9 month Aussie Help

[cheesestick]

I have a 9 month mini Aussie that is super smart - she learns very quickly. I've been having issues with walking her on a leash when she sees other dogs or people because she's very reactive. I took her into Lowe's the other day, and she did very well until the end when she wanted to launch at a customer. I was prepared and had the leash close, so she didn't get to them. I really want to desensitize her to people and dogs because we will be taking her traveling with us.

I've never had a leash reactive dog before. I'm not sure if it's because she's a highly energetic puppy, or if this is just something I have to train out of her.

The other thing is that she's "scared" of everything it seems. She doesn't bark but slinks away from new things, new rooms, etc. She always comes back, so it's like a "fear/curious" situation. Outside of pulling her into situations she's not comfortable with to desensitize her, are there any other tips I can do? I've wanted to take her to Petsmart and walk around, but I think that could be dangerous if she goes after a dog. She's not aggressive when she goes after them either; she's just wanting to jump, lick, and get in their face.

 

[truthseeker63]

@cheesestick Aussies in general seem to be more prone to reactivity because they were made to react to the needs of a herd of animals. They see and react to movement at a great distance.

That said, there are plenty of things you can do, I highly recommend pattern games, Control Unleashed has a great book and there are online classes available from Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. I use Up/Down and Ping Pong a lot, 1-2-3 and Two Step Treat are also helpful for moving around. You can find these on YouTube too.

Due to her age it sounds like she might also be going through a fear period. My Aussie is also cautious around new things (she especially doesn’t like things on wheels). I usually scatter treats and let her get comfortable around the thing or in the environment, and mark and reward her when she actively checks it out or relaxes.

You might also find Look at That to be helpful, personally when my dog was that age when she saw something at any distance she reacted, so it didn’t help a ton, but it’s generally recommended for reactivity.

With anything you pick, teach it at home and in a boring space first to solidify behavior before slowly adding increased distraction and eventually taking it out to new places.

 

[cheesestick]

@truthseeker63 Thank you! It's so hard to practice the jumping issue at home because she doesn't jump up on me. I don't have friends that come over, so I have to find innocent bystanders... lol. In all seriousness, I have a session with a trainer next week and I wanted to post here to see if what they told me line up to what I could find out on here. I'm definitely going to look into those games you mentioned above.

Thank you again!

 

[truthseeker63]

@cheesestick Well the goal with the pattern games is actually to change her emotional response so you don’t get jumping at all. So for example I’ve worked on the up/down game for a long time now so when I see a dog or person that’s potentially triggering to my dog I’ll get her attention and put a treat on the ground and she’ll look up at me, and we’ll repeat that a bunch as they pass by. She might glance at them but she won’t bark and lunge. The game triggers a new response and her brain goes “oh I know what the pattern is here” and she looks at me instead of the trigger. Hence why you have to condition the games in boring places before ever trying them around distractions or triggers.

 

[yasin]

@cheesestick It sounds like you are taking her to environments that are overly stimulating for the dog. Before you practice walking, you need to teach the dog what you want and how to do it. Start off in a quiet environment like a hallway. Teach loose leash respect, turning, and following. Also teach leave it. Gradually increase difficulty in the quiet environment by adding distance, duration, and distractions (distractions being get a toy or food they don't like too much and try to walk past it, which is why teach leave it, and then work up to their favorites)once you feel the dog understands the basics, take her to the front or backyard and practice. Maybe wait for kids to come home from school and find out what distance your dog gets reactive to practice (but you have to teach basic sits first!). Pull back a couple feet and have the dog sit without getting up. Place them back into sit whenever they do, never let them them get up and you not place them back, all while praising and giving treats.

Socializing a dog/puppy does not mean let them meet as many new dogs as possible. It's exposing them to many things in the safest, happiest way so that they build confidence and don't get scared or traumatized. You can go to lots of places where there are no other dogs and no risk of contracting a virus/disease before your dog is fully vaccinated. If your goal is to meet other dogs (highly unadvised unless you KNOW the other dogs are trained. Avoid dog parks like the plague). Heard good things about SniffSpot but I've never needed it so can't say

These should help
The Unpopular Truth About Dog Training Leadership You NEED To Know

Biggest Mistakes When Training A Shy Dog

Dear Rescue Dog Owners, Please Stop Doing This

Rescue Dogs Need More Than Just Love

Dealing With Dog Anxiety, What It Looks Like And What To Do

Avoiding Dog Separation Anxiety When Things Get Back To Normal
https://youtu.be/r9AFDe56-9g?si=KK2pdZCHSkJ_I_t5

Your Dog Doesn't Have Separation Anxiety (They Have This)
https://youtu.be/8yNTG7r6yaQ?si=PhBRNrlZNHrSH_eu

Common Ways Dog Owners Ruin Their Recall
https://youtu.be/zcFExNK52mo?si=gw4s_t4enFwgTWTk

Stop Your Dog From Barking Indoors
https://youtu.be/2nfo5SigKWQ?si=J1cn78nSc77BEHAS

First 10-15 min talk about why dogs aren't stubborn
https://youtu.be/cBqBvDHN7Zs?si=UZqtVkVNJmJw4rC5

Using Treats In Training
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7BBgLulherkP_HBcEj0iSLTjcbU8Quwx&si=-yjv1u5E0p7Y5Ym1

Simple Dog Training Tips For New Owners
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7BBgLulherk3ulRA1gVk0UmthiiYYfBX&si=xjvZpHDtljRnLTHS

Training Videos
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7BBgLulherlgCs-keKH_Icu3cuSuPUAu&si=TlE4NGwG7cFXOIqS

Is Your Dog Easily Distracted?
https://youtu.be/S0rVCkVG_OA?si=Bipf2J_MZ-2myrXO
5 Rules For Training Your Dog Outside
https://youtu.be/sG-B3g9i8KU?si=5sbKBncKP-EleWwc

Get More Focus From Your Dog Training
https://youtu.be/wbG62tgrl0g?si=tT4TQff2EgQVqI85
https://youtube.com/shorts/wbG62tgrl0g?si=n_I6qoiFtNyrQC9y

 

[cheesestick]

@yasin Thank you!

 

[yasin]

@cheesestick They have tons of more insightful videos I didn't post so be sure to check them out. I know it's overwhelming and takes tons of time to learn everything, so if you are still struggling, I'd recommend finding a local licensed behaviorist. However, they are expensive so that's why I provided videos to try yourself. A somewhat cheaper alternative than a behaviorist is to buy the McCann online program. For like $350 you'll be able to have access to not only their training content for 3months, but access to their trainers as well. You can record a video of the problem you're having with the dog, and they'll be able to tailor advice specific to you. If you need more time, just pay $35 monthly, and you still have access to everything. Cheaper and longer than a behaviorist, but I'd still get a behaviorist if needed and can afford it

 

[yasin]

@cheesestick Also things to consider before your vacation

Is Your Dog Ready For Your Next Vacation?