I think a lot of adult rescues like Stryker stay pretty insecure about their new home for a long time, especially if there's a lot of churning in the household. Sounds like he's naturally a keen dog & being dumped just amped that up.

Do wonder how he responds to massage... I might work towards getting a relaxation response to massage-touch, then ask for it in the presence of another dog, one he is most comfortable w/and work from there.

"Stand down, sir."

I do short-term fostering, but I don't run my dogs & the foster dogs together. My dogs know this is their place, I am for them, try to keep the pack stable & confident.
And even so, one of my dogs has become more inclined to growling at the other dogs, just seeing me work w/them. Resource guarding.

Melissa -

Stryker has only fought Chunk and Polly. And it has started since we've started fostering. All but one have been since Polly joined the house, and they have definitely gotten worse with time.. The rescue organization I'm volunteering for knows the situation and is working hard to find her a new foster or permanent home. I will not be fostering anymore while I have Stryker.

I agree about walks. Cesar's methods have helped me a lot with Stryker (although I recognize that his methods can be iffy). Pack walks are a BIG part of our routine, and I believe have made this situation better than it could have been if they hadn't been walking together.

Thank you for the link about relaxation. It's a totally new concept for me in dog training, and I'm excited to learn about it. Especially if it can help Stryker be a more peaceful dog.

Melissa - just took a look at that thread, and I can tell you right now that that book is going to be going into my dog book collection. This is exactly what Stryker needs. I ESPECIALLY like the default behavior idea. That's something specific that I've struggled with (and is the reason that I send him to his bed when all three dogs ar out and I'm, say, cooking dinner or reading a book on the couch). giving him a clear guideline for "what do do when he doesn't know what else to do" is pure gold.


http://crazypupgirl.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/134901_471459756314_536821314_6207552_2087949_o.jpg

I use bits and pieces of Control Unleashed very successfully; throw in a little Relaxation Protocol and life is good.

I think there are probably many high energy working dogs that would benefit from it, along with dogs that have anxiety/stress.

Do you incorporate leerburg-style marker training at all with that? It seems like they could work together, using the right markers ("good" rather than "ok" since you don't want to be releasing the dog?

I use 'yes' as a marker...'good' as a duration marker & 'free' as a release.

You can use whatever words you want as long as you are consistant.

In answer to an earlier question: I work my dogs seperately (at home & away), together (giving a command to both at the same time) & also putting one in a sit or down while I work the other. I mix it all up when I take them out for a run in local fields.

It teaches them to stay alert (they don't know who I am going to ask to do what or when), patient (wait their turn), tollerent (of another dog playing with a ball & they are not) & to follow commands with & around other dogs & distractions & teaches them self control.

Obviously you have to have the dogs under control with good individual OB before you can put them together in an excitable situation & they have to get along to some degree...even if that means ignoring each other & just sitting there.

Hope some of my info helps.

Another forum member here has 2 females that without VERY solid OB would have these 2 dogs trying to kill each other the first chance they were within 10 feet of each other.

In many cases(not all) it can be done but it take alot of work & training & constant vigilance.

I am also going to add that no dog should live looking over it's shoulder fearful of being attacked by another pack member. No bulling is allow EVER by any pack member toward another. But I know that you know that, right

If one dog is growling at another in their crate..I would put them up in seperate rooms, as this is very stressful, especially for a insecure, reactive dog. Your Stryker should be in a crate not alone in a seperate room if you are using boot camp/groundwork & controlling everything in his life. Doing that allows him too much freedom that he hasn't earned. JMO of course.

do you have access to a lake? or does your rescue that you have help know of a vet that specializes in theropy (poor speller sorry)?
If so, for exercise, you can always take him for a swim. it takes all stress of his joints and will wear him out in a healthy, no pain way. Might be worth a drive twice a week if you can find water
Just an idea...hope everything works out!

 Quote: Anastasia Johnso

Do you incorporate leerburg-style marker training at all with that? It seems like they could work together, using the right markers ("good" rather than "ok" since you don't want to be releasing the dog?

It has been awhile since I did the RP, so cannot remember if I used markers. It is likely that I did, simply because it is what comes so naturally at this point.

I absolutely use markers with the CU. McDevitt advocates clicker training, but explains in the beginning of the book that a verbal marker is also good.

Thank you for the marker tips that's kinda what I was thinking. I'm going to develop a plan of action including marker training for all, groundwork and relaxation for Stryker, and (hopefully) leadership for me. all need work, and I need to develop a plan. (rather than reacting to things, as has been typical.

I DEFINITELY agree. No dog should have to live in fear of getting jumped. And it's my job to get a handle on this and ensure that everyone feels secure, whatever form that eventually takes.

I know that crating is the ideal for groundwork, but because of how stiff he gets, I am choosing to keep him in a room rather than a crate just so he doesn't get too uncomfortable. He is on high quality food, glucosamine and rimadyl, and it just barely keeps things under control. It's amazing to me that he's as reactive as he is with as aged as his body apparently is. I do have access to water, but he's not much of a swimmer.... I could look into it, but he seems to do well with the system we've got for exercise now (as long as I don't overdo it), and I think right now with the training changes he'll have more mental stim than he can handle anyway.

It's not always as easy as it sounds when you have to work within additional parameters of health issues etc. Good luck.

Each situation presents it's own problems to work out.