Excessive whining at other dogs

[Chinchi]

this is why I start with GL
http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2010/09/head-halters-vs-a-flat-buckle-collar/

I've been having a long, hard think and this may just be the approach for Darla. I will have a go at following what the article says, about turning her head towards me, showing her what I expect of her. It's highly likely she just hasn't a clue what I expect from her in high distraction areas. I will also bring out something yummy for her for reinforcement (she is generally a lot calmer on the GL so she may be interested).

I was reluctant at first to use the GL as I thought it forced the dog to do what you want and not teach it. But obviously it can be used as a fantastic training tool to calm them down enough so they have a chance to listen and learn from you, thus removing the need for a GL when they know what is expected of them.

Thanks very much all for the flash of insight, I will keep you updated on our progress!

 

[Chinchi]

Well I tried turning her head towards me when she started getting excited about another dog in the street. She just turned her whole body around so she could see the dog again. I think she's too clever for her own good!

We also started obedience classes yesterday. She spent the entire hour whining and howling to get to the other dogs. The trainer just ignored the noise, so I guess that's what I'm supposed to do or should I correct her? Not that I think she would listen to me when she's that hyper. I think it's a good move for us though, and there are only three other dogs in the class so it's a nice size. She was better at her commands than I expected, perhaps because all the other dogs were doing their commands. I just really need to work hard between each class to polish what I'm shown. But it will be worth it, she's worth it and I want her to be a really happy, calm and confident dog.

I have also decided to stop taking her to puppy socialising groups as I think she now sees every dog as fair game to play and do what she likes. I deeply regret taking her for so long if that's what it has taught her.

 

[SheltieChe]

You are not alone. Many people go through the same challenge. First class is often hardest. See if you can distance yourself, sometimes moving behind some barrier helps. If you have a behavior of going to the mat you can bring your dog's bed and massage her with slow calming strokes. Learning to read your dog when she is still with you and when she is about to "check out" is a good skill to have on board. Small steps.
Few tips re GL- it needs to be taught slowly, short periods of games, let her wear it when you play, when you tug, when she has a meal, make it exciting event. Then start with short trips to outdoor, lots of rewards. Once you ready to conquer the world, put your hand on the leash like a baseball bat, usually R thumb into leash loop and L hand around the leash, once you see a distraction and dog reacts to it- slide L hand down the leash until you under dog chin holding that clip. Then gently turn her face towards you and walk 6 feet backwards, stop and see what your dog choice is- is she still twisting/ looking toward distraction? move another 6 feet away from distraction- can she do what you ask? sit? down? whatever you ask, reward and have a party.
When working with distractions it is always Distance, Duration and Intensity you have to juggle. They are your friends. And this work usually starts at home at very low distraction area. Can you sit here? Can you down here? ohh, but if I put your favorite toy on the floor- can you sit now? What about if I put chunk of cheese? Can you still sit when I run around and scream?
Once you build good bank account of good choices for what you want at home, back yard etc asking dog to ignore distraction in high areas becomes easy choice for a dog.

 

[dblock]

I tried putting one of those on Beau to prevent him from pulling me. I had the store people help me put it on him and Beau wasn't having any part of it. He pulled it right off. And then just looked up ever so innocently at me. like what are you going to do for your next trick mommy

 

[SheltieChe]

I tried putting one of those on Beau to prevent him from pulling me. I had the store people help me put it on him and Beau wasn't having any part of it. He pulled it right off. And then just looked up ever so innocently at me. like what are you going to do for your next trick mommy

some dogs are far too sensitive around their muzzle or far too smart for their owners and train them well
you might need to start very slowly just by touching Gl to the body and rewarding, then touching to different places of the face and rewarding etc. Splitting task into small parts and setting up dog for success is a part of the game.
Oh yeah, I rarely rely on store people like box Petco etc to help me with equipment.

 

[Lysette85]

some dogs are far too sensitive around their muzzle or far too smart for their owners and train them well
you might need to start very slowly just by touching Gl to the body and rewarding, then touching to different places of the face and rewarding etc. Splitting task into small parts and setting up dog for success is a part of the game.
Oh yeah, I rarely rely on store people like box Petco etc to help me with equipment.

The only criteria you need to work at a place like Petco is that you know how to work a cash register. It's minimum wage-no associate there is an expert on training. I hate too see them constantly handing out devices that people need proper training to use (e collars, prong collars, chokes, etc).

 

[Chinchi]

Well, it's been a few weeks now with 3 obedience classes under our belt. And I must say Darla has improved massively!

I no longer need to use the halti on her, she will still run a little ahead but when I call her back she comes to my side and gets a treat and walks well again, till the next time. Point is though there is a huge improvement! Very often on our way home she is so tired from the run and all the tricks I practice with her on our walks that she walks calmly next to me.

With regard to other dogs.. She still gets excited but the whining is pretty much non existent. As soon as I see another dog in the distance I call her to me, get her to sit and stay and she does that very well. It's only when the dog gets very close she breaks her sit and stay. I just make the distance again and do the sit and stay till she is calm enough to say hello. I've noticed she looks at me a lot more now when we are out and the mental stimulation on the walks really tires her out.

I am so proud of her and I know we still have a long way to go, but to see such an improvement is so encouraging.

Will she also chill out more with other dogs as she gets older or will this be an ongoing training schedule for her to teach her to be calm and patient? I only ask as I was informed by my dog trainer that she doesn't appear to be 'your typical sheltie'. She's very confident with strangers and strange dogs.