Two main things are going on here which they need to change. One is the window-watching. The other is the ‘flooding’ – the forcing her to confront the things that overwhelm her.
Why would their affectionate dog bark when left alone and lunge at other dogs on walks?
Feeling insecure is at the root of little Jasper’s problems.
Outside, he barks and lunges at other dogs, rearing up on his hind legs with all his tiny weight.
When left alone, he cries and barks. It has got so bad the lady, who lives in a flat, even wondered whether she could keep him.
She has had the dear little Yorkie for six months now. His first owner had died, he ended up in a pound and then he spent time in a rescue before coming to the lovely home he now has. It’s little wonder he feels insecure. (more…)
He needs more enrichment and brain work, less excitement and being told off. It’s unfair to stir him up (something teenage boys are naturally good at!) and then to get cross when he becomes over-excited
Does distraction help a dog cope with other dogs — or does he need something different?
Distraction is helpful if the dog is taken by surprise. Distraction however doesn’t help him to cope with the appearance of another dog.
Oaky is a sensitive little Border Terrier. He has lived with the lady for a couple of years and not too much is known about his past. A perfect dog in his loving home, the lady isn’t enjoying her walks with him due to his barking and pulling towards any other dog he sees.
Oaky wears a half-check collar. The lady pulls him to the side and holds onto him tightly as the dog passes. She may say ‘Watch Me’ as a distraction. She admits to feeling both anxious and embarrassed; he will doubtless feel this down the lead to his sensitive neck. (more…)
The ultimate aim is for him to be less reactive to dogs when out. Is it excitement? Is it anxiety? Does he want to play? Is it a mix of emotions? He has never learnt appropriate dog manners and his brain is so full of excitement he loses control of himself.
There are two aims to achieve with little Cavachon, Milo. One is for him to be more tolerant of dogs coming near him. The other is to ensure that no other person coming to the door is bitten by him.
Why would a nervous dog react more to other dogs near home than further away? The story of Indie, a nervous dog I met yesterday, is a very common one. Her behaviour illustrates my belief that reactivity due to fearfulness out on walks has roots at home too. Concentrating solely Read more
Why does a dog react differently depending on which family member is walking him? The importance of consistency. I sat with the family – parents with late-teens son and daughter – and their dear little Tibetan Terrier, Archie. My first question was, as always, ‘What would you like to achieve from Read more
Two absolutely adorable little dogs! Shih Tzu Coco on the left, now seventeen months, has been with the lady from five months old. Titch, a Yorkie cross, she has had for four weeks. He is two years old. They are friendly little dogs, very good with all people. Titch is Read more
Look at this for a face! Hector is an eight month old Miniature Schnauzer who looks like a teddy bear. He is a remarkably calm pup most of the time. He is intelligent and biddable. He has been given sensible boundaries from the start, but is now quietly testing them Read more