Jarly - Back Off the Leash!

[Krislady]

Or he will be, anyway. Maybe.

Jar's repeat offleash class started last week. There are actually a lot of the same dogs in that class from the last session - interesting. (Including that show-offy poodle thing - though it looks like they haven't done any practicing since the last class - ha.)

There are a couple of new dogs - an uncooperative boxer - he's a cutie, but he doesn't listen. And his owner has him on a halter, which does little to get his attention if she needs to correct him.

There's also this white-faced golden retriever. I'm not sure if she's old and gray, or if she's supposed to be all white in the face. She gets up and down the same way Jar does - kind of slow and creaky. She apparently has similar "issues" to Jar's, too - she doesn't approve of other dogs. But WOW, last week, she just sat there and STARED at him. And the owner didn't even notice.

I'm sorry, but I think that's inexcusable. I mean, the trainer made an announcement at the beginning of the class that there were at least 3 dogs in the room that did not like other dogs, and to please be aware of any eye contact or staring. . . and this guy, who evidently has ONE of the three dogs, just stands there clueless, looking the other way, while his dog is ANTAGONIZING another? Then he wonders why Jar gets jerky when he walks by his STARING dog? This week, the helpers kind of managed it a little better - they had the guy on the other side of the room, and there was always someone there to kind of break eye contact if necessary.

So. My husband had to work today, so I took Jar to class myself, and it went just fine. The class is at noon, and there's one ending when we get there, then another starting at 1, so coming and going can be kind of hairy. No problem - Jar just walked in like a champ.

We did our heeling in the room with the other dogs - I really need to figure out a way to work on the heeling-with-distractions. He's gotten so he's fine on our morning walks - but there aren't 8 other dogs sitting there watching him.

Bob was happy that he didn't try to eat any of them, but I'm convinced he can do better.

Actually, his biggest issue seemed to be the head collar - I haven't used that on him in a couple of months, except in this class - and he was really hating on it.

So I took it off him. Ha. And he was FINE. No issues with other dogs, no lunging, and he felt a little more relaxed - enough to not care too much when some of the little perky dogs got a little close to him.

And we left and walked through the entire roomful of incoming dogs - problem free!

Granted, I put the head collar back on him just in case, and we had people running interference - they made sure all the other dogs were up against the walls, giving us a clear path through the room, and I had the chicken liver treat in my hand, but still, he did seem a bit more relaxed.

But still - I felt like I was in a Harry Potter movie - "Make way for the Heir of Slytherin! Seriously evil wizard!"

I am starting to suspect that he really wants to play, but he just doesn't know how to not be scary, you know? I mean, he sort of leaps, and it's so hard to to tell if it's a lunge (bad) or a pounce (playful) - and I'm inclined to err on the side of caution. But I don't want to teach him that PLAYING gets him corrected. . . and I don't want to let him rip into another dog. I just don't know. I think maybe he's going to need some individual classes with practice dogs.

[Connie Lea]

I bet you're right - he probably just wants to play with the other dogs. Do you have a dog park where you can take him to get him used to the other dogs and maybe play with them?

[Krislady]

There is a dog park, but I haven't been there. I do know that leashes are NOT allowed, which puts me at a disadvantage if there is a problem, and it sort of makes me a little nervous.

Also, I'd probably want to check the place out first, without Jar, to see what kind of people and dogs go there. I've heard stories about people who turn their dogs loose and just check out - kind of like some people with their kids, I guess.

Maybe we can find some sort of socialization play group or something.

Heck, maybe I should START one.

[Connie Lea]

I didn't know leashes weren't allowed at the dog park. I just thought you could let them off leash if you preferred. And yeah you're right - some people just let their furbabies go and don't pay any attention to them.

[Krislady]

Our dog park has an actual set of rules - there's an unleashing area - you bring the dog in, unleash him, then let him into the "unleashed area." The county issues (sells) licenses to use the dog park - I think it's $25 a year or thereabouts. Also, no treats are allowed, which, to be honest, I suspect is pretty much the only reason I get any cooperation from Jar some days. . .

But yeah, maybe I'll see if I can go observe before bringing him.

[Connie Lea]

Ours says no food, but I don't consider treats as food so still bring some in. Nobody has said anything. But then the most I've ever seen is about 10 to 15 dogs, it's usually only three or four besides mine, sometimes it's just us. How else am I going to get my girls to sit, stay and come when I call. I've never taught my three to heel as I can't have all of them walking on my left side. (Maggie was the only one I had taught to heel-she was so smart) but they all walk very nicely even if not correctly. Kate used to pull, but after a few times of reversing my direction, she quit that. Hope the dog park works for Jarly.

[K9 Owned]

He is doing so very well! My guys hate the head collars too although I do use them when taking Maddie in for rehab. The waiting room is so small and she is not above walking nicely right up until she is absolutely beside another dog and then flipping out. Other times she just walks right on past.

Sounds as though he really is doing great in class and I get being ticked off at the jerk who was allowing his dog to stare. Looking at and then looking away is polite. Staring down is a fight brewing!

I don't go to our dog park because I can't take both. Dawson might scare some dogs (and owners) with his umm enthusiasm but he isn't aggressive. Maddie could go in the section for dogs that don't play well together but I couldn't monitor both.

Why not plan an approach to dogparking (a new verb. Hey, it's a living language ) The drill we were given for Maddie that we did not follow through with due to Chase becoming paralysed was to drive to the dog park - park in the back and let the dog watch from a distance. When that part was good (and I think you are beyond that part) you could walk him around the fenced area - several feet away to get an idea of his mood or feeling about it. If he seems eager you can get closer and if he still seems eager maybe you could take a valium or three and let him offleash to play.

You'd likely feel more confident if you could find a friendly neighbourhood dog and start having play dates. All sorts of doors opening for you guys now.

[Krislady]

Connie, yeah, they actually specify "treats and rawhide bones" - why anyone would bring rawhide bone to the park is beyond me!

K9 - those are great ideas - and yes, you're right, I'd be a lot more comfortable if we could manage a couple of play dates first.

[Saralaya]

Kris- I really think you and Jarly have come SUCH a long way..... you have both done a lot of hard work. I have no advice regarding the dog park.... can you see a "cat park"..... yeah.... THAT would be interesting.... But WTG both of you!

[Connie Lea]

There you go Sara - maybe you could start a cat park.

[Saralaya]

Connie Lea wrote:
There you go Sara - maybe you could start a cat park.

That would require the services of a "cat wrangler" and they are few and far between!

[Krislady]

Saralaya wrote:

Connie Lea wrote:
There you go Sara - maybe you could start a cat park.

That would require the services of a "cat wrangler" and they are few and far between!

Oooh, I tried that once - I tried "wrangling" the cat into an introduction with the dog. BAD idea. I can't even tell you how bad, except that it involved antibiotics, a tetanus shot, and the ER doctor drawing a circle on my arm telling me that if the infection went any farther than that, to come back.

[Saralaya]

Krislady wrote:

Saralaya wrote:

Connie Lea wrote:
There you go Sara - maybe you could start a cat park.

That would require the services of a "cat wrangler" and they are few and far between!

Oooh, I tried that once - I tried "wrangling" the cat into an introduction with the dog. BAD idea. I can't even tell you how bad, except that it involved antibiotics, a tetanus shot, and the ER doctor drawing a circle on my arm telling me that if the infection went any farther than that, to come back.

Kris.. I feel your pain...literally! I was there once....

[Krislady]

Yep, I had Every. Single. Tooth engraved in my arm for a couple of years.

Learnt my lesson, I did.

[Connie Lea]

So Kris you're saying you don't want to be the official cat wrangler when Sara opens her cat park? The pay probably won't be so good but just think of all the publicity you would get being the only cat wrangler.