A to B - managing lunging/barking triggers in everyday walks

[snowbunny]

There are loads of tactics for that. The "middle" that I described is very much a management tool, but depending on the level of the lunging you could also try throwing a handful of high value treats on the floor whenever you see a dog. If she'll put her nose down to sniff out those as the dog passes, you end up conditioning a response where a dog appearing signals treats on the floor and, resultantly, calmness. It depends on just how narrow the track is (will the other dog end up taking the treats, too?) and the level of arousal, obviously.

 

[Xena Dog Princess]

Scatter, of course, that's definitely worth a try (never think of it at the time, isn't it always the way!)

 

[Shamas mom]

Thanks for posting the step by step for this tactic....it's similar to what I've been doing, but Shamas has gotten SO much worse the last few days that I think going back to square one would help us both. And buy some fresh chicken because dry treats AREN'T cutting it recently

 

[Loraseal]

Ooh just found this thread and now I am now putting a plan into action!! I started the figure of eight in the garden and the flippin cat next door wanted to join in!! I am going to re-read the thread. Good advice. Thanks.

 

[Beanwood]

@Mr Beanwood

 

[Selina27]

@Mr Beanwood

Eh?

 

[Jacqui-S]

Eh?

Yeah, wee Otter is too much for him to handle

 

[Selina27]

Yeah, wee Otter is too much for him to handle

Ah yes, have read the relevant thread now!

 

[Beanwood]

Eh?

Sorry have a horrid cold and wasn't thinking straight. Thought it would be easier to vaguely wave in this direction than explain it to him!

 

[Selina27]

Thought it would be easier to vaguely wave in this direction than explain it to him!

 

[FayRose]

Very useful bit of instruction, thank you @snowbunny One of my regular faults with anything I've tried to train is always being in the same place, so I have to remind myself to vary where we are when training anything.

 

[snowbunny]

Very useful bit of instruction, thank you @snowbunny One of my regular faults with anything I've tried to train is always being in the same place, so I have to remind myself to vary where we are when training anything.

With this, I just do it randomly on walks, both on and off lead, just to keep it topped up

 

[snowbunny]

Here are a couple of videos I took this morning, warts and all. Apologies for the drivel; I'm obviously no good talking to camera when there's nobody really there

I started off with Squidge because she's not done anywhere near as much as Shadow so a better representation of the early stages. You can see how, as she gets the idea, she starts enjoying the game more.

My verbal diarrhoea at the end is just to say, practice with all sorts of random occurrences and objects. They shouldn't be triggers to start off with. They just give you something to practice with, and it doesn't matter if the dog even notices the object/occurrence or not. They just learn that, at unpredictable times, you might break into the "this way!" game and it's not anything to worry about. If you only ever do this move when the dog has seen a trigger, it will quickly end up being poisoned, as the dog knows there is something worrying in the environment. As it is, doing it at random and spontaneous times means that it keeps its fun. And remember it doesn't just have to be about scary stuff. You could practice with toys, friends, food on the floor - anything. Use your imagination, and just keep it fun.

Shadow video to follow....

 

[snowbunny]

I did a little session with Shadow to show you how much he loves playing this game. He gets all sorts of silly - actually waaaay over-aroused and starts nipping at my jumper (which he's not done in about two years ). I normally only ever do this a couple of times on a walk, and doing it repetitiously like this is a little bit too much and sends him over the edge, so I broke off into some other behaviours to try to clear his mind. I kept it all in the video because he's so bloomin' cute and it seems that most of what I post about is working through his struggles, whereas this shows his goofy side off instead

 

[HAH]

I did a little session with Shadow to show you how much he loves playing this game. He gets all sorts of silly - actually waaaay over-aroused and starts nipping at my jumper (which he's not done in about two years ). I normally only ever do this a couple of times on a walk, and doing it repetitiously like this is a little bit too much and sends him over the edge, so I broke off into some other behaviours to try to clear his mind. I kept it all in the video because he's so bloomin' cute and it seems that most of what I post about is working through his struggles, whereas this shows his goofy side off instead

LOVING seeing Squidge’s video.

Shadow’s video is currently showing as ‘private’. Might just be me tho?

 

[Loraseal]

I have private also.

 

[snowbunny]

Shadow’s video is currently showing as ‘private’. Might just be me tho?

Not just you, me being a bit overenthusiastic with my privacy settings. It should be there now

 

[Selina27]

Those are great videos Fiona, thank you. I love Shadow!!!

I haven'tdone this with Cassie for ages, a good reminder to start again, she also loves it. It's useful to think about doing it for fun, not just when there is a trigger.

 

[Charlie]

Thanks for the reminder @snowbunny I also have neglected this training, so today during our walk with Hattie & Charlie I did some with Charlie. We saw a serial absconding Bedlington Terrier today coming towards us which can freak Charlie out so a quick A-B kept him focused on me. It really keeps him walking on a loose lead and a beedy eye on me! Love it. xx

 

[Atemas]

Here is a good visual of A to B