trigger" dogs:).

Unfortunately she is lunging at passer bys, I feel it's not aggressive, but rather inquisitive, unfortunately a passer by doesn't see this. We are going on puppy play dates in a controlled environment. I am getting her to meet everyone in a positive fashion.

Definitely doing what I can, and will probably look at a cage muzzle for walks, to be safe.

As I said, I don't want negative comments, I'm doing my best, I only ask for tips or plans that have worked.

I do really love this dog and have had her 10 months, but am starting to think of other "alternatives". I obviously don't have the skill, nor knowledge to successfully integrate this dog into "normal life"!

To be frank, the only reason she/I haven't been reported, is because I live in a low social economic area....

People keep to themselves, it's not uncommon to have a lunging dog, it's not uncommon to have this "breed", though I go against the norm by walking my dogs regularly...lol

[Two Best Dogs!]

That is disheartening to hear but you have made some progress getting past triggers, some steps in the right direction!

I have not personally used this service although I know (casually) one person who just received their dog back - some trainers offer a doggie bootcamp to get your dog on the right track but it is then up to you to continue it. I am not sure if there are any near you but perhaps worth a look around?

[JulesP]

When you see someone coming, get out of their way. Cross the road, move on to the nature strip, go up a driveway. Sit your dog. Have the dog focus on you as the person goes past. Don't get into a situation were you are having to wrestle with a lunging dog.

I do this with mine btw. More because one of them is embarrassingly friendly than because of aggression.

[Guest crazydoglady99]

I have one of these

https://www.petstock.com.au/products/S0000681/petlife_-_baskerville_dog_muzzle

Its either large or extra large. Happy to post it to you (no longer required for me). I can measure it to see if its the right size (just pm me).

And I just wanted to give you a big virtual hug. I really commend you on working so hard with your girl - its not easy.

[kami]

Can I suggest something a wise trainer suggested for our dog? Annie has a very sticky eye, and tends to fixate on people and other dogs. Nothing really seemed to work to get her to stop trying to lunge and pull towards people (we had tried turning away when she was over stimulated, getting her attention with brisk direction changes to get her to focus on us) - these things helped, but didn't cease the behaviour.

It did however help when we trained a 'go get it' command - rewarding her for approaching people and other dogs (at a distance before she was over threshold - while she was calm but aware of them) and tossing kibble for her to chase on the ground moving towards the stimuli - breaking that intense eye contact she has, and getting her to focus back on us.

We got to control her movements again initially with how we threw the kibble, and she came to know that 'go get it' meant that it was time to refocus on us, and get her attention back on the ground using her nose. Over time lunging has been significantly reduced.

Rewards stopped when she lost focus on us, and she was taken away from the stimuli. This works a treat in situations around people where she gets easily over stimulated, or dogs at a distance. Annie is obsessed with two trainers at our obedience club, and this way I can quickly regain her attention and she learnt to look to us/down for rewards rather than focus on the other people/dogs. While I dont know if this will help your situation I thought it may be of use. Obviously needs to be done at a safe distance - while the dog is calm and hasnt lost control.

Apologies if already suggested/tried, I have read the full thread previously but not lately, and my brain is fuzzy from late pregnancy lol.

Best Wishes,

Kamz

Edited February 26, 2016 by kami