WWYD - Training Issue - Long

Charlie has 3 major issues....

1 - He pulls constantly on the leash - he is really strong so this is a problem in that DH has to be the one to hold the leash when we go on long walks.
2 - He barks like crazy and will become aggressive to delivery people, or people walking by the car, he is very protective of us - he hasn't ever bitten anybody, but I am concerned that as he gets older he may.
3 - He doesn't come immediately when we call him. We have a big yard now and when we let him out and then call him back in if there is anything going on at all he will be distracted by it and not come. This makes me nervous for the future.

So these are all behavioral issues. We went yesterday for a consultation with a trainer that is very highly recommended where we live (New Paltz).

Some background, when Charlie was a little puppy he was bitten in the face by another dog that was on a leash. The owner told us the dog was friendly, the dog looked friendly, and then out of no where bit Charlie which resulted in him having surgery. Then when we went to puppy school he was playing with a bulldog and they scratched each other which resulted in an eye infection where Charlie had to have his eyes tacked (this is common for sharpei) The trainer feels like the aggression issue is because Charlie feels like he has to protect himself since we failed him in puppy school and on that walk. Then because we belong to him, he is protecting us too.

So the program is really good, but the first 2 weeks involve Charlie staying at the trainers facilities. Charlie has never been away from us for more than 4 days and he has only stayed with immediate family. The point of it is for the trainer to understand Charlie, get to know him, and be able to prepare a 5 week training program that we will go through together as a family afterwards. We spent 2 hours yesterday talking, asking questions, inspecting the facility, meeting the staff, and letting the trainer get to know Charlie.

My heart hurts thinking of my little baby in a kennel wondering what he did wrong that we left him for 2 weeks. On the other hand, my heart hurts thinking that Charlie is insecure and full of anxiety. The trainer assured us that dogs do not think that way. Our vet that we love is the vet for the kennel. One of the vets there put her dog through the program and says it is amazing, she swears by it.

The other option, is to just do lessons with the trainer. He says this is good, but its more effective when he gets to know the dog.

What would you do? The lessons or the whole program? Has anyone ever gone through something similar? Thanks!

Re: WWYD - Training Issue - Long

I would do the entire program. If you trust the trainer, Charlie will not be traumatized by his two weeks there. I think it's REALLY important to nip this in the bud NOW. I have a friend who breeds and shows shar peis and has for over 35 years. She's always said that, if you don't stay on top of their training, they can become aggressive and overly protective of their owners. That's the last thing you want - and would be a horrible thing for Charlie and for you. (No, I'm not saying you don't handle him properly! I just mean that you should deal with this issue immediately before it gets worse!)

JMHO. If you trust the trainer, I'd go with her program. If you're worried, you can always get a second opinion.

But I think 2 weeks apart is a small price to pay for getting him the training and socialization he needs.

ETA -- I just want to be clear that YOU didn't fail him. You are NOT a bad dog mommy. It's very unfortunate what happened to him. I'd take this opportunity to do everything you can to help get past his issues.

Message edited 2/19/2008 11:21:24 AM.

Re: WWYD - Training Issue - Long

You're right.

We were leaning this way too, but our parents all think we are crazy, that Charlie is the sweetest little dog (he truly is to people he knows, its just delivery people for some reason. I mean he comes to the office with us, to dog friendly restaurants, he's great with our nieces and nephews...).

We do have confidence in the trainer and trust. It makes me physically sick to think about it, but I do think this is the right thing. Especially since the trainer told us that his barking like that is not because he is confident and happy, he is anxious and nervous. They aren't far at all and said we can call every day but no visits. They will administer all of Charlies vitamins and ointments, etc. He gets 3 training sessions per day...

The trainer did say that Charlie is a sweet dog with a good disposition...we just need to establish ourselves as the leaders.

Edit - I just saw your addition, and thank you. We had so many health issues with Charlie during his first year, eye tackings, entropian surgery, sprained foot, just so many things that I think we got too overprotective of him, or since the dog biting incident we are very cautious and nervous around strangers dogs. He does pick up on that. But thank you for saying that. It means a lot. Now that we are up here where we love it, we want to make changes for the better all around.

Message edited 2/19/2008 11:37:49 AM.

Re: WWYD - Training Issue - Long

I know it will be hard -- especially since you've been through so much with him. Just remember, it will probably be harder on you than it is on him! I'm sure he'll be fine, and I think you can be confident that you are doing the right thing for him.

I'm sure you'll ALL be happier when he gets through his training.

Good luck!!

Re: WWYD - Training Issue - Long

Regarding the pulling, I don't know how big your dog is but you can get a no pull leash by ez walk, that leads by the nose. It looks like a muzzle, but it really stops a dog from pulling...petco sells them. Or if the dog is small, there is a harness type no pull that you could use also. Works great, esp for strong stubborn dogs who pull alot.

I would work with a trainer regarding the other issues. I worked with a trainer but out of my home, I will give you her name if you want.

I think the trainer's plan sounds good. If you trust him, and as long as you guys will be worked with as well with Charlie, then it sounds good. Supposedly most of our problems with our dogs are our faults...so we need to be trained as Cesar Milan would say.

What we do to retrieve our dogs is we shake a treat jar and say come. They run for the treats...it works almost every time. Still my dogs could be more obediant though. It is hard sometimes, I feel your pain.

Message edited 2/19/2008 1:01:43 PM.

Re: WWYD - Training Issue - Long

Thanks!

We bought one of those, but the top strap of the muzzle part started to irritate his eyes. His face is short and the skin around his eyes stated getting red which is a bad sign for Charlie so we abandoned it.

I think we've really erred on the side of caution with Charlie too many times and it's part of the problem.

Re: WWYD - Training Issue - Long

Posted by dgirl

Thanks!

We bought one of those, but the top strap of the muzzle part started to irritate his eyes. His face is short and the skin around his eyes stated getting red which is a bad sign for Charlie so we abandoned it.

I think we've really erred on the side of caution with Charlie too many times and it's part of the problem.

Message edited 2/19/2008 1:04:21 PM.

Re: WWYD - Training Issue - Long

Re: WWYD - Training Issue - Long