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-   -   Positive reinforcement for reactive dog doesn't work (http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=87768)

Jotunleo September 18th, 2017 07:52 PM

Positive reinforcement for reactive dog doesn't work
 
Hi all

I'm looking for a dog trainer in the vancouver BC area that does training for leash reactive dogs that doesn't just focus on positive reinforcement training. I've been trying for 2 years now, had 2 different trainers and it's just not effective. Whenever my pom Luna sees a nother dog she lunges and barks like a mad dog. She isn't an aggressive dog at all though, she's extremely friendly but on leash she is a menace. As soon as she spots a dog I start feeding her high reward treats, I try to get her to focus on me, but the other dog is too distracting. No matter what I feed her or and how much I give her she always stops and starts lunging and barking. It's so embarrassing, I'm getting to the point where I am considering e collar training. I'd rather not go this route but maybe it's what she needs. Has anyone had any experience with dog trainers that dont exclusively use positive reinforcement training? ( its worked very well for my chihuahua, my pom almost not at all for her reactivity) I'm in port coquitlam but can travel for training.

Thanks so much

Laura

Barkingdog September 18th, 2017 08:00 PM

Hi ! I live in the states so can't help you with finding a dog trainer have you asked your vet if they know of a good one ?

Jotunleo September 18th, 2017 10:00 PM

My vet did suggest one but they use the same training method as the other 2 I tried. I think they just recommend them to all their clients, it doesn't seem like training is an area they really focus on.

Barkingdog September 19th, 2017 03:03 PM

I know some pets stores like Petco has dog training classes but I have no idea if they're any good. Try calling another vet office or going to a dog park alone and start a conversation with other dog owners and asked if they know of any dog trainers. I did this with my last dog and found a real great groomer but it was a little too far to go to .

Winston September 19th, 2017 05:51 PM

Hello and welcome to Pets.ca!!

I have a couple of general questions for you....

1) What kind of dog is Luna

2) What type of collar are you using

Does she know the commands such as :

Look at me or something that her focus is you and only you

Does she have a favorite treat above anything else that she would go for...

Sorry my question mark isnt working on my keyboard...LOL

It sounds like to me that she is not taking you serious enough or she is not in to you so to speak...a lot of training will place the focus on you as the dominant one that she would look up to...

If she knows look at me or a command that focus on you I would start there. I would put her in a situation where there is another dog around to test her. If she doesnt focus on what your asking her to do I would give her a slight pop correction on her leash and say look at me...you can raise your finger up to your nose and point and say ahhh (almost like a growl) look at me...it is sometimes hard to explain but you need to distract her attention from the other dog and reward her when her focus is on you...if you have a friend with a dog it might work better to practice with them...

Never ever continue to walk when she is doing this because it is almost like rewarding her. You may have to plant your feet on the ground and stand there for 10 minutes until she settles and then move forward....
You never want to reward the dog for doing what it shouldnt be doing...only reward when they listen or do what you want...

Hopefully this makes sense...:thumbs up

Looking forward to hearing from you more.....please dont give up...you can teach them......:thumbs up

P.S My previous dog..RIP was always the example in obedience class and now I have another nut bar that took a lot of training....LOL

Cindy

Loki Love September 20th, 2017 07:09 AM

I would not recommend any kind of negative reinforcement for a reactive dog - you will simply reinforce that whatever is making your dog react is in fact scary. You could potentially end up with a dog that shuts down and could become unpredictable later on.

Do some research on BAT training - this is what I have used and found success with in the past with my reactive dog. A quick google search shows me there are a few trainers in the BC area that have BAT training under their resumé - something to look into maybe.

Good luck!

Winston September 20th, 2017 10:00 AM

Hello again I just wanted to say that I am not suggesting a negative reinforcement but rather a redirection of Lunas attention. Sometimes a pop or pull on the leash gets the dogs attention and distracts them and they begin to focus on you. If you feel uncomfortable with this approach try using your voice to redirect the attention. A simple growl or hey but not in your regular tone. In a firm tone.

What types of training have you done already.
Cindy


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