1 year old mini golden doodle that wasn’t exposed to other dogs

potatobread

New member
My family and I recently got a mini golden doodle from a family that was looking to re-home him. They were not a great fit for this active pup. He spent most of his days in a doggy play pen and didn't get out much.
We've had him for two weeks and when we go for a walk he is reactive towards other dogs and some people (not everyone). He has a BIG bark for a little guy! How can we help him? He's such a good boy and is amazing with us and our children. I hate that he goes ballistic when he sees another dog.
This is our first dog and we just want to help him love everyone
 
@potatobread This is a picture diagram that explains the other posters LAT and adds LAD (look and dismiss) use a clicker and high value treat to mark the look away

https://www.choosepositivedogtraini...-of-selfinterruption-the-engagedisengage-game

It is straightforward and distance is your friend

Keep the dog below threshold and in the zone where he can still learn (green/ yellow)

This is thresholds

https://www.diamondsintheruff.com/thresholds#:~:text=If%20your%20dog%20tips%20over,He%20can%20still%20think!

This is a really good video series with foundation skills and how to manage walks and use distance to keep your dog below threshold and avoid practicing the barking etc


One more thing... you may actually have a dog that loves other dogs (frustration reactivity is a thing and not all barking is fear) a trainer could assess and you do need to know your dogs emotions behind the reactivity to really help them

However you actually don't want to teach your dog to love all other dogs... certainly not when they are on the lead... your aim is to help them be able to be calm and neutral towards other dogs and just slightly interested

I would also say with a new dog lots of praise and bonding/ snuggling with their owner. Mark any calm behaviour. Play games like leave it, wait for food, wait for go find it etc etc and fetch... things that build up their impulse control

It is also good to consider enrichment with puzzle toys and kongs not just physical exercise. You can do scent hunts round the garden or house with food... take to green space and just do gentle meandering sniffing walks to help sooth and calm and tire the brain of the dog

https://aniedireland.com/100daysofenrichment/

Use what suits your dog and a lot is DIY and fun

Also make sure you have enough down time and naps for them and a a regular routine that makes calm times and reset a priority

Oh and a good idea to work through the calm protocol gradually once the dog has settled in

https://www.k9ofmine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Karen-Overall-Relaxation-Protocol.pdf

For all this go slow and take your cues from the dog... if they are a bit jumpy or tired and overwhelmed go slow and reassure and give a stress break! It is a big change for them

This is a slow steady journey for you getting used to them and being a skilled owner... trust is won!

I would see if I could get a very good positive trainer for even a few one on one sessions to set you up with the skills
 
@potatobread This sounds exactly like my dog’s situation, early life, and his behavior as an adult.

Just wanted to echo what others said about LAT training, that’s worked absolute wonders for us!

He still will go ballistic toward strange dogs in some situations, but he can also easily make new friends when the situation is managed appropriately.
 

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