Barking Dog Question - **Dog Trainer EVAL Update p.2**

[robinb]

I just wanted to touch on something a PP said. Make sure that you are not somehow encouraging the cowering behavior by petting or talking sweet to him when he does it.

 

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone,

For those interested, I called a dog trainer specializing in "obedience, manners and behavioral issues" yesterday and spoke with him just now. He will be coming to my place on Friday for a 2-hour evaluation - hoping he will be the one to help me help Winston! Wish us luck!

 

[minkydog]

Well, that's good news! I'm sure there is something he can do to help you.

 

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to give another update since Winston and I had our "evaluation" this afternoon.

As soon as the trainer knocked on the door, he started with a couple small barks. Once I opened it (I held him on a leash), he really got into which I was glad because I wanted him to see what exactly he did. The trainer just stood there calmly and then started giving him treats and now the 2 are friends for life. He came in and Winston would not leave him alone - in the good way! We talked for about 20 minutes about his behaviors, why he does it, things to do, then we went for a long walk around my complex where we saw lots of people and even met a couple kids and adults. Winston was amazing - its all about the redirection and Winston realizing that people are good and people = cookies. Even on the patio, he started to bark and was actually pretty easily redirected with some treats. And he gave me other suggestions to keep working on. Obviously treats for the rest of his life aren't an option but they are the start while he is learning the new behaviors and eventually he won't need such constant praise.

He offers open classes on the weekend that you can come and go as you like (from week to week) and they are for intermediate levels of obedience. So he suggested we start attending those to firm up his obedience skills and get him used to different people, etc. Because....

He told me that he is an excellent candidate to be a therapy dog and that once I get him used to meeting people, he can help me drill what he needs to know to pass the Canine Good Citizen (he is an evaluator for CGC). So that made me feel really good that even with some lackluster people social skills, he can see that sort of potential in him. That is something I wanted to do with my dog before I actually got one and honestly didn't really think Winston was up to snuff, but apparently I was wrong. Now it is up to mommy to follow through.

 

[minkydog]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to give another update since Winston and I had our "evaluation" this afternoon.

As soon as the trainer knocked on the door, he started with a couple small barks. Once I opened it (I held him on a leash), he really got into which I was glad because I wanted him to see what exactly he did. The trainer just stood there calmly and then started giving him treats and now the 2 are friends for life. He came in and Winston would not leave him alone - in the good way! We talked for about 20 minutes about his behaviors, why he does it, things to do, then we went for a long walk around my complex where we saw lots of people and even met a couple kids and adults. Winston was amazing - its all about the redirection and Winston realizing that people are good and people = cookies. Even on the patio, he started to bark and was actually pretty easily redirected with some treats. And he gave me other suggestions to keep working on. Obviously treats for the rest of his life aren't an option but they are the start while he is learning the new behaviors and eventually he won't need such constant praise.

He offers open classes on the weekend that you can come and go as you like (from week to week) and they are for intermediate levels of obedience. So he suggested we start attending those to firm up his obedience skills and get him used to different people, etc. Because....

He told me that he is an excellent candidate to be a therapy dog and that once I get him used to meeting people, he can help me drill what he needs to know to pass the Canine Good Citizen (he is an evaluator for CGC). So that made me feel really good that even with some lackluster people social skills, he can see that sort of potential in him. That is something I wanted to do with my dog before I actually got one and honestly didn't really think Winston was up to snuff, but apparently I was wrong. Now it is up to mommy to follow through.

Wow, that's really great news, better than you expected! You sound like you have a lot of hope, too. Aren't you glad you did this? It would be so great if your pup could become a therapy dog. My mother has a therapy dog and she takes him to nursing homes and adult day cares--she's always well received. The best of luck to you!

 

[robinb]

Wow! What a great turn of events . I hope that you and Winston and continue down this path to success.