I talked to someone about training a puppy he just got from a shelter. I love seeing these requests. So often people allow bad behaviors because when a puppy does it, it’s cute. So these behaviors – jumping, leash pulling, etc- are reinforced, when the puppy grows these behaviors become nuisance behaviors and are much harder to counter-condition and then teach the good behavior.
People are the same. I trained an Austrian Shepherd who later developed a barking issue with kids, it was a fear bark. Her owner brought up to me as I have more access to children. However, those children love my dog so much that no matter what dog I have with me they come running up with high energy, which you can imagine for a fearful dog is terrifying!
On this day though, I was able to catch their attention first and explain to them to move slow, stop at a distance and allow us to come to them at the dogs pace. The kids were great! I moved a couple steps then waited till she moved back next to me, after a few moments, we had reached the children. And it really didn’t take long for Layla to gain the confidence to move forward, smell their hands, and give kisses. The kisses came after I explained to them about not petting top of head, & instead pet her side with back of hand, and slowly go to under chin scratches. They got some kisses, then they could pet to of head -slowly!
It was a big breakthrough for Layla, hopefully the kids will remember and do this with other dogs in future, and Layla’s mom saw how to handle a scary situation (for her dog) & nervous situation (for her).
Energy is everything for our dogs… Stay calm & confident, even if your not – take a pause, tell yourself “i got this”, for yourself and especially for your dog!
