Catch-up plan to get Nelson up to standard

[snowbunny]

You are not alone with having a dog who can appear moody, uncooperative and generally gives you an "I can't be arsed" or "why should I bother?" look from time to time. Luna is the queen of that, and it's not something I have ever seen with my other two. Nelson isn't a special snowflake, don't you worry. All you have to do is look at his behaviour as information. It really is as simple as "if the dog isn't doing it, it's because he's not been properly motivated". That doesn't mean bribing, that means breaking down the skill, building a strong reinforcement history, and finding out what that reinforcement needs to look like for your particular dog. The "art" in dog training is all about reading your dog and responding to what he is telling you.

 

[Snowy]

Short update:

Nelson has got worse in some areas (has starting growling), although his strong areas have remained very strong.

We got to the point where we had no other choice but to bring in a professional dog behaviour specialist. It's not without relief to hear that our dog "does not act and respond like a normal labrador would". At least we now realise that we're working with a special case here, and it's not simply a lack of effort, skill, focus, perserverence, etc. on our part.

He has also visisted a dog physiotherapist who has found some stiffness and poor posture in rear legs and back, but nothing that would be causing real pain.

We continue with the exercises given and we retain a positive attitude.