I wish people would just think sometimes.
Jack and i went to Rally class tonight. Right after the rally there is an agility class and several of the handlers in that class loooove to get there like 20 minutes early. That wouldn't be so bad if they didn't disrupt, but one of the handlers has a *highly* dog reactive/aggressive dobe. I have nothing against reactive dogs in classes, but you'd think that he'd at least make an effort to keep his dog at a safe distance from other dogs. Nope, not at all. He typically either stands right in a spot where you will almost have to pass him or, even better, RIGHT NEXT to the ring.
While we were doing our bonus exercise the guy had apparently wandered right next to the little plastic fence and the dobe lunged for Jack, barking and snarling and carrying on something fierce. It actually startled Jack and I both quite a bit, but I remained calm, took Jack back to where we started the exercise, and then did it again. I was then pretty much trapped in the exit area of the ring because the guy would not move his dog....He doesn't even make an attempt to redirect the dog--he just pulls him back and makes comments on how he'll "kick his butt" if he doesn't stop....
Our last run through of the night was pretty disappointing. Right after we started, they began moving the agility equipment on the other side of the training area. The A-frame they were moving made a huge scraping sound and startled the crap out of Jack. I've never seen him react with such alarm to any noise before. He's been around loud engines, stereos, firecrackers, thunderstorms, parades--I've taken him to the county-f*cking-fair, but apparently loudly scraping A-frames are the devil.
I think I pretty much lost his attention at the point. He just would not sit with his back to the continued scraping sounds of people moving stuff, he really paid almost no attention to me, etc. Even though he was uneasy, I decided to stay as upbeat as possible and did the rest of the course the best we could.
Did I handle that correctly or should I have just left the ring when he freaked out? Also, how in the heck to you desensitize to the sound made when stuff is being dragged?
Sorry that was a bit long--if you read all that you get a liver treat...Jack is usually so solid about most things, his reaction tonight really bothered me....
Jack and i went to Rally class tonight. Right after the rally there is an agility class and several of the handlers in that class loooove to get there like 20 minutes early. That wouldn't be so bad if they didn't disrupt, but one of the handlers has a *highly* dog reactive/aggressive dobe. I have nothing against reactive dogs in classes, but you'd think that he'd at least make an effort to keep his dog at a safe distance from other dogs. Nope, not at all. He typically either stands right in a spot where you will almost have to pass him or, even better, RIGHT NEXT to the ring.
While we were doing our bonus exercise the guy had apparently wandered right next to the little plastic fence and the dobe lunged for Jack, barking and snarling and carrying on something fierce. It actually startled Jack and I both quite a bit, but I remained calm, took Jack back to where we started the exercise, and then did it again. I was then pretty much trapped in the exit area of the ring because the guy would not move his dog....He doesn't even make an attempt to redirect the dog--he just pulls him back and makes comments on how he'll "kick his butt" if he doesn't stop....
Our last run through of the night was pretty disappointing. Right after we started, they began moving the agility equipment on the other side of the training area. The A-frame they were moving made a huge scraping sound and startled the crap out of Jack. I've never seen him react with such alarm to any noise before. He's been around loud engines, stereos, firecrackers, thunderstorms, parades--I've taken him to the county-f*cking-fair, but apparently loudly scraping A-frames are the devil.
I think I pretty much lost his attention at the point. He just would not sit with his back to the continued scraping sounds of people moving stuff, he really paid almost no attention to me, etc. Even though he was uneasy, I decided to stay as upbeat as possible and did the rest of the course the best we could.
Did I handle that correctly or should I have just left the ring when he freaked out? Also, how in the heck to you desensitize to the sound made when stuff is being dragged?
Sorry that was a bit long--if you read all that you get a liver treat...Jack is usually so solid about most things, his reaction tonight really bothered me....
