HELP!! with behaviour - Page 1

I was wondering if someone could give me some advice on how to deal with a behavioural problem in a female which she has.
she is 20 months old.   Basically she can't walk past a dog without rearing up on her back legs, barking, sometimes squealing and spinning, with her hair standing on end, from the base of her neck to the base of her tail.   She has always been like this from a pup. When she was being carried she would be leaning over my shoulder barking at dogs.   She has been in dog training classes, but from the moment she gets out of the car, to get to the training field, she has behaved in exactly the same manner. I tell her No and Leave It and have tried to keep walking, which is quite difficult with the dog trying to learch around propelling her front legs on mine as she's going so mad.  I have also tried making her sit, which she has done, although it is harder as she fixates on the other passing dog until it is out of sight. None of the Trainers could handle her on a lead as well as I can, and were surprised at how well I managed.  She is happy and relaxed when she is amongst other dogs, but causes a big display approching one in the street.  On walks she will even look down driveways, where she knows other dogs live, ready to start.   Everything I have been advised to do, I have done, and continue to do, like house rules, which I did from the start with Keita.  Not leaving the house for walks until they are completely calm, not letting them walk through doors before me.  Rewarding calm behaviour and ignoring attention seeking behaviours.   She walks lovely on a lead, and doesn't have any issues with people, children, cyclists, joggers...........anything else.   Everyday I take her to the park for about an hour and half.  And if I can find a quiet spot, she has a run off lead and for the remaining time we walk.  She's happier at a distance from other dogs, she does still get a bit excited, jumping around, but she's not as vocal, but if the other dog is close ( on the opposite side of the street ) she goes mental.  I don't know if it's she want to play, she's being aggressive or she's fearful.   It is obviously something I am doing wrong, but I can't put my finger on it.  I would be so grateful if you could give me any advice on where I am going wrong.  I would just like her to walk past another dog and ignore.   I have been thinking about Dog Behaviourists, because the Trainers can't really suggest anymore.  I also need to know why she's doing this, before it can be corrected.   I would be very grateful for any suggestions, thanks  Milly

1) Hair raising >>>> Sign of defence

2) Could be a fearful and nerve issue

3) Dog Training schools are shams. Avoid them they are worthless

4) Understand your dog yourself. Nobody can tell you about your dog. You have done well so far by observing in detail. Try to understand the temprament of the dog.


5) Take personal advice from an expert if VERY necessary.



cheers

Some dog training SCHOOLS may be a sham, not all dog TRAINERS are.  It can be difficult to find the right one though.  Good luck.

Hi Milly

Sounds like she is nervous of dogs and because you allow her to string herself up, it escalates the behaviour by making her feel unable to escape the threat and now it has become an ingrained behaviour.  I'd stop taking her anywhere she will see dogs too close for comfort and work on focussing her on you, with a word cue and a toy or food as an exercise, probably best in a sit position.    Once you can hold her attention on a loose lead without distraction, start bringing in distractions that interest, but don't alarm her, at decreasing distance.  When she is reliable with that, set up controlled situations with a dog in the distance, gradually closing the distance and increasing it as soon as she shows the slightest sign of stress (never let her get back to the stringing herself up stage or you are back to square one), with regular focus lessons without distraction in between so the focus word does not become a cue for a dog appearing.

Be prepared for this to take some time, it took nearly hr whole life to get like this and it won't fix overnight.

Margaret N-J

Thanks Margaret i will try this!!

Pharaoh behaved in a very similar fashion.  At first I wondered if he had weak nerves.  But, it was easy to see that he approached all sorts of new situations quite boldly.

He had play dattes where friends brought their dogs over and played in my house and the yard.  He showed excellent socialization skills with the other dogs.

One day I took him to the local dog park.  He had the time of his life and fit in quite well with the other dogs.  No rearing and no yodeling.  He is extremely popular with even the little dogs.

I have come to realize that he is very dominant and pig headed about certain issues.  He DESPERATELY wants to socialize with other dogs.  He is also a bit high strung.

He is about 95% good boy in the house.  He is 16 months old now and maturing rapidly  -  Thank God!

He has been to some Schutzhund training and that seemed to take the edge off and make him way more relaxed.

Good Luck,

Michele

Hi Milly,

Just follow what Margaret recommended , she has put  it well.

If I may add  , please ensure you are beside your dog , encouraging the correct behaviour.
Your repremanding must also be effective.

If your trainer could not get her to stop barking at the other dogs, you didn't have much of a trainer. A good dog trainer IS a behaviorist. Keep looking for someone qualified who can help you.