Dog:
Chyna (now Io)
Behavior Issue: On-leash dog-dog reactivity
Io had fabulous people skills and loved everyone she met. With dogs, she could also play well but would become overly aroused when seeing them on leash. She would bark, lunge in an ugly display because she couldn't control herself. With Io, we worked on good leash manners, connecting with her handler and teaching her appropriate behavior when she saw other dogs. We also punished inappropriate behavior with no rewards (in this case: not continuing to walk towards the dogs) when she showed signs of reactivity. She learned that looking at her handler meant rewards and praise - and if well-behaved, she was allowed to met the other dog coming towards her on leash - which for Io was the ultimate reward.
Dog: Emma
Behavior Issue: Fear with strangers, dog-dog reactivity
Emma was a Hurricane Katrina survivor that was adopted by a loving family that was incredibly patient and provided a comfortable low-key environment for her. Nonetheless, she was hesitant when meeting new people and would respond in a flight response when overwhelmed. With Emma, we worked on basic obedience, focusing on her owners on walks, developing an auto-watches and waits - and rewarding brave behavior with new people in the house, and letting Emma go at her own speed. Over time, she has learned to meet new people and make new friends.
Dog: Pink (now Bunny)
Behavior Issue: Special needs puppy
Bunny was a young puppy who like many puppies was energetic but was also deaf. She was very handler-focused and eager to learn. With Bunny, we worked on checking in with her handler on walks, loose leash walking and lots of obedience commands to develop her repertoire. A quick study, she had picked up sit, down and crawl in just a couple days - and was ready for more!
Dog: Finley
Behavior Issue: Off-leash recall, front door reactivity
Finley was a happy-go-lucky sort of dog around people, generally smothering them in kissed if allowed. Off-leash, she would become distracted - and through some unfortunate learning experiences early in life, she knew that coming when called off-leash was not
enforceable. Additionally, she barked at the front door when dogs and people walked by. With Finley, we worked with other dogs that did have good recalls to improve her interest in returning and varied the times and areas we would leave the park. We also made coming when called highly rewarding! With the front door, we interrupted the behavior with an environmental noise and rewarded focus on her owner (which developed a mini-recall in the house). Today she's able to be safely off-leash at the dog park without worry!
Dog: Audrey (now Samantha)
Behavior Issue: Arousal on leash when meeting people, on-leash dog-dog reactivity, arousal during dog-dog play
Samantha was a young
adolescent dog that had a high level exercise needs. She loved meeting new people but was overly exuberant when doing so. This aroused behavior also extended when seeing dogs on leash and playing with them - and going over the top during play,
borderlining on aggression. With Samantha, we worked on loose leash walking, polite manners when meeting new people, focus on the handler during walks and teaching her how to turn off her own arousal during play. Her dog-dog skills improved immensely by using time-outs, and she developed her own "switch" to turn off the fun and dial down the excitement. Exercise and good leadership were keys to Samantha's success.
If you're interested in learning more about DogSpeak behavior services, please take a moment to read more about our philosophy, happy client tales and training background.
