Any Advice? - Page 2

Good post, Moons, and welcome back! 

Thanks,

just dropped in.

If people took the time early on I think most of these problems could be avoided.

I still like how Koehler starts out on teaching focus and over coming distractions, it has never failed me.

Once you have that the possibilities are endless.

Hi Moons!

If the dog is truely "wonderful" off lead, then there is some message that the dog is getting either down the lead or form the collar. Has the dog been checked by a vet to make sure there is no medical reason? This and any problem can be solved without corrections, not saying corrections are wrong I use them, it just takes more deligence and being very intuned to what the dog is telling you. If the dog is fine off lead, try rewarding the pro-social behavior you want as soon as it happens and consistently until the dog expects it. Then, move to the dog dragging the leash and reward the behavior. Using play and rewards get the dog to want the leash on.

Any time you are dealing with an agressive dog be very careful and probably want two people to work with this dog.

LOL,

another expert for sure.

Poor dogs.

P.S.

Hi Blitzen hope your well.

Letting the dog drag the leash?

No, I don't think so, unless you want to risk some serious vet bills! 

Moons, you and I are miles apart on a lot of stuff, but when it comes to training, we obviously both went to the same school! LOL!

DP

The more things change seems like the more they stay the same....:)

A lot of dogs are different on vs. off lead.  If I'm working a dog that's on a leash, the leash makes it easier for me to get the message across what is acceptable during training and what is not.  I would do a combination of lots of rewarding while the dog is not put over the threshold of reacting at another dog, and then if/when he does, make it really clear that it's not allowed/not acceptable behavior.  He doesn't have to be able to waltz around other dogs, posture, and sniff face to face on a leash but even a really socially aggressive dog or dog aggressive dog can be trained to act neurtal on a leash.

How can you call a dog trained if it can be distracted and how can a dog be trusted off leash if it is not focused on you?

If the dog will not obey you on or of leash it has not been properly trained.

And no, a dog does not have to waltz at all, it has only to obey.