Just want to give a quick update and a "brag".

We just had our second session with the trainer today. Have made huge progress. She is walking on a loose leash, downs and is making major progress with what was diagnosed as fear aggression.

Had her down at the park tonight and it was like a totally different dog was on the end of the lead. Still have a lot of work in my opinion, but both the trainer and I are very happy with the progress.

Will keep you posted with updates.

Thanks for all of your help!

David, that's great! If you don't mind, can you share what types of things the trainer has you doing?

A couple of things. Basic OB and what I see as establishing pack structure and teaching her it is not OK to act the way she does. Mainly focused on "heels" and "downs" and basically getting control over her. What I thought was loose leash walking...well I was wrong.

A little background on him. He mainly trains PSD, but also works with "pet" people.

One of the things that I think was really beneficial is giving me the confidence that I could actually control her. I'm sure that a lot of the issue was me sending the wrong message down the leash (oh no, here comes a dog...wonder what she is going to do...tighten up and don't let her get out of control...here it comes...)

This week, put her in a down, I walked away while he and his helper walked and jumped around her. He also brought out 2 other dogs and basically "forced" her to deal with it. All the time, I was working her.

Put a lot of time in working with her this past week which has paid off. When I work with her at the trainer, we don't really use food, but do use praise alot. When I work wih her on my own, do use food as rewards since I want to keep things positive while also maintaining control and correcting for incorrect behavior. Balance is key to me.

If anyone needs a great trainer in the Cleveland area, PM me and I will pass along his info.