Teresa Stanczak
Forum Replies Created
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Sounds like you are being a very diligent owner 🙂 We are glad to help with any of your questions so keep them coming!
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I agree with Jose, I wouldn’t use a weighted vest on any pup for the same reasons you would.avoid jogging. Their growth plates don’t close until around 18 months, so you want to avoid concussive exercise (jogging or high jumping) or heavy stress like a vest.
I would try to engage the pup in activities that Jose has suggested , train for mental stimulation, and lots of appropriate things to.chew.
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How very handy!
Hard to say without seeing a before picture. Could it be because the crates or now closed .vs. open wire that they can see all around? The things that catch my eyes are the sheet hanging the kennel on the left, and the spare pieces of wood overhanging the top of the kennels. Was it always there? Were they used to having to jump up into their crates, or was this just a fenced enclosure prior? Where did you have their crates before your nifty setup?
I would just play with them near crates and feed them nearby. Before meals do some desensitization and counterconditioning using high value treats . Reward for behaviors that will gradually build toward getting them into the crates.
For example start with walking by crates, then have them approach head on, take food from riser , put paws on riser etc. It may take some time and you should have comfort and success at each step before moving on to the next one. -
Hi Alison,
The energetics of food is used for people as well as animals in chinese medicine. I have observed this with my own dog, and definitely subscribe to this philosophy. I love life’s abundance, but there are also other brands of good quality food as well. I really wish LA made formulas other than chicken.
You mentioned that he has always done well on Life’s abundance, but if his ear issues could be related to feeding chicken then, maybe not. It is a simple trial and can’t do any harm to him to try a different formula. Whenever switching diets always make sure it is over a period of 7 days or so. (gradually getting their digestive system used to it).
I like Natures Variety instinct for my own personal dogs, and I do feed a fish based diet.
Keep us posted!
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Hi Julia:
Here is some troubleshooting on the Triangle based on the information you provided:
1)Knowledge- His history could definitely have impacted his current behavior. Seems likely that he has some fear issues with men resulting from their abusive behavior. The breed can be prone to having dog aggression.
2-Health : has he had a recent vet visit to make sure there are no health problems that could have contributed to his change in behavior?
3-Attitude: Make sure you and anyone else who interacts with him is adhering to proper attitude. (patience, calm confidence, respect etc).
5:Pack Structure:You mentioned that he doesn’t think you are the boss 100% of the time. This could definitely be a reason for his new attitude on walks. If he doesn’t view you as leader all of the time, he will definitely be more prone to making his own decisions when he is fearful or unsure about a situation. I would review the pack structure section and make sure that you are following all of the rules.
6:Restless Spirit: Make sure he has the proper outlets for any pent up energy. This will make he easier to handle in situations and sometimes a little less reactive.
9:Obedience: Continue with phase 2 training. (maybe look into using a Starmark Collar for him instead of a pinch. the correction tends to cause less reactivity for dog aggression.)
Reinforce a command with any necessary correction ie: heeling past a person or dog. Staying in a sit as they pass by, etc.10: Desensitizing and Counter-conditioning: Use his obedience as a platform to change his perception of men, dogs etc. Example, when he is sitting or heeling in presence of men or dogs he gets high value treats. The presence of these triggers will start to mean good things instead.
Teaching him to wear a muzzle is great for safety and can in turn help you react more calmly and confidently.
Let us know how things go!
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Hi Chris,
I’m glad to hear of your success with the starmark collar.
Here is a link to the self help page that discusses the Triangle:Online Dog Training
As for the chickens. I would definitely find her a new outlet if you want to teach her to leave the chickens alone when out of their pen. If you want them to coexist you cannot allow the pup to learn to chase or get overly excited by the chickens. Keep her busy when they are around. Give her something to play or chew in their presence.
I am actually working with someone currently who owns a GSD pup and 20 free roaming guinea hen. We have found success with distracting the pup by playing tug or ball, or training when the hens are out. Make sure she is on a leash. When the hens are in the pen, the pup is allowed to investigate but is called away for a game before getting to excited about them.
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Hi Julia,
It is not unusual that dogs react to men especially tall ones and those that where hats. It is somewhat unusual that a 5 year old dog will spontaneously develop this reaction with no previous history.
Could you provide us with some background on Kush?
How long have you had him? Where was he acquired? Any pertinent events or info from his past? Does he live with or interact with any men regularly?In the meantime you will deal with it pretty much the same as the dog aggression. If you encounter a trigger on your walk have him. Heel or sit and then maintain him in that position using the appropriate correction for that command. Praise and Reward him for good behavior and
Non reaction.
Teaching him to wear a muzzle is also helpful.Teresa
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Hi Chris,
Here is a link to a previous thread that may be helpful
http://www.selfhelpdogtraining.com/forums/puppy-dog-house-breaking/178-german-shepard-biting-mouthing.htmlWorking on giving her appropriate outlets for her nipping throughout the day especially when kids are present. Chews like Kong’s, bully sticks, marrow bones are great distractions and can fulfill the need to grab on the kids. Also making sure the children and anyone else in the house is not encouraging rough play by wrestling or using their hands in play.
This behavior will get better with time. Remember to be patient , exercise her and redirect often.
Make sure you are troubleshooting the triAngle:
Use the proper attitude,( see layer 3 of the triAngle. )
Follow good leadership exercises ( layer 5)
Relieve restless spirit using proper outlets ( tug, ball, bones, bullysticks etc)Keep us posted on your progress!
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Hi and congrats on the new pup!
Young puppies can have lots of restless spirit especially certain breeds like GSD’s. In order to make things easier on your Scottie ( which will likely be your pups first choice for a playmate) you are going to have to provide other appropriate outlets for her energy. Play games with the gsd to tire her out such as a proper game of tug, or fetch. Obedience training is mental stimulation which is tiring as well as puzzle toys (like a kong or treat ball ) or chews like bully sticks or a sturdy nylabone. It will also be helpful for her when first coming out of her area in the morning. If you give her appropriate outlets she will engage in the undesirable activities far less.
You may want to keep a leash on her in the house to manage her better if she is still hard to redirect when being overwhelming to the Scottie or kids.
Have you read through the various layers of the triangle? make sure you troubleshoot each layer and are following good pack structure rules.
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Hi Julia,
As long as Kush is not leading the walk ( ie dragging you to areas to sniff or pee) then it is up to you what ratio you keep. If your goal is to keep moving for exercise and he really stops at every object, tree or pole then you could alternate between using regular “leash manners” and heeling. If your walking using leash manners and he stops when you want to keep moving just says his name keep walking and pump the leash when there is any tension.Depending on the frequency and intensity of his dog aggression you may want to ” heel” more often than you let him sniff. You can always free him up intermittently in certain places that you know are is his favorite to sniff and pee.
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I don’t know of anyone in the San Diego area specifically….
I will ask around.Keep us posted!
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Hi and welcome!
On leash aggression is very common. Sometimes it’s just barrier frustration, where they want to get to another dog to say hi or play and can’t because of the leash, and then they end up having a tantrum of sorts. Also some dogs who are fearful are reactive on leash because they have no escape route, these dogs take on a “I will get you before you get me” attitude.
Have you looked through the sections on body language. Be able to read her body language will be helpful in determining what the cause of her aggression is.
Make sure you trouble shoot each layer of the triangle .
1)Knowledge- has she had any incidences that could have precipitated the start of the aggression?2)health – any conditions that could be causing pain when she interacts with other dogs?
3)attitude- what is your reaction to her behavior? What is your relationship like?
4)golden rules – important for carrying out a training plan
5) pack structure- are you following leadership exercises?
6)restless spirit- is she getting a good outlet for her energy level?
Minimally you will need phase 1 and phase 2, sit down and heel to help only with the on leash aggression.
There is a trainer in the San Jose area who is foundation certified. I can message you his info if you want.
Best
Teresa