Dog training fun

Reactive dog on leash

Tip from dogmama on germanshepherds.com

I went to a "reactive dog class" (we're SOOO politically correct!) because Zack was exactly like that on leash. Here is what I was taught - and it works.

I needed to let Zack know that seeing another dog was a GOOD THING. So, we started, very slowly walking by yards & houses where I knew Zack wouldn't react - he might look, but he wouldn't lunge & bark. As we got close, I'd say, "I see a dog! You get a cookie!" and give him a little treat. Quickly, he learned that the scent of a dog = food. When he made that connection, he only got the treat if he looked at me. His focus needed to be on me.

Slowly, we progressed to walking by (not close - across the street) nicer dogs. Same, drill, "I see a dog, you get a cookie." The trick was, I needed to see the dog first so that his adrenaline wouldn't get pumped up. Even if I missed, we'd play the cookie game if he didn't get adrenalized by seeing the dog.

Now, if we see a dog on leash, he snapped his head to look at me. Dogs are good! Hooray!

Off leash dogs are another story. If its obvious he won't be bothered by the off leash dog, I do the cookie routine. If, however, he reacts no cookie and I ignore the behavior as we walk by. It's funny because when the "danger" has passed, he'll look at me like, "well? I wasn't THAT bad was I?"

Sometimes it's hard to not laugh out loud with these guys!

I don't have to give him cookies all the time anymore. I DO reward good behavior if the strange dog is staring at him or otherwise being a jerk. If I can see that I'm approaching a "jerky dog" - generally any breed that ends with "...oodle" - I'll do the cookie routine. But, it isn't constant feed, feed, feed anymore. It's one cookie for looking at me, one cookie as we pass & maybe a cookie afterwards just for good behavior.

For future dog owners

• Inform yourself about what it will take for you and other members of your household to take on a dog.
• Decide what type of dog is right for you and your family.
• And once you say yes to adopting the animal, stick with it.
• Establish yourself to be the leader in your team/pack, use discipline and boundaries from the beginning. Be consistent all the time.

Then have patience, spend time, much time, observe, get to know this being now living with you. 
Most of all, have, build and feel trust and respect for your dog. Discover what kind of training works best for your new companion. Have patience. Observe, sense, feel the energies involved. Find out the proper cuddle times, get her/him to relax and enjoy your hands on the body. Give guidance, correct instantly - stay calm - surrounding emotional and energetic states will get picked up and acted out by your dog. Find many ways to socialize him/her. Find out what works best for them in training. Respect them and their intelligence.
No pity or sentimentality. No rewarding unwanted behavior. 

• Feed them good food, the healthiest you can offer
• Take care of their medical needs
• Walk with them, take them places.
• Channel excess energy or go slow, reassure with the tone of your voice.
• Allow them to do dog things, allow them to be dog-happy.
• Open your heart, be amazed, touched, surprised and allow the delight and joy.
• Get help promptly if needed

And then:  - spend more time - and take lots of pictures.