[suburbanpaws]

Well, this week I had a trainer come to the house that I’d worked with during my internship for ABC. He was one of my mentors. He suggested that I use high rewards and praise for desired behavior and give a mild leash correction and step into Dublin’s space when he barked, growled or lunged at him (or any other person). He suggested to continue to use the “watch me” command but it is difficult at times to get Dublin to consistently and reliably perform the watch me command when he’s already begun to aggress. I also don’t want to anticipate his aggression and cause it so I don’t want to react prematurely. Once he’s started aggressing, it’s harder to get the watch behavior out of him. How do I time it right and nip it in the bud without reacting prematurely? Also, Theresa, you had mentioned I don’t use any leash corrections – I had mentioned to this trainer that I was hesitant to use any positive punishment (ie: leash corrections for unwanted behavior) as a result of what I’d learned about fearful behavior and the effect it can have on it.

This week a friend who is absolutely willing to work with him, came over. I had her toss treats to him and he obeyed her commands to sit, stay (from behind a gate) and accepted treats from her. But the minute this was over, he would begin to aggress towards her. We went for a walk with her. Dublin was completely indifferent, didn’t care that she was on the walk with us, didn’t try to aggress towards her even when she was closer to him than she is in the house. As soon as we got back to the house, the behavior started again. I wouldn’t say it is ONLY in the house that his behavior exists but it’s certainly WORSE in the house.

So now, I’m armed with so many techniques but not sure which will help and which will be counter-productive. I’m utterly confused!

Theresa- are you suggesting I try the exercises shown in the video in a class?

Thanks so much for your help

[suburbanpaws]

Still working with Dublin on this. Been using the “watch me” cue and trying to get him to trust me to make the decisions for him. Using mild corrections for undesired behavior. Still feeling I need to do more. Any further input would be so appreciated! Thanks so much 🙂

[suburbanpaws]

Hi Mike –

Thanks so much for your reply. Here are the answers to your questions:

How has Dublin been raised in regards to the exercises recommended in the “pack structure” section?

I should mention to you that I’m a graduate of Animal Behavior College and so I’ve tried to be proactive with all my dogs (we have 4) but Dublin has been the most trained and worked dog of all my dogs especially with leadership exercises. He was my training partner when I was doing my externship. NILF (Nothing in life is free) and demands are never given into – though Dublin never demands anything. If anything, Dublin is the MOST understanding of his role and boundaries in our home. No demands for petting, I determine when play starts and stops and manage all the toys/bones etc. No free feeding and no eating until given the okay. He sleeps on his own bed but comes up on our bed when asked to and waits for permission to do so. Same with the couch. Although I have basic knowledge of dogs I really feel I don’t have near the knowledge or experience to deal with much more than basic obedience and basic problem solving. My true passion is to become knowledgeable about aggression issues – this has always been my true interest, but unfortunately not a part of a lot of dog training curriculums. Most of what I’ve learned about aggression, fear and treatment has been learned on my own through reading. It’s ironic I have my own dog to work with in that area! In working with Dublin (and studying your methods!) I hope to become, not only a better doggy parent but a better trainer.

There is a clear communication of relationship, possession, and boundary control in our home. I realize, however, that Dublin doesn’t trust me to protect him or he wouldn’t feel the need to do so himself so I’m missing something somewhere.

Also, if you can tell us what forms of discipline he has been exposed to and what were the results of? IE shouting, physical with hands, prong collar, gentle leader, etc…

No harsh methods – I know a fearful dog’s behavior can only be worsened by using such methods so I have made every effort to work with him on a rewards based system while also making an effort not to reinforce his fear/anxiety. I have tried a halti with him but didn’t stick with it. No choke/chain/e-collars, no force, no dominance theory techniques, no flooding have been used thus far. I did, however, have a trainer who was a friend of a friend, come to the house and subsequently did not ask her back as I felt she was too harsh with Dublin. Too many leash corrections and harsh tones. I use the no-reward marker “uh-uh” when he doesn’t follow commands but never jerk the leash, push or pull him or force him in any way. I use positive reinforcement and the marker “YES!” for the desired behaviors.

I’ve been working with him on the “look” or “watch me” command on walks but I’m having a hard time with distractions. I think I have to step back and work on the command at home before taking it out into the scary world.

But, we also need to find what he takes to well without stress when we need to guide him.

Dublin is highly food motivated AND ball motivated. I find that in the light of almost anything (almost) a ball thrower and the ball can change his mind. I haven’t tried this in high stress situations so I can’t say ALL situations. Treats and fetch are how he gets to know and love the humans who have been willing to get to know him.

Gentle discipline does wonders for dogs like him and puts us in a position to have more focused and successful counter-conditioning and desensitizing.

I agree completely! Thank you SO much. I’ve been studying your site all night and day and watching all your videos. I’m hoping to be even half the trainer you are someday so any and all advice, input, suggestions, criticisms etc are absolutely welcomed and appreciated.

Rebecca & Dubs