One Small Step.....

    • Gold Top Dog

    One Small Step.....

    I wasn't sure where to post this but since I've discussed Sally's dog issues here before I decided this might be a good place.  I had Sally out today to socialize her a bit.  I was talking to this mother and her little boy and Sally was being a little timid but taking treats nicely and being well behaved. 

    I normally watch out for other dogs like a hawk but I didn't see this one coming.  It was a yellow lab and as soon as he saw Sally he growled.  She responded by trying to lunge forward and growl, but before she was able to complete what she was doing I got control of her, got her in front of me in a sit, and got her into a "watch me."  The other dog was even able to pass right in front of us and she kept her attention on me for the most part.  This is the best "watch me" I've gotten out of her with so many distration (strangers right next to us, another dog passing right in front of us).  Later, when we came upon the dog again (this time stopped, about 7 or 8 ft away) I decided to turn it into a training exercise.  I was standing facing her with my back to the dog, and she could easily have looked at the dog, but I was able to do "watch mes" and obedience drills and still keep her attention on me.

    It may not sound like much, but this was a big deal for us.  I have never been able to keep her focus so well in such a situation.
    • Gold Top Dog
    [sm=clapping%20hands%20smiley.gif]yippy!
     
    Thoes who have never lived with a dog like this may never understand but that is a huge step!  Congrats!
    • Gold Top Dog
    That's WONDERFUL!  Great job!  I would be ecstatic to get that kind of attention from Mason with another dog around.  We too are working on his "watch me", but so far, I can only get him to do it when we're inside.  We made great progess at our last obedience class (which was the week before Christmas).  We stood at the entry way and I fed him hotdogs for being quiet as the other doggie students went by.

    But at home, once he sees or hears another dog, forget it, it's like I don't even exist - lunging, barking like a maniac, trying to slip out of his collar, etc.

    [sm=clapping%20hands%20smiley.gif]Yay for you and Sally!
    • Gold Top Dog
    Oh that is a HUGE step, she's catching on mama! I'm starting to inccorporate the distraction technique with Rory while transffering her from the car to our yard because we have a neighborhood cat that sits on the fence and torments her. I've got to say it has worked very well and your story made my day! What kind of treats are you using? Just incase you havnt tired the freeze dried liver treats I thought I'd suggest it because the super stinky smell grabs their attention SO fast, Rory had started to slack when I was using the same boring treat over and over. They just wernt interesting to her anymore!
    But congrats, it sure feels nice huh?
    • Gold Top Dog
    Christina that's not a small step that's a victory celebration!  It doesn't sound alot to folks who have never experienced a reactive dog, but wow....for those of us that have it's an amazing, amazing thing.  I'm very proud of this accomplishment!!!
     
    YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!![:D][:D]
    • Gold Top Dog
    Yay Sally!  What a good girl. [:D]
     
    And you Christina, owe yourself a nice pat on the back.  You've obviously been spending a lot of quality time training your girl, and its paying off. [:)]
    • Gold Top Dog
    Oh, everyone is right, that is HUGE!!  Good for you!!  Good girl, Sally[:)][:)][:)]