Quote: Jenny Arntzen

I found Ed's theory of corrections really helpful, and then his comment that a good firm correction is worth a 1,000 nagging ones. I think I have been nagging and not sending enough of a message.

I was about to type that you might be overreacting: seeing a need for correction where there is no need.

Agree 100% with Connie;
Well written, so much better than I could have!

& not to bring up the DD collar, again, but just want to say, personal thing with me;
is One time I used a DD collar, as just that, with my pup; again this is personal to me only, but that memory still makes me feel guilt to this day;
guess it is because of my lack of training experience then, & I wish I could have trained different, or known then what I know now?!

My point is, I think somethimes what I had read, for training, I mis-construed, regarding my pup.

Once I started speaking her language, Pack Structure; we were in unity!


Sorry if OT, back to OP.

I am working with desensitizing to help him reduce his reactive zone.

Good! Excellent!


I'm finding increasing the ob outside is giving Jethro something to do that he enjoys and keeps him out of mischief. It always surprises me when I have both dogs out in the neighbourhood and people comment on how well behaved they are. If only they knew!


They see what they see --- and maybe you don't yet see.




My most common feeling is that my dogs would really benefit if I had 5 more years of experience under my belt.

You will.





I'm not afraid of Jethro's reactivity anymore, but I do get discouraged with my own handling errors (which doesn't help Jethro or me!).

It sure doesn't! What I mean by not focusing on the depression and stuff is that you want to acknowledge it, yes, but then move on. Focusing on it gives it strength and life! Focus on what you DO want.



It does clarify for me that I am dealing with a reactive dog and to stay the course. ... I think my biggest challenge is the grey areas of transitions. When he isn't in a close Heel but we are walking along with a loose leash

This requires something from you?

What?

Do you want the heel? Or do you want loose-leash?



when we are playing in the park and something distracts him

What do you do? Work on focus? Because I don't see a correction requirement.


when we are in the house and he gives a low growl at a noise on the street, but not a huge reaction. I'm not always sure what my response should be.

He is stressed about a noise. What do you think your best reaction might be? Think about it: Wouldn't you want to be square-shouldered, calm, and a good distraction? And for the dog to perceive that you are not anxious, so why should he be?

Well, thank you for this discussion! I think I was in a crisis of confidence. We just had a great walk, 2 hours, and I practiced focus with Jethro just before we did our stretch on a busy street. Sure enough, when I gave the cue, he gave me his eye! What a feeling. I am pleased to announce he did not have one single reaction on the whole walk. Dang. Maybe I'm doing better than I think I am.

At any rate, this discussion has convinced me that my dogs are not dominant, that I have a reactive adolescent dog that is testing the boundaries. He does not need harsh corrections, he does need corrections and/or redirection appropriate to the situation - which I am going to continue to assess on the fly to the best of my abilities.

I'm interested in the definition of 'socialize'. I think my husband and I need to recalibrate...