Strong dog

nofie

nofie

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 December 2009
Messages
193
Visit site
We have had our rescue dog for around 3 months now. She is lovely except for 2 things.

One is that she is a nightmare when it comes to other dogs. She can be strong on the lead, but she has been getting better and now most of the time she will walk to heel. However, she is always alert and on the lookout, and if she sees another dog she just completely loses control and pulls to be with the dog. She is completely focussed on the dog and you just cannot get her attention.

The second thing is she often gets carried away with young men and wants to play, but again just completely loses control and we can't seem to get her attention.

She is still young, around 1-2 years. We don't know much about her history, but we are hoping she can be re-trained because if she doesn't improve my parents just won't be able to cope with her as they get older.

We have tried a few things, including clicker training, but the main thing seems to be getting her attention, which seems impossible. She doesn't really respond to being told off either.

Any suggestons? We are probably going to seek professional help but I wondered if anyone on here has had similar experiences.
 
I think you need to go along to some dog training for socialisation. At our class at the beginning we always start with heel work in a group. Then we all sit/down the dogs and people weave in and out of each other, teaching the dog to leave it. My boy really struggled at first with this concept, but he's got it now and it's paid off away from the group too.

good luck!
 
Training classes are always a great idea!

What is she like when you try to distract her? Try to catch her attention before she sees the other dog (even if you have to use a set up with a friend for a while) and then it might be easier to keep her attention. Is she interested in food? Reserve the bestest treats for getting her attention, e.g. liver, chicken, cheese (you may need to experiment to find the right one). Is she interested in toys, squeekie toys, tug toys? Some dogs are highly motivated to play.

With the young men it's slightly easier. When she becomes too focused on the young man, ask him to give her no attention whatsoever. He should fold his arms and turn his back on her. If she comes round to face him, he should turn his back on her again and keep ignoring her. Meanwhile you should have the treats/toy and remain as interesting as possible.

Good luck!
 
Thanks for the advice. I think socialisation is key, I'm just worried she will be a nightmare at the class, but then hopefully she won't be the only dog with issues.

She does like treats and squeaky toys (although she does tend to destroy them after a while!), I have had some success in getting her to sit while a dog on the opposite side of the road is going past, and can sort of get her attention with a treat, although keeping it is also a challenge!

If the dog is close though, that's when she is worse. Plus she seems to be worse with small yappy dogs!

The funny thing is, if she is off the lead and I see a dig, I put her on the lead and make her sit, and she seems to be ok.

I guess patience and training classes will pay off! It's always hard when you don't know what they have been through.

I agree with the young men advice, no attention = no reward!


Thanks for all the advice :)
 
lol! She probably will be a nightmare at class, but that is why you'd be there! We've all been there! Harley was REALLY HORRID when we first started going. Sometimes I just looked at the trainer absolutely blankly, no idea what to do with him. He used to throw enormous temper tantrums!! (and occasionally still does!)

My dog trainer does classes at diff places on diff nights. She has just set up another advanced class at a diff hall and I went along last week as couldn't do regular night. anyway, she had me and another dog from our class out first to do a passing recall (standing diff end of halls and you call your dogs who obviously have to run past the other dog going the other way). I was mortified! Harley wouldn't even sit and wait! He was being such a toad!!! Very embarrassed as he can do it with his eyes shut!! He's been doing a LOT of sitting and waiting the last few days!!
 
Pookie used to bark at other dogs even as a puppy (little JRT, big attitude!) but he did eventually grow out of it. In classes I would go prepared and immediately get his attention, he would be doing exercises right from the start to keep him mind occupied and have a reason to keep giving him treats! Out walking it was very much a matter of trying to get his attention before he really got going and encouraging him to do things with his back to the other dog (if you can't get this, try to put yourself between her and the other dog to at least block her view a bit).

Two years on and he is fine (touch wood!). I only have to remind him if the other dogs are barking at him, otherwise he is fine on his own, so there is hope!
 
Thanks guys, that really i reassuring that perseverance can really pay off... I really don't want the family to give up on her! She is techinically my 'rent's dog, so she has got to suit them... generally she is lovely and we do adore her! xxx
 
Last edited:
What breed is she? As above and when my dog was zoning out (he is huge) I would actually administer a strong lead check (using a slip lead/half check/check chain, not a flat collar or harness, as much use as a chocolate teapot for my dog) and when he looked around to say 'hey, what was that?' reward with praise and something super tasty.
All dogs are different but I found I had to physically make him snap out of it before I could get his attention.

Focus training is very helpful, start at home and then move to the park or training classes. Basically if the dog wants something it has to be looking at you. Walk? Food? Anything? She has to be looking at you and all good things come from you.
I also train on an empty stomach as that is a great way to get focus - the dog will learn that food comes from your person, your pocket, not a bag or a bowl and will be looking at you and expecting that.
Once you have focus training, everything else is much easier to overcome.

Agree that socialisation and making yourself the centre of the dog's universe is the key! You must become so much more interesting than other dogs or blokes.
 
She is a lab x greyhound, her name is Flossie.

We have a half check collar for her at the moment, although she doesn't seem that bothered by it.

Thanks for your advice, again, reinforcing the idea of socialisation! :)

We are going to try and get some prof help soon. Will keep you updated with her progress.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top