Reactivity to other dogs.
Posted: 15 Jan 2023, 09:36
Morning everyone.
I’m Paul and I am new to the forum. I bought a 12 week old puppy last July after losing my last mini in December 21. It was a snap decision. She’s absolutely adorable. She was potty trained almost as soon as I got her. She’s good as gold in the house. But from day one her reaction to other people and dogs hasn’t been great. Well her reaction to anything she can’t work out. Even the Netflix symbol appearing on the tv provoked an outburst. And the vacuum cleaner too but in fairness we have got past that. I bought her off a breeder and he’s not been great. I think he’s failed to socialise her properly and also I think there could be genetics at play here. Anyway we Ah e been going out and about. We met a dog Walker who she now goes out with once a week and that’s improved her confidence. But her barking at other dogs can be stressful for both of us. I am remaining calm. Explaining things to her and we are Making slow improvements. I had a virtual session with a behaviourist. That was useless really. The dog Walker said she’s a very timid dog and we need to build her confidence. I agree. But people have also said that her reaction to other dogs seems like that of one that’s been attacked by another dog. Any advice would be appreciated. I believe in love for the dog and respect and positive reinforcement. I’m not into this whole pack leader alpha male business and training based on fear. I obviously would like a little more control over her but one that’s based on trust. I can see similar people have similar issues and I know the breed and I also know each dog is different. Once she gets a little older I am going to try and get her into agility as she really likes jumping around on rocks and is eager to please.
I’m Paul and I am new to the forum. I bought a 12 week old puppy last July after losing my last mini in December 21. It was a snap decision. She’s absolutely adorable. She was potty trained almost as soon as I got her. She’s good as gold in the house. But from day one her reaction to other people and dogs hasn’t been great. Well her reaction to anything she can’t work out. Even the Netflix symbol appearing on the tv provoked an outburst. And the vacuum cleaner too but in fairness we have got past that. I bought her off a breeder and he’s not been great. I think he’s failed to socialise her properly and also I think there could be genetics at play here. Anyway we Ah e been going out and about. We met a dog Walker who she now goes out with once a week and that’s improved her confidence. But her barking at other dogs can be stressful for both of us. I am remaining calm. Explaining things to her and we are Making slow improvements. I had a virtual session with a behaviourist. That was useless really. The dog Walker said she’s a very timid dog and we need to build her confidence. I agree. But people have also said that her reaction to other dogs seems like that of one that’s been attacked by another dog. Any advice would be appreciated. I believe in love for the dog and respect and positive reinforcement. I’m not into this whole pack leader alpha male business and training based on fear. I obviously would like a little more control over her but one that’s based on trust. I can see similar people have similar issues and I know the breed and I also know each dog is different. Once she gets a little older I am going to try and get her into agility as she really likes jumping around on rocks and is eager to please.