Another good day for Sarge the rock star. He played well with Kylie, Ted, and Ace. We walked by some barking dogs and while he pulled and got nervous and whined I was able to regain his focus and we practiced walking by them a few times before we moved on.
We also practiced some confidence building utility work. It took a few tries and some coordination but Sarge was able to go across the dog walk like a champ. He was very shaky and tried to jump off a few times but in the end we went over 3 or 4 times without hesitation and without fear.
I think what Sarge really needs to be successful is to practice being walked by numerous friendly people who understand the rules of his walk. Right now his primary (only?) walking partner is his dad. I believe this may have led to Sarge having a very narrow idea of who is "okay" and who is not. If different friends and family members can take him on walks (alone) he will likely become more friendly with strangers.
Compounding good experiences with other dogs is more tricky. He needs to meet friendly dogs and be controlled around dogs that frighten him. At this point he is frightened by dogs that are acting unfriendly but also by dogs that are friendly but acting out of control. It would be ideal to set up deliberate scenarios with trained friendly dogs to encounter on his usual walking path. These can be dogs he knows or dogs or strange dogs. Any good experience will be beneficial.
I like Sarge. He goes home tomorrow and I will be sad to see him go. He is a good example of why so many dog trainers, military personnel, and police officers choose this special breed to do difficult work. He is a sensitive dog who is constantly waiting and wanting direction.
We also practiced some confidence building utility work. It took a few tries and some coordination but Sarge was able to go across the dog walk like a champ. He was very shaky and tried to jump off a few times but in the end we went over 3 or 4 times without hesitation and without fear.
I think what Sarge really needs to be successful is to practice being walked by numerous friendly people who understand the rules of his walk. Right now his primary (only?) walking partner is his dad. I believe this may have led to Sarge having a very narrow idea of who is "okay" and who is not. If different friends and family members can take him on walks (alone) he will likely become more friendly with strangers.
Compounding good experiences with other dogs is more tricky. He needs to meet friendly dogs and be controlled around dogs that frighten him. At this point he is frightened by dogs that are acting unfriendly but also by dogs that are friendly but acting out of control. It would be ideal to set up deliberate scenarios with trained friendly dogs to encounter on his usual walking path. These can be dogs he knows or dogs or strange dogs. Any good experience will be beneficial.
I like Sarge. He goes home tomorrow and I will be sad to see him go. He is a good example of why so many dog trainers, military personnel, and police officers choose this special breed to do difficult work. He is a sensitive dog who is constantly waiting and wanting direction.
RSS Feed