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Patricia McConnell's book, "The Cautious Canine" Amazon.com: The Cautious Canine: Patricia B. McConnell: Books has some great advice for dealing with fearful and shy dogs. You do need to address this behavior, because fearful/shy dogs can become fear aggressive.
A martingale collar is a limited slip collar. It will tighten but not choke your dog. Here's how to use one: How a Martingale Collar Works.
Remember, reward your dog when you get the behavior you want and ignore the behavior you don't want. Using a clicker is a good idea. Don't punish. If you already have a fearful dog, using any type of force will only make the dog more fearful.
why dont u pit him on a leash at the park at get him kinda close to people and give him treats and slowly close in the distance between you and people(slowly can mean months!!!). you might consider positive dog training or shaping to fix this.
This could turn into a bite situation if he feels that threatened by people. plus people are fun and should be awesome to be around
When you take your dog out for a walk take along a bunch of treats. If your dog will eat veggies, take some baby carrots that are cut into smaller pieces.
Have all the new folks you meet give treats to your dog as they pet him/her.
For the pulling either the martingale or a prong collar. You can fine a martingale that has a release clip on it. Most martingales have to be loosened or tightened when you put it on/take it off.
The prong collar is a humane training collar. It may look medevial but fitted and used properly it will not harm your dog. www.leerburg.com has info on the fitting and use of the prong collar.
I have used a prong on all my dogs in the beginning of their obedience training.
Go to www.akc.org or www.ukcdogs.com. Search the club listings for an obedience training club in your area. The clubs are listed under the "dog events" tab on the UKC website.
He definately needs to be socialized. I would take him to a park during the week, when it is a little quiet before working him up to big crowds and many other dogs. Maybe take him for a little jog also and let him burn some energy too! Show alot of confidence when socializing him and keep treats in your pocket and praise him for silly little things when around people. Remember a dog feeds off your personality. If you are scared he will sense it and react in that way. I have a friend whose dog barks at everyone and she says it will bite people kill everything. Well she made her dog like this. She feels this way about herself. She is scared in her neighborhood so she has made the dog scared and the dog is always ready to attack anything just like her! She does not understand that a dog needs constant socialization and needs to feel secure with its owner!
I would like to suggest another book called "The Dog Whisperer: A compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training" by Paul Owens. Part III deals with problem behaviors and may give you some help with your current situation.
Viralmd is right that there is a way to desensitize your dog but it takes time and consistency as all training does. I also agree with using clicker training to help your dog learn what you want. A dog such as yours that sounds like he has little confidence and doesn't need a harsh hand or harsh training techniques (no dog does). That's a good way to unintentionally train him in the wrong direction.
I would also suggest that you make sure your dog gets regular exersize - meaning good brisk walks, if you run and your dog is in shape, all the better. A tired dog is a happy dog as they say.
I would also check your behavior because dogs are sensitive and we can send them messages we aren't even aware of. Do you become anxious when your dog is around new people because you are worried about how he will react? If you do you can bet he's picking up on your fear and that is making him more nervous. Our emotions transfer down the leash, so it's best to be calm when ever you are with your dog so he can benefit from your calming influence.
The more you expose your dog to new situations the more opportunities he has to learn that he will be safe and doesn't have to respond defensively. I would suggest baby steps in these situations. Find friends who like dogs, are comfortable around them, and are willing to help you expose your dog to new people. I would also suggest finding a trainer and taking your dog to training. It will build his confidence and yours as well as reinforce your relationship by building trust.
He can improve you just have to be committed and consistent. I would also recommend using the Premier collar shown above rather than a choke collar, the trainers I know consider them dangerous. There is a martingale harness for dogs that works like a martingale harness on a horse by pulling the shoulders together when the dog pulls making them unable to move forward.
We actually have a harness like the one in the picture and it does work, but when he's not on it, he pulls like crazy. We just wanted him to actually be trained not to pull so we don't have to mess with the harness everytime he has to go to the bathroom.
We went to Petsmart last night to get a clicker to start training, and found out that they have training there. It's a drive from where we are, but we are trying to figure out our schedules now, so that we can hopefully get him into an 8 week class. It costs $109. Is that a good deal? The lady there said that they do basic training and socialization as well, even for older dogs that are shy, so it sounded good.
We actually have a harness like the one in the picture and it does work, but when he's not on it, he pulls like crazy. We just wanted him to actually be trained not to pull so we don't have to mess with the harness everytime he has to go to the bathroom.
We went to Petsmart last night to get a clicker to start training, and found out that they have training there. It's a drive from where we are, but we are trying to figure out our schedules now, so that we can hopefully get him into an 8 week class. It costs $109. Is that a good deal? The lady there said that they do basic training and socialization as well, even for older dogs that are shy, so it sounded good.
We actually have a harness like the one in the picture and it does work, but when he's not on it, he pulls like crazy. We just wanted him to actually be trained not to pull so we don't have to mess with the harness everytime he has to go to the bathroom.
We went to Petsmart last night to get a clicker to start training, and found out that they have training there. It's a drive from where we are, but we are trying to figure out our schedules now, so that we can hopefully get him into an 8 week class. It costs $109. Is that a good deal? The lady there said that they do basic training and socialization as well, even for older dogs that are shy, so it sounded good.
I don't know...
It will differ from individual, but I didn't get a good feeling from the instructors in my area.
Mike I'm with you - I don't like the fast food approach to dog training that seems to happen in these PetSmart classes. When a dog has behavior problems it's important to work with qualified trainers who have experience handling the behavior problems you seek to address.
My sister's husband signed up their lab puppy for training at PetSmart without telling her and she agreed to go to the classes and see what they were like. The instructor was teaching a sit and when their dog wouldn't respond fast enough came over to demonstrate/teach how to correct a dog and make them sit. My sister said the instructor used quite a bit of force to push down their pups hind end and yanked the leash up to prevent him from lying down. Their poor dog was traumatized (happy go lucky lab never man handled) and they left the class right then (after having a few words with the instructor) and never went back.
I would suggest observing some of the classes to see if you are comfortable with what the instructor is teaching and how they are handling the dogs. Don't be afraid to interview the instructor prior to signing up for a class. I would suggest asking for their experience and credentials. Tell them about the problems you are having and ask them what approach they will take with you and your dog. If you don't like what you hear and see don't sign up for the class.
I am sure there are some good trainers for you to work with. As for the price you mentioned, it seems fair.
You may want to check with the park district or your local shelter or humane society, they may be able to recommend a trainer who uses positive training methods who has experience working with behavioral issues. Good luck!
Last edited by Calidreemer; 08-12-2008 at 03:58 PM..
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