loudlucky Posted April 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 7 minutes ago, robke said: that is not so good..had choke chains just about as much as prongs and e-collars... from all of us, hope he feels better soon... Thanks Rob! Yeah, I don't like them or use it for the 'usual' function...only to prevent him from escaping...when he panics there's no reasoning with him and he will pull straight out of any harness or normal collar I'm not strong enough to yank him around on a leash, but the trainer obviously is... And anyways, yanking him did nothing (apart from hurting him)... It doesn't help to force him closer, it just makes him panic more... Right now I'm just letting him chill and will follow Jaimie's advice to just take it easy through this phase and continue with his training when & where he's comfortable, even if it means driving him to an open field or beach. Cannot find any other 'positive reinforcement' trainers in my area 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
09robiha Posted April 14, 2016 Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 @09robiha sorry, I've been too upset to update on here... Let's just say we had a difference in opinions that I do not want my dog yanked around while on a choke chain! So currently looking for another trainer... The only reason I have him on one of those Rogz half check collars is because he escapes anything else when he goes into panic mode...and I did not think that literally dragging/yanking him in front of barking dogs would be beneficial for anyone [emoji20] he hurt his neck and is not eating that great...but he's fine other than that and not going back again... So much for positivity... Oooo Cindy, big hugs! I completely agree that yanking a dog around on a choke chain is completely uncalled for. Like you, I have a half check collar so Harper can't wriggle out of it if she reacts to something, but I would never use it to 'correct' her or whatever they call it. Dogs are resilient and hopefully he will bounce back, or at least get over any small set backs quickly. Maybe get reading and educate yourself as much as possible until you find a new trainer? You know you will always find support and advice on here if you need it and we are always here if you are upset. Again, hugs for you and Tsunami! Sent from my HTC One mini 2 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loudlucky Posted April 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 @09robiha thanks Hannah! I don't think it had any effect on him other than his throat is a little sore. The vet said to keep an eye on him and give him soft food for a day or two, which he will think is a real treat! He still plays enthusiastically and doesn't seem bothered by what happened. But I can't take him out for a couple of days because his neck needs to rest...will just take him up and down the driveway in his harness tomorrow, but he can't leave his 'safe area' in the harness Shame and he wants to go for a walk when Smokey goes reall bad... But he got a new squeaky rugby ball so he enjoyed playing a long game of fetch! I'm looking into dog parks or other places to socialise him a bit more, but the closest ones are more than 2 hours away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
09robiha Posted April 14, 2016 Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 9 minutes ago, loudlucky said: @09robiha thanks Hannah! I don't think it had any effect on him other than his throat is a little sore. The vet said to keep an eye on him and give him soft food for a day or two, which he will think is a real treat! He still plays enthusiastically and doesn't seem bothered by what happened. But I can't take him out for a couple of days because his neck needs to rest...will just take him up and down the driveway in his harness tomorrow, but he can't leave his 'safe area' in the harness Shame and he wants to go for a walk when Smokey goes reall bad... But he got a new squeaky rugby ball so he enjoyed playing a long game of fetch! I'm looking into dog parks or other places to socialise him a bit more, but the closest ones are more than 2 hours away Could you put your lead clip through both his harness and his collar if you using a front leading one? Or get a safety attachment thing to link the two together? He might feel 'safe' in his harness and brave enough to venture out in it, and if you have him clipped up pretty safely you should be able to keep hold of him. That's how I have Harper's and its pretty escape proof. Also means that I can grab the top strap of the harness and walk her away from the perceived threat if I need too... Give him lots of treats and cuddles from all of us here I am assuming walking him with Smokey doesn't help his confidence at all? Gosh, not coming to South Africa then! I like me some dog park socialisations, especially if it involves cuddles! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loudlucky Posted April 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 Yeah, I usually clip it to the half check and his collar, because he has never pulled on leash and the half check is meant for not escaping... I bought some D rings and clips, will make a coupler to attach both his collar and harness to the leash! Smokey has actually always had more fear isdues than him, but ever since she was spayed she seems more secure. But if they walk together and she is scared of something it sets him off into panic The southern suburbs of Cape Town has lots of doggie places and beaches, but its the 'richer' areas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loudlucky Posted April 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 Found a positive reinforcement trainer in Southern Suburbs...she will consider coming out, but will cost a lot extra for gas costs... Need you guys' advice on if it sounds like she's legit...as I don't trust anyone who says they're a positive trainer right now! This is what she messaged me: "I use positive training. A dog who is scared you need to build up confidence again." "Would need to start by helping you at home. So you can move forward with him. Do you want to walk him from home?" To which I replied yes, I'd want to walk him in my street with the dogs barking... She asked when it started and I explained after the neutering. "It is quite strange that he has changed so after the vet visit I show you what to do. Better if you work with your dog. I can do it for you if that is what you want. Ok that may take a while but we could make a breakthrough early. Had excellent results with dog who chases cars recently." She does not use clicker, she uses her voice and treats & play. I told her that he knows sit, lie down, stay, shake paw, play dead, touch (your palm), up (jump onto something), am working on 'look at me' So she sounded impressed that he knows more than basic training...but still it's a lot of money and how do I know she won't hurt him... Would it be rude of me to ask her for a reference or two? The trainer I was at someone referred me and he was so nice all the time before... Do I straight out ask her if she'll yank the dog around by the leash? I'm not that good with people...that's why I prefer dogs Any advice would be appreciated! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfpup Posted April 14, 2016 Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 I've only just got back to this thread, soooooooooo sorry for the additional trauma. I cannot understand why the trainer suddenly decided to use brutal methods with a fearful dog. I would ask the prospective to understand your fears - and explain your experiences with the last one. Big hugs from my furry family. I had to smile at your comment about preferring dogs ....................... you have a soul sister here. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted April 14, 2016 Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 I would ask for reference seing as it is costing more...better safe then sorry... and the same goes for the yank at the leash...just ask be blunt... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loudlucky Posted April 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 Thanks @robke & @wolfpup! This will have to wait until the end of the month if I decide to book classes with her as I first need to rob a bank (or at least get to payday!) Will ask for reference and chat a bit more... Will google her too just to snoop around more! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted April 14, 2016 Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 also check out facebook and the sorts... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
09robiha Posted April 15, 2016 Report Share Posted April 15, 2016 Great advice from everyone here @loudlucky so I won't give out any more, but no I don't think it is rude to ask for reference or at least to just see some work she has done with former clients, especially if she is going to have to come out of her way to see you. If she asks, just explain what happened with the previous trainer, and any normal person would completely understand. Its interesting that you think Smokey is more secure after her spay, I wonder why that is? More settled hormones perhaps? How is Tsunami doing today? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loudlucky Posted April 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2016 19 hours ago, robke said: also check out facebook and the sorts... Thanks Rob, I took your advice and looked on Facebook because something was feeling 'off' in the way she responded...not answering how long she has been doing it, not wanting to go into any sort of detail about how she would handle training in any situation etc. I couldn't find one person on her Facebook group who made a post! No one complementing or leaving any kind of comments... Which is weird for me.. So I googled and found her active on a GSD facebook group, reading her replies on there left my jaw dropping to the ground! See attached screenshot of her reply to someone asking how they can stimulate and entertain a 3.5 month old GSD... So needless to say I'm definitely not using her! 2 hours ago, 09robiha said: @loudlucky Its interesting that you think Smokey is more secure after her spay, I wonder why that is? More settled hormones perhaps? How is Tsunami doing today? Tsunami is doing a lot better, he's eating his kibble (gave the smaller sized puppy ones of Smokey) and he's playing up a storm! Haven't taken him out yet today as the neighbours have family visiting and all their grandkids are running in the street shouting their lungs out! so I don't want to take him out when I know he'll panic...I guess they'll be here the whole weekend as the one boy turns 7 tomorrow and they're having a huge party... Smokey is way better after being spayed in February. She used to freak out at a shopping bag entering the house! I think it might have been her hormones as she was always at her worst around being in season She is still wary of strangers and don't like them grabbing her, but allows petting. If she's even a little scared of something during a walk it sets Tsunami into full panic mode! But Smokey is 100% manageable... You can just see her body language change and her ears drop, but she continues without stopping or pulling back. Yesterday she found the gutters (next to the road where the water runs into) more entertaining and just had to walk in them because it meant being full of mud! She also listens, even if she is a bit scared, and if she does get into a bit of a panic I just pick her up and she calms right down! That's why it's so frustrating with Tsunami...everything I've done with her that worked seems to backfire on him... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted April 15, 2016 Report Share Posted April 15, 2016 WOW now that is a statement to make... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loudlucky Posted April 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2016 19 minutes ago, robke said: WOW now that is a statement to make... Yeah I thought it was totally weird coming from someone advertising 'positive' reinforcement! In my opinion, why get a dog if you don't want to spend time with a puppy??? And GSDs are not bad puppies, they train rather easily ...but to suggest not walking it or to say the more attention you give, the more they want just is very wrong! They just opened a new doggie 'school' near me, but they still train with old methods... More of dominating and shouting at your dog... So, I don't see myself finding a good trainer around here soon Will have to Youtube more for suggestions or see if I can get any good books or dvds... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loudlucky Posted April 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 Since we're having had rain here for quite a few days now, it's been impossible to take the dogs out Since yesterday we're having some sort of storm (they blame tides & the moon for making it worse) so the whole yard is about 3 to 4 fingers high under water... So quick toilet breaks outside and Tsunami actually trying to 'swim' in a pool of water today! It gave lots of time for indoor training at least so we've got 'look at me' covered, starting to get a good 'leave it' (with really expensive ham! But he grabbed the dried ostrich windpipe, go figure!) And started working or 'sit pretty' which is currently a flop as he falls over every time, but at least it keeps him busy! Found a great article today about desensitization https://positively.com/contributors/how-desensitization-is-like-learning-how-to-swim/ So hopefully if it ever stops raining we can start trying again...taking it 1cm at a time if we must! @09robiha this article might interest you too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted April 22, 2016 Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 Positive reinforcements and then he pulls out the choke chain. What a cop out. Sorry you had such a crappy day. Sent via the power of telepathy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loudlucky Posted April 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 8 minutes ago, Emma said: Positive reinforcements and then he pulls out the choke chain. What a cop out. Sorry you had such a crappy day. Sent via the power of telepathy. Yeah, the problem is most trainers here now say they use 'positive reinforcements' but then they still revert back to their 'real' methods when they don't get results... Oh and @robke that trainer I found the other day actually lied to me about where she lives too! So she could charge double for gas money! So glad I found those Facebook posts of her! Thanks for the idea to go look on there! Will be going trainer-less for now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loudlucky Posted May 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2016 Haven't updated here in about a month... Stopped taking him out into the street here for a while and rather signed him up for Doggie Dates, a dog playgroup (like mommy & me baby groups!). You can see his first session went awesome yesterday in the media section and read more here It really helps to bring his confidence up when he interacts in the group and I talked to them before taking him, so they know to let him approach and not to invade his space, which is so awesome that they help out! Unlike my neighbours! He's starting to get better with his commands too outside, but still ignores treats & me when he gets nervous on new places or when there's too many humans around... Hopefully he'll start to figure out that not all humans grab or pet without asking first! I just wish the fenced park was not so far away that I could take him more often! It's a 30-40 minute drive just to get there... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
09robiha Posted May 22, 2016 Report Share Posted May 22, 2016 Haven't updated here in about a month... Stopped taking him out into the street here for a while and rather signed him up for Doggie Dates, a dog playgroup (like mommy & me baby groups!). You can see his first session went awesome yesterday in the media section [/url] and read more here It really helps to bring his confidence up when he interacts in the group and I talked to them before taking him, so they know to let him approach and not to invade his space, which is so awesome that they help out! Unlike my neighbours! He's starting to get better with his commands too outside, but still ignores treats & me when he gets nervous on new places or when there's too many humans around... Hopefully he'll start to figure out that not all humans grab or pet without asking first! I just wish the fenced park was not so far away that I could take him more often! It's a 30-40 minute drive just to get there... This is awesome! Sent from my HTC One mini 2 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.