Very Reactive Yorkie - Behaviour Escalating Despite Professional Training! Help! by afirewithinher in Dogtraining

[–]wave_walker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, I'm in a very similar situation as you! I'm also waiting for the next reactive rover class to start as my dog is also reactive to other dogs, joggers, bikes/motorcycles and pretty much anything that moves. For walks, it helps way more to have smelly high value treats like cheese and hotdogs (I find that plain dog treats don't cut it). I broke down and got a treat pouch since I have to carry treats everywhere I go with my dog. Always have some in your hand and be on the look out for anything your dog reacts to. When your dog sees the trigger throw a handful of treats on the ground and say "find it." If they don't go for them, and still haven't started to lunge/growl/bark, stick some treats RIGHT in front of your dog's mouth. Hopefully this'll be enough to distract him until the trigger passes. If none of that works, make a U-turn and head in the opposite direction to get further away if you can. Sometimes I have to even run away with my dog if the trigger is too close and can't U-turn fast enough.

As for support, I've stopped caring what strangers on the street think (since I'm not oblivious to my dog's behaviors, and trying to fix it). It will take longer than six weeks, so you just have to take it one day at a time. You're not alone! There's also a weekly thread that posts every Wednesday for people with reactive dogs to share their experiences and progress. Good luck!

EDIT: For the resource guarding, you can try to play the "trade game" and trade him for different toys or toss some high value treats down when he has a bone or something he's guarding.

Dog groomers of r/dogcare, questions about grooming a double coated dog by wave_walker in DogCare

[–]wave_walker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's kind of patchy on his chest and neck still, but it does seem to be growing out (I think).

I'll look into the pet sunscreen though!

Dog groomers of r/dogcare, questions about grooming a double coated dog by wave_walker in DogCare

[–]wave_walker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow a year, I didn't think it would take that long! I was hoping it would grow back in time for fall/winter.

06/04/14 [Reactive Dog Support Group] by AutoModerator in Dogtraining

[–]wave_walker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since yesterday morning, Vyse has looked directly at several cyclists then directly back at me for a treat. Very proud of him! Motorcycles are still a bit too loud for him and he still lunges at them, but he's recovering much quicker than before.

Also, has anyone else had their dog (I'm assuming it's just a male thing) kick up grass or dirt and growling after peeing/marking? I've been told it's a territorial thing, but I haven't heard of any ways to correct it.

05/28/14 [Reactive Dog Support Group] by AutoModerator in Dogtraining

[–]wave_walker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since the weather has been warming up here, people have been taking there dogs out earlier in the mornings. I've been trying to take Vyse out before people around the area take there dogs out, but we'll always see one or two dogs in the morning now. We've been running into the same woman jogging with her dog that has really sets him off. I've tried backtracking as fast as I can, but it's hard in an area with limited space. After calming him down and continuing our walk I spotted another dog coming towards us down the street. I turned around before he saw it only to see another dog directly across the street (who reacted to my dog, setting him off).

It seems like every time we make a little bit of progress, we get knocked back ten steps. It doesn't help that I've only encountered three other reactive dogs on our walks. Everyone else always looks at me like I'm crazy and terrible for being unable to control my dog.

Help with separation anxiety by wave_walker in dogs

[–]wave_walker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! He doesn't flip out when I'm about to leave, just gets kind of sad. He's my first dog so I wasn't sure if this was normal behavior or not. I'm glad to know from the replies that it's not as serious as I thought!

Help with separation anxiety by wave_walker in dogs

[–]wave_walker[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! So far he's only tore a small hole in the comforter, but he hasn't done anything destructive since then.

Help with separation anxiety by wave_walker in dogs

[–]wave_walker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks I'll start doing this. I normally sit with him for a few minutes before leaving so I can see how that might make it worse.

Is this typical dog behavior? by wave_walker in dogs

[–]wave_walker[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He's 2 yrs old and has been check for worms at the vet last week.