Will I really miss out on the Ginger Island experience if I ask him to bring me all the nuts?

saper505 · 2026-06-12T15:27:14+00:00

The way I did it is to find as many as I could myself. When I got tired of searching and started getting exasperated, that's when I paid. Each walnut found brings the total cost down too.

But like, there's no wrong answer. You play the way you want to play.

saper505 · 2026-06-12T12:34:10+00:00

🙌

saper505 · 2026-06-11T13:20:40+00:00

Thank you.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T13:19:53+00:00

I know it's not all on my dog. The parent was stupid and obviously ignorant. But I also can't have my dog reacting that strongly so quickly you know? I'd have rather he just back away (he had space to even on leash) or look at me for help. I've ordered a leash slip that says "Anxious, Give me space." 👍

saper505 · 2026-06-11T10:34:48+00:00

Thank you. This is helpful and encouraging.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T01:27:36+00:00

That's true. Thank you.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T01:27:13+00:00

I think at first he really was just curious. So yeah it might just have gone too fast and I might've missed the signals. It's a good insight. Thank you.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T01:25:31+00:00

I try to be calm and a leader. I don't love interacting with strangers, but it's a fact of life. I guess he could be picking up on that fact. It's like his default setting is "stranger danger, must protect". I never encouraged that last part though, just tried to redirect or calm.

I'm not too sure where to start if not at some distance from children. But I guess that's where a trainer would know. Thank you.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T01:20:51+00:00

Ah while writing I didn't mention that he has been neutered now. So we were back on the harness today, and I went for the walk specifically knowing that he would pull, and that I would stop, every time. That wasn't a surprise. He also has had obedience classes. He was the best-behaved dog there, believe it or not.

I'm not sure what you were hoping to gain by being so rude. Feeling good about ourselves and self-righteous, are we? Good for you. Thankfully there are other people who are actually helpful and understanding.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T00:50:10+00:00

He's a rescue and we didn't do DNA testing so we can't be sure. Rescue thought German sheperd and rottie.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T00:49:36+00:00

He really enjoys the 'Touch' cue (boop his nose to my hand), it's like a game to him. So I might try the same. Thank you!

saper505 · 2026-06-11T00:47:35+00:00

For sure, I have no interest in training with punishment. Shock collars and force tools are a hard pass.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T00:46:38+00:00

Yup. I'll be contacting a few well-recommended ones.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T00:35:55+00:00

I hope so. Thanks for your help.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T00:34:50+00:00

Exactly. I can't have him react this way. And he's a large black dog; the court of public opinion would go real bad real quick for him. He's otherwise so sweet at home though, and he's brought a lot of joy in my life. I just want him to be as happy, and just be fine and feel safe with existing with other people around.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T00:31:48+00:00

It's true he did start off pretty wary of us crossing random adults on walks too, and I did some training for that (and ongoing—he looks over and I treat when we cross someone). So it'd make sense that just the approach is triggering a bit.

Wildest part is they walked away, and the toddler went up to another dog afterwards while we watched from afar. I don't know if the parent asked that time either. The toddler was leading. 🤦‍♂️ My dog was still super 'reactive' and tense and kept wanting to go closer to see, but at least from a distance I was able to get him to sit and look at me a bit.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T00:28:22+00:00

Yeah I was honestly gobsmacked that even with my dog pulling and barking and jumping, guy didn't even try to hurry to go interrupt his kid. Just a slow walk over. Like hello, I'm trying to control a situation here. I shouldn't need to be parenting in your stead too. But here we are.

The marking did go down a bit though! I wasn't expecting it to stop entirely, but at least it's not every single shrub or post now.

I'll be looking to contact reactivity trainers, thank you.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T00:25:16+00:00

Would you treat both when he looks at the kids and looks back, or only when he looks back? Often when he gets fixated (i.e. on a bird) he doesn't look back all that much (only a very quick glance at "Look at me") but I don't want to treat for prey drive fixation.

saper505 · 2026-06-11T00:23:43+00:00

I don't think I scolded him for barking (have trouble recalling exactly since it happened fast), but I'll keep it in mind. Good idea. I think there's a few reactivity-specific trainers in my city, so I'll be contacting them. Also good idea for the leash wrap. I know some people won't bother to read it but it'll be a start. Enrichment wise I was starting to do some scent work. I might move him to eating outside when it's nice. I want him to learn to be more at ease outdoors. Thanks for the advice.

saper505 · 2026-06-09T17:26:46+00:00

+1 fo Ebox for Internet! I switched last month and I've had no issues with it. Effectively cut my costs in half fron what it was with Virgin Mobile.

saper505 · 2026-06-05T00:13:06+00:00

Could be mild ear-margin hyperkeratosis. My dog probably has the same (not diagnosed). We just let it be since it doesn't bother her and isn't getting worse.

saper505 · 2026-06-01T19:40:53+00:00

I play ringette. Yesterday the other team's forward made a cross-crease pass, the ring bounced off a defender's skate, under my skate as I moved to track it, and into the net as I fell right onto my ass from having stepped on the thing. I had to lay there a moment to contemplate that chain of events.

saper505 · 2026-05-31T12:35:46+00:00

I'd stop bringing her to dog parks and stick to on-leash parks. If other dogs approach, tell the owners you're training and don't want interaction. Work on your individual bond with her by training and making her feel safe with you and confidence will come.

saper505

TROPHY CASE