I think I have established that Maggie's a lovely dog, but she clearly doesn't like other dogs and sometimes kids. She has a few good dog experiences under her belt recently, but she is still fairly unpredictable - she really hates dogs that aren't on a lead and come right up to her. I have a hard time getting angry at her in this situation as seriously, aren't dogs supposed to have some instincts - pack mentality, predators, and all that.
Well a couple of weeks ago, Bo was playing with them, and he commented that Maggie sure loves a tennis ball, she won't drop it for anything and carries is around until drool is coming out of her mouth. It was then that I had my eureka moment, seriously a light bulb grew right out of my head.
What if I took her favorite tennis ball donut on the walks with us?!?! What if I used the donut when other dogs were approaching to distract her and then give it to her as a reward?!?!
So I tried it.
The conflict was etched on her face dog - donut - dog - donut, but she chose donut. I let her keep the donut as another dog approached again conflict, but then the dog got in her face so she quickly dropped the donut, bite the offending dog on the nose and then picked the donut up again.
Hmm, slight change in tactics - always hold donut when other dogs are approaching. Her head is on a swivel, dog-donut-dog-donut, but donut always wins.
The added benefit of this technique is that it generally drives the approaching dogs a bit crazy too; this donut has magical powers. I get to see other dog owners struggle to control their pets, which is curiously satisfying.
...didn't realize you have to click on comment to get a comment box. Live and learn.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should start a journal on dog training... I like her donut too. Makes me think of Gram Fuhrmans fab homemade donuts right out of the grease....Have a happy happy day and hug those mutts. Middleoldcrow
Oh MiddleOldCrow we will have you blogging in no time at all
ReplyDeleteJana thinks the bird is a black pelagic cormorant..Jim thinks a crested anklet..Suzanne thinks a shag related to the cormorants...suzanne is hoping you will get a picture of a capercallie..a kind of grouse...I think it is a cool bird..
ReplyDeletelove your dog too