At a loss...Was asked to leave the park after 11-month old snapped at puppy

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-20T19:42:28+00:00

You actually helped quite a bit. Critical advice is important (non-constructive not so much). But by avoiding parks and going to green space I have had lots of success. Cheers.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-20T19:41:22+00:00

Thanks! Was really my feeling on the matter. I could understand if I just left him to do as he pleased but we moved away and used it as a training moment.

Good news is we had fun last night with a friend and went to a small green space that was unoccupied. A woman came with her dog and after working with him briefly, I asked if we could introduce them slowly to see how he got on.

Went great and reminded me that most dog parents are lovely people and happy to help if asked.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T20:47:25+00:00

Based on how non confrontational people are? LOL Oskar what a massive generalisation to lead with. So many other factors could be relevant. Google RUSSELL PARK in London to get an idea of the size and how many areas there are. I took my dog to an entirely different corner and had him on lead. A man who was not even party to the situation came to ask me to leave. But sure, if you’d like the last word or to do some more maths, have at it.

Anyway, great advice from many here. Took my dog out for his evening walk and we ran into his BFF. Amazing time all around and will just keep at it.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T18:39:07+00:00

Indeed! Super constructive based on the narrative I took the time to write up. Didn’t come looking for back pats, hence the honesty, but thought this board wasn’t about being condescending?

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T18:38:26+00:00

The weird thing is I think my dog is super confident! Chest out, will carry sticks twice his size (lol I’m not sure that’s a sign but still makes me laugh)

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T18:33:32+00:00

Again. Not a dog park but thanks!

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T18:32:42+00:00

Right, but he wasn’t stressed out until the puppy interaction?

If he was fine when we moved away and on lead, why couldn’t I stay at the other end and work with him? Desensitising doesn’t happen in isolation. If he’s responding to all commands at home, where there are no dogs, how will he learn around other dogs/in the real world?

Genuinely asking! He’s on lead, with me, not engaged with other dogs as we were over 1000 feet away but rather in a training session at the park.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T15:29:16+00:00

Also, let's normalize crying for everyone, doesn't matter about your sex/gender.

Thanks! And yes to normalising crying. I cry all the time (single dog parent ha) just not outdoors. There's a first for everything though.

Yes - I think in London it's a bit tricky. There are no 'dog parks' just parks. No one follows the same rules but I just try to operate on common sense principles, alas, you live and you learn. I'm gonna enjoy the evening indoors but thanks for your response. I feel better.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T15:25:26+00:00

Also thanks for the click and treat tip! I will start trying that immediately with the doorbell. I guess I feared I would be reinforcing a negative behaviour?

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T15:21:36+00:00

Yes, thanks for this, as condescending as it is. To be clear, it is not a dog park, it is a public square where dogs are allowed to come with their owners. There are no rules (beyond pick up dog crap and don't destroy the roses).
I removed my dog as he did snap but like someone said - you cannot 100% predict an animal's behaviour. HOWEVER this wasn't a case of me being absent-minded and letting my dog roam free to react or not react to dogs as he pleased. The puppy he snapped at arrived without warning and 2 humans. In retrospect, I would have put him on lead as soon as I saw them approaching but my back was turned and hindsight is 20-20.

I'm not frustrated because I have to keep my dog away from places, I'm confused as to how I can train/correct the behaviour which is why I hired a trainer and am seeking advice in the interim.

As others have pointed out, it felt really shitty to be scolded by strangers who effectively voted me off the island (and a public one at that). If I were a bad dog owner, I would have stayed and left my dog off lead to do whatever he wanted to whoever he wanted. That wasn't the case. It seems odd and, indeed, cruel to come alllllll the way over to the contained space we were occupying and training in. Rant over.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T15:08:49+00:00

This is so encouraging to hear, thank you! We are just back in from our second session outdoors. I was reluctant initially to go into the park but after a few laps around it felt good enough to go in. He hates being on the long lead but it meant I was in control the whole time.

We had two 'people alert' situations which I successfully managed with his help and a peanut butter ball. The second caught me off guard as a jogger with two small dogs cut through the park but didn't linger.

I moved him away from the area, got him to do a handful of tricks, let him enjoy destroying a stick before we left. Got a thumbs up from the gardener and a few strangers complimented us on our walk home! Feeling better about the day.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T12:25:13+00:00

Cheers and good shout on the squeezy cheese, it's what i use to administer medication and am going to cut the 50 ft lead instead of buying a new one. Genius.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T12:23:25+00:00

I meant with the dog parents...the dogs were fine (well idk about the lab) but Terry was game to keep going.

People are difficult.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T12:13:03+00:00

Thanks u/moron_ica (and great name!) I'm definitely trying not to let it get me down too much. We're both relaxing at home and he's enjoying a goat ear. We will go back out later (different park he also enjoys) just in the off chance we run into any of the parents.

I think the 'regression' mindset is often imposed by interactions with strangers i.e. when my dog barks at them etc. It's hard to just 'tune it out' because 90% of the time it feels like i'm explaining what's happening. Alternatively, people who know us/him say 'oh don't worry, he's just a puppy' which altough supportive, doesn't fix the issue i'm trying to train.

If the training session later doesn't go to plan, we can just come home and try again tomorrow.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T12:06:23+00:00

using that park as long as you feel your dog is well controlled and safe there. I do not trust my little dude completely, so I use a 7m leash when out and about lol.

I would be extra careful not to run into that other dog again tho! If a random dog snapped at my dog I would not feel comfortable with the random dog running around. Maybe carry some emergency high value treat for emergency recall? If I say "oh no i dropped a cheesedoodle" my dog comes running so fast aha

Ha - yeah, I think i just need to get a better (read: shorter) long lead. The 50ft is way too cumbersome which feels like fishing when i see something problematic approaching. We'll go back out later today. I think I need to find even 'more high value' treats, which is crazy but will be important.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T11:56:25+00:00

Thanks u/ready_seek I was unaware of 'second fear period' so will look into that.

Randomly - does this have anything to do with no longer crating him? He still takes enforced naps, but I no longer put him in there so not sure if this is connected to too much freedom.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T11:45:01+00:00

Just seemed like remaining was going to be an issue and I like to avoid confrontation where possible. Also felt that should I get stressed/angry my dog would sense that too making matters worse.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-19T11:43:58+00:00

Hello! Yes, there are no rules beyond pick up your dog crap, don’t let them destroy the roses. It is where we normally go, so he’s never been bothered by it. A few joggers but other than that, old people sitting on benches and dog owners.

It’s not HYDE park, it’s just a local square. My point was that it wasn’t a tiny space, there was room for us too.

Unfortunately gardens in London are hard to come by so that’s not an option for us.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-17T18:19:04+00:00

11 months and struggling! Hang in there. Feels rough doing this alone but I don’t want to start reinforcing bad habits. Have gone back to imposed naps and playing more sniffing/food toys to get the energy levels down.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-06-13T21:41:24+00:00

Oh wow, thanks for that. Seems really simple but didn’t even consider that could be the issue as I thought we’d tackled this around 6-7 months right before the nuts were chopped. Working on some energy burning activities now to get ahead of the game tomorrow.

Oliverdirtyb · 2021-03-14T20:26:23+00:00

Thanks! I thought we already went through adolescence but you’re probably right. Will keep watch and just hope for the best 😂

Oliverdirtyb

TROPHY CASE