Clicker training for jealousy and aggression?

miranadobe

Watch the videos - none of them are about using any tool to train the dogs. They're about using the obedience (however it's accomplished) to resolve potential energy issues at the dog park.

As I said, the classes are not about teaching obedience - they're about teaching you how to manage your dog's energy in the park.

 

I think the point that some of our other posters were trying to make is that if you have to extensively manage a dog at the dog park, it could be that the dog simply isn't comfortable in that environment.  I thought that video was pretty sad.  A dog is at the dog park to have fun, and that dog didn't seem like he was having any.

right, and if dog and owner are not enjoying themselves - why bother going at all? I do not take my dogs places that stress them out, and excite them to a point beyond manageability. We go to hiking trails instead - where they can scope out wildlife, and check out all the great smells. That seems to wear them out more than running at a park ever did!

Incidentally, I take food and a clicker and exciting toys to the dog park every time we go (several times a week). It can work fine as long as you are sensible about it and are prepared to have dogs come and blow your training sessions. The cool toys stay in the car if it's busy, and stay in my bag when certain dogs are around. I went to a fair bit of trouble exposing my dogs thoughtfully and carefully to dog park craziness from an early age and they know what they're doing out there. However, it makes me sad when people get an anxious dog from the shelter and bring it down to the dog park at the busiest time and then expect them to just get used to it. At least the OP is talking about handling it with positive methods! Too often I see dog growl - gets yelled at. Just yesterday I saw someone roll and pin some sort of oodle that was easily the size of a Golden Retriever. Whaaat? It yelped and kicked him in the mouth for his troubles. I was starting to think no one much alpha rolled anymore... Sad. Anyway, dogs can come around. Just because they don't like it now doesn't mean they will never like it. One of Erik's best pals at the dog park is this nutty little fluffy thing that came from the shelter and hated the dog park to begin with. He miraculously got over it and LOVES it now. He's still a bit scared of strange people, but he obviously loves to rumble and will do so with any canine willing. Even my big, lumbering Lapphund knocking him over doesn't bother him. It's beautiful to see, and makes me think that it's worth a try with any dog. I think you just have to be brutally honest with yourself at all times and be prepared to accept that he might never like the park. That's fine. Dogs don't have to like it to be happy dogs.

I went to a fair bit of trouble exposing my dogs thoughtfully and carefully to dog park craziness from an early age and they know what they're doing out there. However, it makes me sad when people get an anxious dog from the shelter and bring it down to the dog park at the busiest time and then expect them to just get used to it.

I agree that it's sad to see people forcing shy or anxious dogs into situations that they are ill prepared to handle.  Some dogs never like large groups of dogs, but often they can really enjoy the company of one or two doggy pals.  Others prefer to be in the company of humans and not dogs.  While it's sad to think that they've "lost their culture," it's also sad that the one being they look to for companionship and help puts them into situations that are so stressful, in an effort to "help" them.  Still other dogs do eventually feel comfortable at the park after an initial angst at being at a party and not knowing any of the party goers.  But, honestly, isn't it OK to find activities that the *dog* can enjoy as much as the human does?