poppy on the left with Jasper
Jasper and Poppy are Beardie/German Shepherd mixes.
They look entirely different though, and their personalities are completely different too. Poppy is dark and largely Shepherd, and Jasper is pale and much more like a Beardie to look at.
Poppy is just eight months old, and Jasper is eleven years old.
Jasper always was extremely laid back – or was until Poppy arrived. He takes most things in his stride – or did until recently. Poppy is much more highly strung and generally a bit skittish. She is scared of new people coming to her house, and scared of people when out.
Walks are becoming a big problem because Jasper has developed aggression to other dogs.
He used to be fine, but this started a couple of years ago. It may be because he was attacked, or even perhaps because he’s a bit older now and may feel a little vulnerable.
He has become very protective of Poppy, and trouble can start if she goes to see another dog.
Out on walks he tends to initiate the barking, and Poppy joins in. Her hackles rise and she is scared. Their lady owner is slight in build and the joint weight of the two dogs pulling and lunging is more than her own.
Reactivity to other dogs on walks
So, it’s the same old problem. Reactivity to other dogs out on walks and to some people also. So many dogs I go to are fine in the dog training class, but totally different out in the real world. Traditional training doesn’t always address the problems and it needs to be approached in a completely different way – without the use of correction or force, but calm positive techniques.
Getting the cake right
Both dogs are very well trained in ‘obedience’ and Poppy still goes to classes. What they need is something a bit more basic. I describe obedience training as the icing on the cake. You need to get the cake right.
Both Jasper and Poppy need a bit more faith in their owners who are already doing most of the right things. They need a few extra tricks up their sleeves and for each member of the family to be behaving in the same way – drinking from the same water bowl!
