I was so proud

[gapeach]

I haven't mentioned before that Gracie has some fear aggression issues. I was working so hard on not having food aggression issues that I didn't take her to enough places and let her meet as many new people as she needed I guess. (She went to the vet's office alot Home Depot parking lot and the poopl store quite a bit, but anyway) She barks at men especially. I took her to the park about a month ago and she barked quite a bit at the kids and other dogs until she got calmed down. So a couple of weeks ago I took her to Tractor Supply and Petsmart. She did great, she walks on the leash beautifullly. (She has her tail tucked between her legs alot, but we'll keep working) She walked past quite a few people and was okay. She only barked twice, once when some African- American men came in (she's only seen two until then) but that was olny because she was standing where she couldn't see them until they came past us. And the other time was at the check out guy, she was fine with him unitl we started talking. I think it's a pretty good start. I just wanted to share how proud I was of her.

 

[jjwoodee]

That is great to hear about your success. These fear agression issues can be tough.

 

[gapeach]

Thanks JJWoodee.
Last night my sister came over and brought her new boyfriend, Gracie barked some at him. It took awhile but she let him pet her before they left. I thought that was a big accomplishment as well, since normally it's men she really doesn't like.

 

[Sweet72947]

I also have a dog with fear aggression issues, her name is Daisy. I have been trying to take her out more and get her around people. She LOVES food, so I ask people to give her treats for me (and most people are perfectly happy to stuff food into your dog ) to teach her that people are good things. I also reward her with treats, pets and praise for being calm. Daisy has made lots of progress, she no longer keeps her tail tucked when we go out someplace - its still low, but hey, baby steps! Daisy is also curious about people now and will go up and sniff them.

It also helps to talk to your dog in a calm voice like "hey, its ok, there's nothing to be worried about, everything is fine." I do that with Daisy and she knows that I'm not worried, which helps her to calm down.

I'm happy to see that Gracie is making progress. It often takes a lot of time and patience before you see results.

 

[gapeach]

Thanks Sweet. Gracie's not quite ready for anyone to directly approach us, she'd just bark at them. But I'll def keep in mind letting people give her treats. That's how my sis' boyfriend finally won her over. Sometimes she tucks in her tail and sometimes she doesn't. So far we just walk around the store, when I talk to someone for more than a few seconds she barks but she has improved a little every time.

 

[lizzybeth727]

If she won't let people approach her, you can also let the people toss her treats and gradually get closer. Make sure, too, that you don't let the strangers move too fast - most people will toss a treat or two and then walk right up and try to pet the dog, but they don't understand that this has just freaked the dog out even more! And any time you're talking to someone in public, be sure to give her treats very quickly (about one treat every second), so she learns that it's really fun and you're still going to give her attention.

 

[cinnamon]

Good for you and Gracie! Progess is momentous--even baby steps

I know how you feel--I've got a sheltie that barks at all strangers--in PetSmart, the small petstore where I get her food and treats. I'm just glad the staff is friendly and understanding. She's pretty good at the vets, though.

I'll be glad when summer comes again. There is no one out in the winter time. I like going to the ball diamond and we watch everyone (from a big distance where she feels better).

 

[gapeach]

Thanks Lizzybeth, I give her treats when we're walking around and for commands but I hadn't thought of giving her any when I'm talking to someone.

Cinnamon
I wish we had staff like that here. People ask if we're looking for something but that's about it. I'm gonna have to have some friends that Gracie doesn't know meet me there to be "strangers"