Just want to update on some of the progress that I've made and to see if there are any suggestions.

Took Sasha down to the park. It snowed up here and there were a lot of people sledding. Was working on desensitization with her and people in a very controlled manner. Kept her at some distance and let her watch the goings on. In the past she would have her hackles up if anyone was in the general area. She was even letting out some high pitch yelps like she wanted to go and play with some of the kids with her tail wagging. Was able to walk past people on the trails with no issue other than 1 huff. Always kept myself between her and them.

What seems to be working is a lot of praise and up beat talk. The stern corrections seem to stress her out in these situations and raise her signs of aggression. Was even able to talk to someone fishing. She sat next to me and let out 1 bark and was looking at me when I looked at her. Just ignored her and kept on talking. The person didn't seem phased by her which was good. Not where I want to be but this is huge from where she was.

Still working on her reaction to dogs. There were several down there. It is obvious that there is a distance that when she sees them that her behavior will escalate. Working with her to get closer with no issues. Making real good progress, step by step.

Now the question. It seems like dogs that are being walked in a controlled manner, and not out in front pulling the owner, she really doesn't have an issue with. The dogs she seems to react to more are the ones that are out in front, pulling, with no manners. There is a sheepdog that the owner lets come up to other dogs to let them say "hi". This is probably the one she had the biggest reaction to. Has anyone else experience this? Any thoughts on how to correct this.

In the past, she has had loose dogs run up to her where she is basically out of control. They have never physically connected, thank God. Add to all of the good progress we made, she had another experience at a different park with a loose dog. Won't rant here and will start another thread on this.

Would appreciate any thought or suggestions.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

 Quote: David Walter

Now the question. It seems like dogs that are being walked in a controlled manner, and not out in front pulling the owner, she really doesn't have an issue with. The dogs she seems to react to more are the ones that are out in front, pulling, with no manners.

I stay away from uncontrolled strange dogs.

P.S. Even with my non-fear-aggressive dogs, I stay away from uncontrolled dogs.

If I were working with a dog-aggressive dog, I'd be even more watchful about it.

JMO.

Of course, I mean that I do this without tension or any hint of worry to my dog..... just calmly changing direction (or plans).

Connie,

Thanks! I do avoid uncontrolled dogs and do keep a good distance between myself and other dogs that we see. Do the same by calmly changing direction.

My first focus is to get her to a point where I can take her around other people and dogs with no signs of aggression. Second, to try to get a CGC. That may be a stretch, but a goal nonetheless.

I have been making good progress which is encouraging. Was just wondering if other's dogs reacted similarly. She is a really smart dog and learns quickly. Being more tuned in has really made me a better owner and her a better dog.

Thanks again!

 Quote: David Walter

I have been making good progress which is encouraging. Was just wondering if other's dogs reacted similarly.

Well, yes, one of mine, at least, now marches right past dogs who are minding their own business but still gets excited about dogs who are focusing on him or acting excited themselves. (I also have one who is Mr. Calming-Signal; he's just 100% laid back, and merely looks on when dogs around him are all agitated.) Your dog's reaction is pretty normal, IMO.

CGC's a great goal!

And being attuned to your dog is a huge training tool. Good for you. The stronger the bond, the more your own confidence and calm travels down the leash to the dog.

Motivational obedience in short, upbeat sessions is another powerful confidence-builder for your dog. I don't remember whether or not that has been addressed. Do you know marker training?

Connie,

Thanks again! Have been initially working with her on the loose leash walking so I can have a "pleasurable" walk instead of fighting with her. When on the walks, have been working building confidence and showing her that "things aren't bad". She was deathly afraid of manhole covers. Now, no issue. Even got her up on a playground jungle gym and to go up in the slide tubes.

She knows some of the basic obedience commands, however I do need to work more. Will do some more research on marker training. Need to work on timing. She isn't really food driven (except for sweets). Will go nuts when eating sugar cookies. Responds really well to praise from me.

Again, thanks!
Dave

http://leerburg.com/markers.htm

I'd get some very high-value treats..... maybe little bits of real meat, or pieces of hot dog (preferable the no-nitrates/nitrites kind that are usually frozen)..... whatever she just loves. Then I would time my sessions for a hungry time of day.

You are correct that timing is paramount.

If you watch the Basic Ob video
http://www.leerburg.com/302.htm
you'll see timing in action, with upbeat training.

You could set your marker (maybe "yes!" or maybe a clicker, if you prefer) with something she already knows, if you like. The second her butt hits the floor after you say sit, you mark it. Then, at first, I reward pretty quickly, to connect the marker right away to the excellent reward.

Little sessions like this, always starting and ending on a high note (with something you know that she knows and will be rewarded for) can be something that she loves to do and that she will come running for. This kind of training builds her confidence and strengthens your bond very quickly, IME.

I would get away from cookies, though. I have sweet-tooth dogs, too, but sugar and flour are bad for dogs in several ways.

Thanks! She doesn't get cookies (at least not on purpose) for the obvious reasons. Will try other types of treats to see what hits.

Thanks too for the links. Will take a look.

Again, thanks for all of your help.

 Quote: david walter

Now the question. It seems like dogs that are being walked in a controlled manner, and not out in front pulling the owner, she really doesn't have an issue with. The dogs she seems to react to more are the ones that are out in front, pulling, with no manners. There is a sheepdog that the owner lets come up to other dogs to let them say "hi". This is probably the one she had the biggest reaction to. Has anyone else experience this? Any thoughts on how to correct this.

I think you should be asking, "Has anyone else NOT experienced this?"!! But seriously, don't be afraid to take control of an out of control situation. Block the dog that is inappropriately advancing on your dog if the owner is unable/unwilling to control their own animal and/or you are unable to get to a tolerable distance where you can take advantage of the scenario and turn it into a positive training situation for your own dog. There are other more direct ways to deal with an at large dog; repellant is a popular one. In addition to your desensitization, I would also spend a great deal of effort working on counter conditioning.