Quote: steve strom

Over-preparing? I'm not sure what you mean Duane.

Didn't mean to bury this question that was posted as I was typing.

I'm going to digest this info over the next few days and figure out how to get myself from reacting-

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: steve strom

Over-preparing? I'm not sure what you mean Duane.

Didn't mean to bury this question that was posted as I was typing.

Steve and I have also been discussing this over in a corner.

What I meant was that, sometimes when we try to fix something, we overthink it. It sounded a little to me like Jodi was more tense than Amber was in the OP, and I thought that being ready for anything would help Jodi's confidence, thus helping her to be more calm. As Steve pointed out, though, if she overthinks it and sets herself up to be on edge by keying too heavily on the dog, it can make the situation worse. Confidence in Amber's obedience will take her a lot further.

I'm often concerned because I see the opposite of Jodi's problem too much (esp in those dog park videos)...some people think their dog's ob is better than it really is, and they don't pay enough attention to how their dogs are processing stimuli. Then, when a fight THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED does break out, it's too late to stop it or the dog ignores commands.

Ms. Moen,

What Mr. Scott said.

Your dog stood her ground, didn't get all amped up, sent a signal 'to get out of my face, mutt,' and was in control.

How many posters looking for help training their dog wouldn't consider the outcome wonderful?

As Connie noted, stay calm and, likely, the dog will be calm too. Don't over think stuff. Intentionally or not your demeanor didn't turn anything into an incident.

If you had acted otherwise, you would have been contributing to a different outcome, no?

If you're walking along and you are full of anxiety, just waiting for some thing to go wrong, you aren't giving your dog any credit for its training. How you simply are with your dog either signals confidence or signals anxiety. Just enjoy your dog. Trust your dog, I mean, from what you wrote, your dog has earned some trust, in my opinion.

Maybe it is an instance where you should learn from your dog Don't make situations worse by over reaction, or over thinking them.

I have a black GSD who seldom demonstrates any overt reaction to a bothersome 'strange' dog other than to lift her lips and show off her fangs. I probably shouldn't endorse such behavior but it is so effective... Strange mutts, strange owners... Me and my dog.

Dogs send signals, and some times they should be allowed to send their signals. Sounds like the terrier got the message.

You and your dog.

I totally agree, with you Mr.Scott (and everyone else), my surprise was that Amber acted like a normal dog.Something I've been hoping for since I had her.
Yes, I've been analyzing my reactions on our walks and picked up on the fact that I am indeed very tense when we see a dog, at one point I saw a dog then looked away and actually released tension on the leash and Amber relaxed beautifully. So at this point I am probably more dog reactive than she is.
I do trust Amber, and my experience with her is that she is not aggressive BUT I don't trust others and their dogs, which is unfair of me and I need to take steps to redirect my behavior on the leash. But that is much easier said than done.

Absolutely nothing wrong with not trusting other people and their dogs. JMHO but the average dog owner is an idiot without a clue.
Look at your dog as being reactive instead of aggressive. That's a big difference and much more controllable.
Just take a deep breath, relax and enjoy your dog.

As hard as I've been working with her, I need to work just as hard on myself. I think I'll take your words to heart and actively try to "relax and enjoy my dog". I think I let the relax part get away from me for a bit.

In my world, I enjoy being with my mutts, mostly more than people. But then, I'm a curmudgeon. I like the sound of that.

If you've got a death grip on your leash you are over reacting to what might happen, not that you do that. That's what I try to convey to some people. Anticipation need not include anxiety, just a plan for dealing with stuff as it comes.

Dogs are remarkably forgiving. They tolerate us at our worse.

Just continue to work on your demeanor and relax. Your dog will reward your behavior, just as you reward its good behavior.

Some times it is just a question of how good an actor you are. Act calm even if you are in a bit of turmoil. Don't distress the child.

I've been paying attention to what I do when walking Amber, and as soon as I see a dog generally I tighten up on the leash,hold her back and even though I keep walking feel my posture stiffen. Now I realize I'm sending a message to Amber that says "red alert-danger ahead!!!"

Now I just need to retrain myself to send out "yup, dog ahead, who cares" which is not so easy.

Jodi,

If you are prepared for the unforeseen, though that sounds a contradiction, you will react if you need to. Essentially, you have a plan, like getting between your dog and another dog, or reigning your dog in or turning and going the other way or sitting your dog or whatever. Just figure out a few options and be prepared to use them in various scenarios but don't use anything you don't have to.

If you have become a bit self aware, you are far ahead of many who try to figure out how to best work with your dog. First the trainer is trained and then the trainer trains the dog. Your confidence in you will translate to a confidence your dog can learn from, in my opinion.

Profuse praise for accomplishment. The object, in my opinion, is for your dog to want to be with you more than anything else.

When all is said and done, it is your relationship with your dog without any anxiety or worry. Stuff happens. Don't go out on a walk worrying about what stuff will happen.

Head up, brisk walk, and training along the way.