Scaredy Dog

[linsey]

Hi there,

I have been bringing Leon to the classes for about 4 weeks now - I started bringing him with the intention of trying to control his dominance aggression (we are starting to see an improvement now) but also because I am trying to socialise him with other dogs - as you have probably seen, he isn't the bravest of dogs in the outside world.

We tried to socialise him from an early age, with walks, loud noises, puppy classes etc, but I don't think it has worked.

As you probably saw if you were at the class last week, he was absolutely petrified when the big "dulux" dog went awol and ran over to him, even though it was a big friendly thing and wasn't threatening him, and eventually he had a bit of a lunge / snap at it - as a "last resort" I suppose. And even just walking in the circle he tends to slink with shoulders hunched and tail down.

I am unsure what to do about this behaviour - for example, last week I didn't want to make too much of a fuss over him once i got him out of the stramash - I am trying to get him to feel that other dogs coming up to him is not a big deal. He seems to feel otherwise though!

It can be a bit frustrating when we are walking him as he is scared of everything: kids, prams, bikes, traffic cones, other dogs, carrier bags... you name it! (But not cats or swans, which he will try to go up to - He lacks any sense of REAL danger!!!)

Apart from bringing him to the classes, I don't really know what else to do, as all the other dogs i know are a bit too boisterous, and I don't want to put him in a situation like last week, where we shatter the little bit of confidence he has!

Help!

[Deborah Hamilton]

Hi Lynsey,
The secret is that you must persevere with Leon. Try to socialise him as much as possible. Johns tip to us was to stand outside Tesco or anywhere busy with them and try to get as many people as possible to approach you both. Leon looking like that he won't have any problems!

Try to go round Broadwood loch with him too if you can because that can get quite busy with dogs and their owners.

Good luck

[marcella]

Debbie is absolutely right there. Get Leon out and about as much as you can. Rather than quiet walks, take him up Kirkie main street next time you visit your parents.. Anywhere where there's lots of people, cars, noise, children ...... all of it. It's the best thing for him, he may be a little apprehensive at first but he'll soon relax.
Tesco was always (and still is) our usual haunt with the dogs. They just lie down and ignore everyone round there now, they only get excited when they see me walk back out of the shop toward them

[Sheryl]

Lynsey,
Is he like that off the lead as well or is it just while hes on it?
The reason I ask is because our dogs love going down the park and love being around other dogs while there off the lead but as soon as there back on it they start snarling etc. And Eleanor said to the reason there like that is because it about Flee or fight!! Which doesn't make it any better but lets us understand!
Just wondered if it was the same thing?!
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Kindest Regards,
PRINCESS Sheryl, Keano and Coby.

[linsey]

Hi guys

Regarding the lead thing - it seems to depend...

I do let him off the lead but it isnt always a fun experience - usually he will come back, but sometimes he gets really carried away and totally ignores all commands!

For example, we had him down at the loch a few weeks ago and he saw a boy running with his dog and decided to run after them, and we could not get him to stop / come back.

So he pursued the boy and dog down the hill and from my vantage point I saw another dog which was off the lead. As soon as Leon spotted it to stopped in his tracks - the dog went to sniff him and he was pulling away, tail down, then he just turned round and bolted up the hill back to us.

Another time he flew a bit close to the wind when we were at my friends farm and he decided to investigate the goose...!

I don't know if that makes it any clearer?

I always worry though that if he is off the lead and gets scared of another dog that he might bolt, so we do try to keep him off the lead in enclosed areas only.

L

[Sheryl]

I don't know sorry! Was just a pause for thought moment!
Looks like we'll be back a class next week eh? Let the training commence!
On the up side though at least he didn't go for the other dog when the other dog was just having a sniff.
I dont know how we trained the boys to come back, but to be honest its the only thing they can do! lol
What about getting him one of those leads that John uses in class training lead or something(better asking John or someone I dont know what there called!) Sorry!
x
_________________
Kindest Regards,
PRINCESS Sheryl, Keano and Coby.

[Deborah Hamilton]

Hi Lynsey,

We feel exactly the same with Mishka as far as the lead.

We took her to Cumbernauld field at the weekend and let her off succesfully for the first time since she was really young she is 14 months now. It was nerve wracking to say the least because she got out the garden one night and totally ignored all my commands. She got to the top of the estate, saw a dog and ran across to play but ran in front of a car. BIG VET BILLS! But we still have her thankfully.

There weren't any people or dogs around on Sunday.

I don't mind meeting up with you to let them both off the lead and see what happens (obviously somewhere safe)

This would let us guage if they will answer our commands.(or not)

[shirley c]

Good tips really, what everyone is saying. There are a few dogs in the later classes 1 comes to mind, Toby, he was like that too and clinging to the walls of the class and now he come in really confident and talks to everyone

[John Thomson]

Linsey,

have a read at the pack order links, Leon will be more confident if he believes you are a strong leader who is always in control of any situation he may face.

I'm sure he will enjoy coming to the club as time goes on.

John

[linsey]

I am trying my best... I have to say we are starting to see a difference in his behavior in the house... I think he is beginning to accept I am the boss...

Unfortunately I am struggling to keep my parents under control when Leon is with him - they let him on the beds on the couch etc and I worry that it might undermine what i am doing! What can a girl do, eh?!

We did get a training lead for Leon, but you've seen the size of him - after about 5 mins he is exhausted dragging the hue length of lead about!!!

My dad and I walked him through the nature park at Rosebank in Kirkie on Saturday and he was actually quite good, but i always feel I am watching like a hawk in case there is another dog coming, or something that might catch his eye!!!

Must persevere!!!

[John Thomson]

Hi,
parents and family can reek havoc when you are trying to establish rank............aw awe bit of spoiling won't do any harm....it's only a treat etc........I've heard it all.
Stick to your guns...tell them it's your dog and your rules!

John
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John Thomson
www.cumbernaulddogtraining.co.uk