When we adopted Rusty back in April, we didn't realize he came along with a bit of a stubborness, growling and biting habit when he didn't get his way. It reached a bit of a pinnacle in August when he bit the groomer at Pet Smart and drew blood. Not acceptable. We brought him in to the Vet to see what we should do. The vet could not find any physical/chemical findings wrong with Rusty that might explain his behavior. The vet recommended Kelly, a behavioralist that trains the K-9 units for the NW Ohio area.
We made an appointment to have both Rusty and Tala evaluated by Kelly. We added Tala in because we really hadn't had any training for her before and she did have a bit of a confidence and anxiety problem. After the evaluation, we decided to enroll Rusty and Tala in a 12 day intensive course on appropriate doggy manners. The house was so empty for the 12 days.
Tonight was our first night back with the dogs in our house, and oh boy is it different. When you walk with them on the leash, they no longer pull and they walk at your left side. They stop when you stop, they go where you go. When I left the house to go out front neither dog barked at me while I went out the door. The dogs are no longer allowed to be on the couch now unless invited. No jumping or paws are allowed on the legs. It is much different now the dogs are much more subdued, and pay more attention now to commands.
Tonight we had our first hour long class learning how to use our new dogs. We learned appropriate dog walking technique, and appropriate corrective measures to modify behavior using a choker-chain and leash. You want to achieve correction, not inflict pain. If they exhibit a wrong behavior they get a firm no with a Snap to the leash for correction.
1 comment:
Good luck with the doggies.
Love, Dad B.
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