posted 02-06-2004 03:53 AM         

Umm, Floob lunges at people and dogs in a different way, just to play and get some attention (apparently people are only on the planet to give him fuss).
I was worried about this and nothing seemed to be working.
I know you're probably well past the 'treat' thing but it is working for us now so maybe a little step back *might* jolt Witt into ignoring all these tasty distractions.
My trainer told me by saying 'no' in any tone and restraining him from getting to these things he starts to think there must be something wrong so may get snappy to get to them, in a protective way, altho it won't appear to anyone else that's what he's doing... he'll just look like he's lunging at them to everyone else.
They discribed it as, if there's some bread on the ground when you're out for a walk and you haven't got the 'leave it' command 100% they'll take one mighty swipe to grab it before you say 'leave it', even after you've said it sometimes... it's the same if there's a dog they want, or person.

Like I said, treats might not work, or you may not want to have to go back to treats, but keeping him occupied with you and what's in your pockets for a few days/weeks might make a difference.

posted 02-06-2004 04:54 AM         

I would definately keep up with his obediance and allow him to only do what you want and feel safe with. I know you'll feel guilty about it, but think of the bad things that "could" happen....
YOur obviously the responsible one there. Allowing the other dogs off lead presents problems in the area that the other dogs need to be on their leashes....see what I'm saying???? I mean the off leash dogs, that seem to pose no problem, could be running up to the wrong dog to play with. LIke you meantioned that Witt has lounged and nipped at the off lead ones....you have control of your dog, but they don't, thats a problem.

posted 02-06-2004 10:41 AM         

Sams, I agree with you about the being off lead and thats why he is not allowed...but on the other hand, if the distractions are a problem...I would prefer to keep working with him while that is going on...rather than complain and have them require everyone to keep their dogs on lead. Sort of like my horse, if something spooks her...I don't ask the person to stop or take her away from it, I stay there and ride her through it, working her until she has relaxed and become desensitized to it, for that reason I have a horse that easily adjusts to new things. I have a friend who gets off her horse everytime something spooks it...her horse is now not comfy unless she is on the ground at it's head...it's a pain on a trail ride and the many "freak outs" and over reactions to stimuli are irritating. I sort of want to "ride" Witt through this and desensitize him to the distractions of the other dogs, figure out how to keep his focus on me. Maybe I am asking too much of him for his age..I don't know.

2pyrs, welcome to the board! Thank you for your reply, Witt has playmates that he gets to play with weekly, but at flyball class he is definately not ready for off leash and he really doesn't have this problem elsewhere. But your idea seems to basically come down to desensitizing..which would mean I just keep going to classes and deal with it. Smiles