Weird reaction on dogs
Our dog Frothy is 2y4m now. And problem of communication with other dogs is rather escalating then getting under control with time and training. Frothy is sweet and happy, quite emotional sometimes and super funny. No aggression at home. No aggression towards strangers. She loves attention. Will lick anybody to death. But.... With dogs she shows very strange reaction. In doggy daycare no problem, she is happy and playful. On the loose. On the loose at dog park she is an exemplary dog citizen. Playful and happy. No barking. She may bug occasionally some doggies for attention, but if they tell her to back off, she doesn't react aggressively, goes away, looking for other companions to play. But on the leash... It's getting frustrating. If we are going for direct contact with dogs *including dogs we don't know. She is ok. If the dog + owner on the other side of the street, or passing by, or turning away, avoiding the contact, Frothy behaves like... ehhhhh... Or, if I wouldn't know her, I would say that's the most aggressive dog in the universe. Absolutely wild and violent, horrid barking, jumping, pulling the leash, chaotic movement. And nothing can distract her!!!!! Steak in front of her nose doesn't work. She is obsessed and possessed by that dog who doesn't come to her. And who would?!!!!! Lately it became worth. If the dog is close by, i.e. owner goes on contact, and that dog barks or became scared and jerks, she started reacting... close to snapping. Barking violently. But till today it was happening only when she is on the leash. Today at training class we had new dog. She came to him, loose, that dog turned away, then growled at her. It made Frothy furious. She was really close to start a fight. I caught her at the collar, she stopped eventually. That dog was ready to fight too  They found each other  But before the contact, we tried out training routine. Going closer, getting things positively, when Frothy is not barking, they contacted.Looks like this didn't work this time. She is normally trained in usual life, good in routine, has good habits. (possibly need more sharpness with some commands) We want to test her on canine good citizen this year. We are going for dog classes since she was 6 mo. This winter we signed mostly because of this dog communication issue. To improve obedience with distractions!!!! I.e. with other dogs around. Since it's our biggest issue. We live in Houston. I signed for assessment appointment with dog behaviorist. But it's only in mid may. May be anybody here has any experience in similar situations?! I'm looking for ideas, methods for correction, solutions. Yes, we can avoid dogs, choose remote locations for walks, but.... we love to travel and usually taking Frothy with us. Solving this problem would make everything so much more enjoyable. Thank you very much for reading this. Hope for your experience, wisdom and advises.  |
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| First I would get a new trainer if your trainer isn't helping you with these issues in class. You shouldn't have to hire a different trainer or a new behaviorist. This is something your trainer should be able to handle. She sounds like she is leash reactive, whether the reaction is aggression or excitement. Find out how close her reaction starts. Start with her on a leash far far away. Get her attention, move closer, treats and so on. The more she is exposed to this and strange dogs on leash, the less she will do this. It will take awhile but it will work. |
| AnInnocentEvil, thank you!!!! It's second trainer (actually third). And we like him. He was military dog handler before. He is young, but trying to use different approaches. Anyway, he is leaving this summer, so in fall we will find somebody new. Our first trainer was a wonderful lady, but very soft, we showered puppy with treats. So... still have to use a lot. Working on minimizing treats. And lady in between was quite structured old schooler. We still trying to figure out if waiting with treats building up pressure or letting stress out. Frothy sometimes can seat through, when dog is passing by, but anything can get her off balance. Dog jump or jerk in her direction. And if we are trying to turn back, that in 99% will cause reactive response. I think the distance is about 10y (meters) when I can see that here will be a reaction. And yes we are walking with treats. On the other hand she is good with dogs she knows. 2 days ago around 11pm we've been walking and gentlemen was putting garbage bags on curbside near his house, his 2 dogs were off leash. The ran to us!!!! Frothy was so happy to sniff and play. She wouldn't mind when we gave them chicken (with owners permission, of course) and so on. She had her 5 minutes communication and didn't mind when we pulled her on the other side of the street. If there wouldn't be any direct contact, she, for sure would go ballistic. So now I'm waiting for appointment with behaviorist. But it's in May.... Thank you again very much. |
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