Partners dogs do not stay at home unless in an outdoor run. My wimp of a dog would not handle that, because shes a wimp. Partner can’t take my dog where their dogs go due to type restrictions, plus my wussy dog cant go as long or as far as the hunting dogs can. She would die (in the summer, probably literally).
the same way I’m into horses, partner is into dogs. My dog is not able to do the events his dogs do. Hence she comes with me.
more dog pics! Go!
Fwiw, I tried doggie day care with my dog once.
she came home an emotional wreck, and they didnt do anything wrong. Shes just not cut from that cloth. They said she eventually did play with one other dog, but spent the primary part of 4 hours trying to stuff herself under a rubber mat :lol:
ah well. I know how to pick the winners…
It was this person that said the thing about the fences.
Maybe you can find someone that knows her to do in home care at their house? I get the issues your dog has. Mine came the same way. It takes time. He got corrected for raising his hackles “put your fur down”, barking at dumb stuff, attacking the mail truck as it drives by (he sits and waits) and with new people it’s best if they ignored him until he learned “it’s okay”
Nearly all unrecognized events state they are run according to USEA rules. I wanted to try to qualify for AECs or regionals this year, but once I calculated the cost it was a no go.
it’s not that I absolutely cant afford it. Showing is fun, but not ultra high on the priority list. If I cant because they stop allowing dogs, then I’ll find some thing else to do. Endurance. Mounted orienteering. Whatever.
hey, serious thought. Maybe I can put in a dog door! Do they make them that go in a brick wall? The doors cant fit one (every door has a storm door, so two doors)
Actually they do! The house my mom bought in AZ has a dog door from the pantry. Her house is stone, adobe looking. The dog door actually comes out the side of the house rather than an actual door.
Shes better than she was. Shes not a barker really. Just has a hell of a shark fin. I’d rather her put it up to let me know shes nervous, than take away her only warning sign. Maybe I can try to get to know some people in the area to set up a doggie care ring or something. Would have to be really thought out, but it’s not out of the question!
I’m going to look into that. Dont tell my boss though, else he will want me to stay long hours and I won’t be able to use the dog as an excuse.:lol:
When she does that build her confidence by telling her to put her fur down and get her comfortable. You really don’t want to encourage it or let it slide.
She doesnt act on it though, just BOOM shark fin. If the subject of her nervousness approaches, she tries to retreat. If I’m running, she just stays beside me and we go on by full shark fin - no fixating, no growling. Shes just super nervy. If I allow someone to try and say hi, shes visibly on edge (nerves, not aggression). She has learned to like the oil change guys well enough over time, but the people on the path are always new. It’s hard to work on, that’s for sure.
I dont have friends that come over, and she already loves my mom and sister, so it’s complicated (I’m not the most friendly myself, so I dont help the situation, I’m sure.)
when I met her from the shelter, they had to carry her to the meeting room, and I had to sit on the floor for several minutes before she was ok with me. Shes been velcroed to me ever since. I’ll never pee alone.
Yes but you don’t want to risk her doing something and build her confidence so she’s not so nervous. But if you want to let her be an anxiety ball that’s on you. My dog became well adjusted and just shy. Get the fur down then work on people saying hi.
Ahhh the madness is explained, thanks
I guess that’s how she is. Shes just a hackle-y dog. They even go up when shes running really hard for a ball or playing with my sisters dog. Weirdo. Shes hard to train because shes so soft. If I hassle her over being nervous, she’ll hit the dirt. Even a quiet ‘enough, you’re fine’ and she’s giving me ultra sad eyes. Wimpiest wimp, I swear.
shes kind of like the horse that does better going back and forth in front of the scary thing rather than approach. They’re all different - that what makes it fun!
She’s hard to train because you make excuses instead of boundaries. Whatever. Your dog not mine.
Sorry, I can’t figure out how to multi quote. Raised hackles is an involuntary response. the dog can’t control it.
I agree with Denali that building confidence is the best way to deal with it.
Focus on something that she can excel at. Rally was what worked for my dog, but any type of training that boosts her confidence should help.
When she interacts with strangers, create a Conditional Emotional Response. When she sees a stranger, and before she freaks out, ask her to look at you, and give her the most awesome treat she has ever had. Repeat, getting closer to the stranger each time. It can take a long time for her to work up to being within reach/ getting touched. Take it slow. Protect her from idiots - step in front of her if you have to. Don’t be afraid to be rude if someone doesn’t listen and tries to invade her space. Eventually you want her to see/get pat by a stranger, and then look to you (the CER) for her fabulous cookie. Stranger now = awesome cookie.
Wow. Isn’t it great that we can all treat and train our dogs the way we choose to? perhaps the only group of people more opinionated than horse trainers are dog trainers! I would say CAT trainers, however we all know that cats train humans, not the other way around…
You’re not wrong. However I am also not the one freaking out when people mention banning dogs at horse shows. In fact I fully support it. I support it because people can train their dogs how they wish.I don’t necessarily want to be subjected to said trained dog.
Yeah but she’s a great snuggler! 
take it easy. My dog is quiet and obedient. Recalls at the speed of light, down stay for days, doesnt growl or bark at people. Shes just nervous with strangers. Thanks anyways for your training advice.
I tried this when I first got her, and she improved a ton (she used to run from new people, was scared of toys, etc). It improved a ton, but then stagnated at a head flinch with hackles raised. I’m not sure I’ll get her a ton better than that - I missed the critical socialization window. Hikes and shed training makes her feel like a badass - shes so proud to bring me any bones she finds.
if it was a mission critical issue, I’d get back on the schtick. However, I’m ok with where she is. Shes not aggressive, and isnt around people without me there to intervene if shes getting overwhelmed.
thanks for the advice though - I know this method works, as I resolved mild storm phobia with it with a previous dog!
I love this reasoning. It’s like with kids. People can tolerate the behavior from their dogs or kids and so therefore we, the general public, must be okay with it. Your hypocrisy is astounding.
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