Hello

My rottweiler is 22 months old, first goal to get his BH, no problem, beautiful work, focus perfect.
As a 10 week old pupp I was told don't go to puppy school , no need to for a schutzhund dog which maybe true but now I want to also work him in kennel club obedience.
First time at club in a class of about 12 dogs all different breeds my rottweiler became over excited and very determined to go and see other dogs, almost uncontrollable { not agressive }
YOu would think he had never been trained.
How would you handle this problem.

"How would you handle this problem."


Desensitizing.

We have desensitizing and socializing threads by the zillions here. Plenty of success stories!


First, are you marker training?

What Connie said! Desensitizing with marker training.
The only thing I didn't like about puppy classes (I taught them many moons ago) was the free time where all the pups ran loose. Absolutely NO reason for that. Some become bullies. Some become bullied. Aside from that the noisy, crowded atmosphere is good for adjusting the dog to the noise and activity you'll find at kennel club trials. The stress there is unmatched by any Schutzhund trial. I've done both!

Yes I do marker training.

Never thought to look at old posts , will certainly do this.

Do you think at two years old you can use compulsion eg you say down and if he refused you make him go down?

Also the first time that food did not work as a distraction.

One positive that came out of this was he didn't pass out pulling on the lead like he use to sometime ago.

Compulsion? He's showing you that you did not proof against this major distraction; that means you want to be proofing .... ie, desensitizing. JMO!



"The first time food did not work" .... he was way distracted.


Did you see this current thread?

http://leerburg.com/webboard/thread.php?topic_id=32822&page=1

thanks for your post.
So get closer and closer without putting my dog in that out of control state. Common sense now that you have brought it to my attention.
Thankyou

 Quote: Brent McGarva

thanks for your post.
So get closer and closer without putting my dog in that out of control state. Common sense now that you have brought it to my attention.
Thankyou

You got it!

And take your time about getting closer and closer. Taking your time, believe it or not, is faster, because every time you flood him and he reacts excitedly and out-of-control, it's a setback ..... it's like embedding that response. JMO!

I would cut him major slack. Remember this is all new to him. I would reward him for every behavior he did well. I would work on engagement in different environments. slowly. I had to learn that it never pays to rush a dog. Learn to listen to him. Be calm yourself. Do not expect a lot out of him the first time he comes to a new place where there are dogs all around. I have seen these dogs in my training classes and they do calm down. Once he figures out why you have him there, he will be great.
Try and get him there early before class starts, play with him. Of course bring him the best goodies in the world for him to munch on. Do not feed him before class and take him on a good walk before hand. Just some things to remember. you may do all those things already. But these come to my mind right away. You may even have to position your dog farther from the other dogs and people in class at first.
Hope this helps. THings will get better. I know how discouraging this can be. Been there. COdy is my very hyper and reactive dog. Things trigger him and he is practically unconscious with hyperness. sharon

went to a class called "yappy hour" this evening. Just to observe dog behavior. I think if I had a training center I would pair the little ones off with a little buddy, keep them on the leash and let them interact. I find it very sad to watch the bullies and the little guys who are terrified running to their master who ignore them. I agree, there are different ways to work around the issue of getting our dogs used to other dogs and people. Poor pups the things we do to them. Sharon

I personally would not use compulsion. I would try marker training positive reinforcement. He is learning. How would you feel if you were learning something and someone forced you physically to do it? or if someone made it fun? I bet you wouldn't like the behavior much if you were forced. EIther do our dogs. It can damage your relationship and cause more tension and fear. That is my opinion. IT may take longer using markers and patience, but your dog is worth it, and deserves it. I have three rescue dogs who I have had to work like a dog to get them to relax and enjoy life. Once they become tramatized, they can shut down and it takes quite a while sometimes to bring them out of it. Sharon