Taffyhorse
Well-Known Member
We've been evicted from our basic obedience training :-( Not for being disobedient but because Freddie fixates on the other dogs too much and I can't get his attention - or have to work really hard to do so even with ultra tasty treats.
The main issue is being on the lead. Off the lead (as I think I've probably posted here before) he's almost angelic, great heelwork, good recall etc etc and he's much better with other dogs off the lead too. On the lead he can be a bit of a demon - won't walk to heel that easily but wants to be in front, barks and lunges at other dogs or stares them out.
Pressure on the lead makes him worse (as it would) and yes I know hanging on for grim death isn't recommended but I don't feel like I have a choice when we're in a small room with 10 other dogs!!
On the upside, the trainer has recommended trying a couple of other trainers for some 1:1 sessions. To be honest I prefer this as the class environment obviously isn't right for either of us at the moment. Still doesn't stop me feeling pants though and I really feel for him too because he's not a 'nasty' type but people see him when he's jumping about and either glare at me or make comments about him being a 'nasty collie'.
What really kills me is that he was getting so much better until he got jumped on by a couple of out of control dogs (1 x Dobie, 1 X Dobie cross so both big dogs) that were staying with our neighbour. He was off the lead at the time and I managed to grab hold of the perpetrator before it really kicked off but he's really gone backwards since then.
I really want to do agility and stuff with him too so hopefully we can solve this. Anyway, moan over - I'm just wallowing in self pity and feel like a 'bad' owner. I will ring the suggested trainers tonight and see what they say
The main issue is being on the lead. Off the lead (as I think I've probably posted here before) he's almost angelic, great heelwork, good recall etc etc and he's much better with other dogs off the lead too. On the lead he can be a bit of a demon - won't walk to heel that easily but wants to be in front, barks and lunges at other dogs or stares them out.
Pressure on the lead makes him worse (as it would) and yes I know hanging on for grim death isn't recommended but I don't feel like I have a choice when we're in a small room with 10 other dogs!!
On the upside, the trainer has recommended trying a couple of other trainers for some 1:1 sessions. To be honest I prefer this as the class environment obviously isn't right for either of us at the moment. Still doesn't stop me feeling pants though and I really feel for him too because he's not a 'nasty' type but people see him when he's jumping about and either glare at me or make comments about him being a 'nasty collie'.
What really kills me is that he was getting so much better until he got jumped on by a couple of out of control dogs (1 x Dobie, 1 X Dobie cross so both big dogs) that were staying with our neighbour. He was off the lead at the time and I managed to grab hold of the perpetrator before it really kicked off but he's really gone backwards since then.
I really want to do agility and stuff with him too so hopefully we can solve this. Anyway, moan over - I'm just wallowing in self pity and feel like a 'bad' owner. I will ring the suggested trainers tonight and see what they say