I had a woman bring in a cattle dog (mix?) pup today to the dog daycare I work for. The pup (maybe 4 or 5 months in age) passed our temperament test but as soon as she was left alone with us and integrated into the playgroup, she cowered in a corner and snarled/snapped at any other dog that came up to meet her. I gave her time, subtracted a few of the bolder dogs, but to no avail.
I removed her when she lunged at a min pin that was merely walking past her, and the pup made an attempt to bite my ankle.
After speaking to mom, who hung up on me in a huff after I explained that Pooka (the pup) was not ready for daycare, sent her boyfriend in to pick Pooka up.
I sat down with him and explained the situation. He simply didn't believe me. Quote, "she's spoiled rotten, she'd never dare to bite anyone". I ask him if Pooka has ever been around other dogs. Quote, "all the time".
Then I inquire if they had any interest in getting Pooka some training, he agrees, and the conversation drifts to the topic of "punishment". I explain clicker training and pos. reinforcement, and he asks "What about negative reinforcement?". I ask how HE corrects the pup, and he says (just as casual as can be) "With a belt."
:yikes::yikes::yikes:
No WONDER this poor pup is terrified.
I have some ideas and some tricks up my sleeve, but I'd love to hear more from you guys too and your experiences with Fear Aggression if you have any. I feel a bit limited since I'll only be seeing Pooka twice a week and eventually once a week, but I need first and foremost to gain her trust.
This, of course, is entirely dependent on the owners and whether or not they take the training seriously. I've told them not to waste their money on training if they're going to continue to strike the pup, or to consider rehoming her so that she can live a lifetime without fear and intimidation.
I thought I'd start off with a brisk migration walk around the neighborhood to get her acclimated to me; I'm not sure how she'll take to me, but I find a good long walk where a dog can get into that zone might help Pooka trust her leash-holder a bit more. I just need her to relax enough to allow me to reward her, as she is so stressed out she refuses treats and cringes when I attempt to give her a stroke.
It'll take time and a lot of patience, but if the owners are serious about this, we can make a big impact on the quality of Pooka's life.
I removed her when she lunged at a min pin that was merely walking past her, and the pup made an attempt to bite my ankle.
After speaking to mom, who hung up on me in a huff after I explained that Pooka (the pup) was not ready for daycare, sent her boyfriend in to pick Pooka up.
I sat down with him and explained the situation. He simply didn't believe me. Quote, "she's spoiled rotten, she'd never dare to bite anyone". I ask him if Pooka has ever been around other dogs. Quote, "all the time".
Then I inquire if they had any interest in getting Pooka some training, he agrees, and the conversation drifts to the topic of "punishment". I explain clicker training and pos. reinforcement, and he asks "What about negative reinforcement?". I ask how HE corrects the pup, and he says (just as casual as can be) "With a belt."
:yikes::yikes::yikes:
No WONDER this poor pup is terrified.
I have some ideas and some tricks up my sleeve, but I'd love to hear more from you guys too and your experiences with Fear Aggression if you have any. I feel a bit limited since I'll only be seeing Pooka twice a week and eventually once a week, but I need first and foremost to gain her trust.
This, of course, is entirely dependent on the owners and whether or not they take the training seriously. I've told them not to waste their money on training if they're going to continue to strike the pup, or to consider rehoming her so that she can live a lifetime without fear and intimidation.
I thought I'd start off with a brisk migration walk around the neighborhood to get her acclimated to me; I'm not sure how she'll take to me, but I find a good long walk where a dog can get into that zone might help Pooka trust her leash-holder a bit more. I just need her to relax enough to allow me to reward her, as she is so stressed out she refuses treats and cringes when I attempt to give her a stroke.
It'll take time and a lot of patience, but if the owners are serious about this, we can make a big impact on the quality of Pooka's life.
