So I posted ages - ages - ago about wanting to have a dog that could alert bark.

For various reasons, we left it for awhile, and then I decided that I wanted to do this with a professional.

I did decide to use Teagan over Luc, both because of her personality and her superior intelligence (I know I always say Luc is kind of stupid, which my mom thought was mean until she spent a week with us up north in August, and then agreed with me, that while as sweet as could be, he's dumb. Anyways, I don't think he has the intelligence to make distinctions and he's a big old wimpy suck as well). Teagan obviously has dog aggression issues and has shown in the past that she won't be pushed over by people either, but I thought that pointed well to her to do this, so.

I contacted Neb and I's old FR trainer, Paul, who does various types of protection-based work, and we did our first session today.

We started with Paul hiding behind some trees and starting to make noise as I approached with Teagan. I encouraged her to watch and praised her when she did so. Eventually he showed himself and she barked (deeply) at him, growled a bit, and again, I praised her (and continued to use the watch command).

She did move back to me, which surprised me a bit, but it was her first time. By the end of this particular scenario she had moved back out a bit.

I then put her back in the car, and Paul suggested we try a car scenario. I partially rolled down a window, and encouraged her to watch. Again, she reacted well, with deep barks (a couple got excited) and a bit of growling barking, slight teeth baring, and moving towards him (she was in the back seat, it was a front window). Continued to use the watch command and praise.

We then had a quick discussion away from her, and Paul was pleased with her, especially for her first time. She was reacting well.

Next was focus/obedience work - Paul is going to get rid of our sloppy habits, I can tell you that much! I admit we've developed ruts, Teagan and I, so this is really good.

I was also really happy that she was totally fine with Paul on the obedience field, greeted him calmly and happily, and was, as he said, able to distinguish situations and act appropriately.

She did pee AND poop on the field though!!! I owe wine and beer! Teagan, Teagan, Teagan....sigh.

So we have some obedience stuff to work on, and then when we went back to the car did another car scenario, and she was noticeably better at going forward towards him and no excited barks mixed in. One more quick car scenario as we left as well, which again, she did great!

So, we have our homework, but she showed well for her first time and displayed the judgement I expect of her (outside of strange dogs, where we differ in judgement). I was very proud of her today!

Jenn, sounds like she's a quick study. Please keep us updated on your/her progress!

Good to hear T-Dot Jenny!!!

although, im rather disappointed that I didn't get to put on the hockey gear and act menacing~!!!!~

i was even practicing my growling!!

grrrrr
ahem
GRRRRRR

It's nice to know that your dog can learn and do what you need it to like most other dogs. When you use a trainer that knows how to put the correct amount of pressure on the dog and set up the enviornment correctly you usually will get a favorable result.

 Quote: Michael Reese

It's nice to know that your dog can learn and do what you need it to like most other dogs.

Are you suggesting I not update on our progress or be happy with our first time training/practicing a new skill?

 Quote: Michael Reese

When you use a trainer that knows how to put the correct amount of pressure on the dog and set up the enviornment correctly you usually will get a favorable result.

If you're curious, I have checked out this trainer extensively, even checking with Will

If you have suggestions about our training I'd love to hear them, but this just comes across as passive-aggressive otherwise.

Jennifer,

I'm sorry if you took my comment as being sarcastic, it definitely was not intended that way. I know that e-mails can easily be misunderstood without being able to see or hear tone and or inflection. I think it's great that you would update people on your training. As far as the trainer you used: I couldn't say one way or the other if he/she is a good trainer because I know absolutely nothing about him/her. I can say from the info you've given though that it looks like your off to a good start.

Thanks Michael! Sorry if I misinterpreted.

(and actually I just got a PM from someone else mentioning what a good guy you are )

I think it'll be good for Teagan to have a job, and give me a little extra piece of mind.

Speaking of... How is she doing? Has she found her niche in life?

She's doing well! Her dog aggression is still much improved, and she LOVES the alert bark work - totally her niche! I really weighed using her for a long time, and I'm glad I did.