Epic goes to a new school

[seashel]

As you probably know, Epic has fear issues around other dogs since being attacked and this is particuarly true with big dogs.

Our dog club is closed for the winter but I felt Epic shouldn't go this long without attending classes with other dogs so we are going to a friend's training club in town. This is in a lot smaller hall than ours and all the dogs are labrador size or bigger apart from Epic and a Staffordshire bitch. This is a real challenge for him but I think he can handle it now - two months ago I wouldn't have tried but he has come a long way.

Tonight was our second session and I was very pleased. He is still out of his comfort zone but we were able to circle with the other dogs and actually get some passable heelwork. The high point though was getting Epic to do an off lead recall. The recall itself has never been an issue at all but we have always struggled with getting a wait due to lack of confidence. But tonight Epic did several small recalls with a good wait and present. It was only a few steps but in a strange hall surrounded by large dogs it was a huge step forward.

I was as pleased with Epic's puppy recall tonight as I've been with an A recall in competition because it marks as much of an achievement. I have noticed that when he's working he usually can forget his fears so that is a cause for hope. He was able to sit on the low stage behind so he was with the other dogs but not in a position where he felt threatened and he coped very well (even when the Labrador pinched some of his treats!!)

It's a long haul getting back his confidence and realistically I don't think he'll ever be able to happy interact with strange dogs but I will be happy if he can simply ignore them and we are definitly making progress in that direction.

[Calliesmom]

good job Epic
that's a great idea to keep training and somewhere different....

[2GoodDogs]

That's wonderful that you are "branching out" as the more places you two can practice your skills the more he will understand and generalize them!

Training is wonderful for confidence, for both of you!
(or it works that way for me and mine...)

[Tagg]

Great job Epic. I hope that this is the start of a trend toward renewed confidence.

[Toffee's Mom]

yayy, good work Epic!
It sounds like such a good idea to work in different venues, etc.
ANd yeah when working they can overcome a lot, can't they?
Nice to hear he's getting better and better and working through the setbacks!

[seashel]

Yes I'm really pleased with him that he shown this amount of improvment. When he is in the company of other dogs he is not exactly relaxed but doesn't react unless they actually get in his face, but we still have issues with dogs that suddenly appear such as when out on walks, even if they're a long way away. It's similar with Yogi who is fine at shows and training but reacts to any dog he meets when out. We'll get there though.

[corbinam]

I agree with the others--great idea to get him out and keep him working. I'm happy to hear that he is showing improvement. Baby steps--he loves to please you and I know he'll continue to build confidence with your help

[seashel]

It's working out well because the trainers know Epic's issues so we are permitted to do our own thing within the parameters of the excersizes. So I only do as much as I know he is comfortable with in that situation. Although they don't use clicker training they are happy for me to use the clicker in the hall and also explained to the rest of the class what it was all about as I clicked away! I think I need to get something printed on a T-shirt as an explanation for people we pass when we are out. I often walk along the pavement clicking and probably get some very odd looks..but hey ho

[seashel]

Our third session tonight was a real sucess. I remembered to put Epic's thundershirt on which helped and there were only three other dogs so he didn't feel crowded. I was pleased to get him to do a couple of stays in line with the big boys and as that is somthing he has always found a challenge (what - no moving!!??) that was progress on a training and emotional front. He's coping better now with dogs running towards him when doing recalls etc although he's not confident enough to be on the floor yet (he's still up on the stage). We even got some bounce and tail wagging during retrieve!