Our First Week of Work - Gunny Boot Camp!
Where do I start after Gunny's meltdown? What are his main issues??? Thinking back to last year when we were preparing for the GSD National Speciality, I realized that Gunny and i spent a lot of time working on his basic behavior, especially around dogs. Also, Daisy Mae was showing alot, and he was at agility trials almost every weekend. I realized that we have not been to an agility since Thanksgiving weekend, as Daisy Mae has only trialed twice in Santa Rosa since then...and Gunny and Pirouette were left home as it was a local trial. So, it was almost like starting over.
Monday and Tuesday we went to Western Farm Center to work around people and dogs. Gunny did very well with no growling or undue interest in the other dogs. So off we went to Rincon Valley Community Park. We worked around the outside only, as their were lots of dogs and people walking. He was really interested in some of the dogs, so we kept good distance. This was my first time working with the clicker. It was not a strong enough signal for him, even with high value treats.
On Wednesday we went to Howarth Park and went up on the trails. This time were worked on "look At That" followed by a turn-away and reward. He picked up on that right away. I also utilized the turn-away while dogs passed us. He had one minor upset, but the approaching dog was growling at him...the good news was that he came back down very quickly...I call that a success!
Friday, February 3, 2017
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Meltdown!
Last Sunday I took Gunny to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds during an agility trial, for exposure. The last trial we were at was at WAG in Elk Grove for Thanksgiving weekend. If I want to match or trial him, he needs to be at least somewhat comfortable and able to focus. We did not park where we normally do...we parked on the hill across from the building. When we came around the side of our van, the van in front of us was open in back...and we were immediately assailed with 3 or 4 barking snarling dogs who hit the front of their crates (even though we were not close to the van)...and Gunny freaked...leaping and growling. I couldn't say that I blamed him...it really startled me too!
We finally got by the van, though Gunny was on his tiptoes after that. We went into the building, and I took Gunny up by the ring fence to gain some space. He was between me and the fence when some one's dog came up behind him and he erupted, barking and snarling. From that time forward He was growly with everyone we met. We could not find a clear spot to be where there were not dogs all around us. I finally maneuvered him back to the van. And I tried to think...
What just happened and why? Finally I came up with some reasons...
First, we did not park in our "usual place", in the barn away from the ring. Normally, we go for a walk when first arrive, and Gunny is never confronted with barking dogs when he gets out of the car. After we go for a brisk walk we go into the building under control. Sometimes he goes directly to his crate and sometimes we walk through the building. We are able to find room and he has no issues. This time there was no room...and no place to go around.
We work very hard on his behavior around other dogs, having been to Western Farm Center the day before, with no problem. We walked by other dogs and he looked at them with no growling or barking. But obviously we have a problem. the last time I saw this extreme behavior was 7 months ago at GSD nationals, the first day we went into the obedience building and their were dogs everywhere! We did more work the next day and he was fine. But I had to admit that this was scary!
And I wondered...should I be thinking of putting him to sleep...and I cried.
Last Sunday I took Gunny to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds during an agility trial, for exposure. The last trial we were at was at WAG in Elk Grove for Thanksgiving weekend. If I want to match or trial him, he needs to be at least somewhat comfortable and able to focus. We did not park where we normally do...we parked on the hill across from the building. When we came around the side of our van, the van in front of us was open in back...and we were immediately assailed with 3 or 4 barking snarling dogs who hit the front of their crates (even though we were not close to the van)...and Gunny freaked...leaping and growling. I couldn't say that I blamed him...it really startled me too!
We finally got by the van, though Gunny was on his tiptoes after that. We went into the building, and I took Gunny up by the ring fence to gain some space. He was between me and the fence when some one's dog came up behind him and he erupted, barking and snarling. From that time forward He was growly with everyone we met. We could not find a clear spot to be where there were not dogs all around us. I finally maneuvered him back to the van. And I tried to think...
What just happened and why? Finally I came up with some reasons...
First, we did not park in our "usual place", in the barn away from the ring. Normally, we go for a walk when first arrive, and Gunny is never confronted with barking dogs when he gets out of the car. After we go for a brisk walk we go into the building under control. Sometimes he goes directly to his crate and sometimes we walk through the building. We are able to find room and he has no issues. This time there was no room...and no place to go around.
We work very hard on his behavior around other dogs, having been to Western Farm Center the day before, with no problem. We walked by other dogs and he looked at them with no growling or barking. But obviously we have a problem. the last time I saw this extreme behavior was 7 months ago at GSD nationals, the first day we went into the obedience building and their were dogs everywhere! We did more work the next day and he was fine. But I had to admit that this was scary!
And I wondered...should I be thinking of putting him to sleep...and I cried.
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