Elizabeth Balcomb
Well-Known Member
Thought I would update on Lupos new dog aggressive behavior. I got a book on clicker training with an aggressive dog. I worked on the command to look in my eyes, I use the word eyes. Then I practiced it on walks we do around the place. I'm also exercising him harder. I then took him to training classes on Saturday (yesterday) , an obedience class with the local Rottie club. Not one single lunge, and only a short growl at a pup that was heading out way. I had a feeling he would be totally fine on the training ground. He trained beautifully, even a down stay where i dropped his leash and walked away.
After obedience class off we went to another trainer to do sniff work. I got there an hour earlier, to allow him to get used to the new space. He was very anxious, but we really trust eachother. I found a spot a short distance from the puppy class and I sat, and he lay next to me and I clicked and treated for all his relaxed behavior. The dogs for scent work arrived, all bouncy and crazy and greeting everyone. I kept our distance. I realize that he is anxious about being approached by both dog and human strangers and I respect that. The sniff work took place in a small hall, I really didn't think he would handle it. Hes never been in a room of strange dogs. At least they were all on lead. I waited until I could see we could get through the door without any dogs in his face and chose a chair where we could have space, and found a moment where I could tell everyone that he needs space. He lay down next to my chair and the whole time I clicked and treated for "eyes" . He was incredibly relaxed! I was so pleasantly surprised. Then I thought that there is no way he will be able to search the boxes for his cheese treat surrounded by dogs watching.. he worked beautifully!! Not one incident, and he really was able to keep focused despite all distractions.. so... happy mum here.
After obedience class off we went to another trainer to do sniff work. I got there an hour earlier, to allow him to get used to the new space. He was very anxious, but we really trust eachother. I found a spot a short distance from the puppy class and I sat, and he lay next to me and I clicked and treated for all his relaxed behavior. The dogs for scent work arrived, all bouncy and crazy and greeting everyone. I kept our distance. I realize that he is anxious about being approached by both dog and human strangers and I respect that. The sniff work took place in a small hall, I really didn't think he would handle it. Hes never been in a room of strange dogs. At least they were all on lead. I waited until I could see we could get through the door without any dogs in his face and chose a chair where we could have space, and found a moment where I could tell everyone that he needs space. He lay down next to my chair and the whole time I clicked and treated for "eyes" . He was incredibly relaxed! I was so pleasantly surprised. Then I thought that there is no way he will be able to search the boxes for his cheese treat surrounded by dogs watching.. he worked beautifully!! Not one incident, and he really was able to keep focused despite all distractions.. so... happy mum here.