[sydney-the-cattle-dog]

Wow! Wow! Doing the happy dance

I took Sydney to his second training session for his behavior issues and I can't believe what I just witnessed.

I had enough of his dog-dog agression and his constant over the top reactiveness to the distant bark or sight of a passing dog. Tired of being prisoner to a dog that I was afraid to walk or take anywhere for fear of interacting with other dogs. So I find this amazing trainer so that I could actually, finally have the dog I was hoping for.

Back to session #2- Sydney, unbelieveably, was in the same room as another dog. He sat and even laid down in a stay, until realeased, while another dog sat 10 ft away. No hackles, no growling, nothing but calmness.

He did so well that we are even moving into a group class next week. That would be a class in a room with other dogs. I never thought I'd see the day.

I sooo excited... just had to share.

[RonE]

We might have to make this a sticky and ask people to read it who have already given up on their dogs.

Congratulations. I'm glad you and Sydney are working through this.

[sydney-the-cattle-dog]

Thanks!

I resisted finding a trainer for about a year. I had seen a different one before that, had a few sessions, but things were not improving. I don't think the previous trainer was communicating what was needed well enough and I was frustrated trying to figure out how to get the same results as her once I went home to practice.

An excellent point here is not to give up, seek the help of a professional trainer, and don't be afraid to find a new trainer if necessary.

[opokki]

How wonderful! You must be thrilled.

[sydney-the-cattle-dog]

I thought I would update with my latest session.

I arrived at class and wasn't sure if I would be the only one today but before long another cattle dog showed up. Sydney greeted the other dog in the usual way- barking and growling but after three or four time-outs he stopped.

Now for the really good part.

Our trainer explained and demonstrated how to give the dogs (and owners) confidence and correct them both when they got too intense. (Both our lovely cattle dogs are seeing the trainer for the same problems) Before long the dogs were not even looking at each other for the most part and were completely relaxed. We had them walking past one another and sitting in a stay while owner walked away. Even had them walk past the other dog with a dropped lead!

It has been very interesting to learn that Sydney is not an aggressive dog but that all along his behavior has been due to human to dog miscommunication.

[Curbside Prophet]

It's nice for once to read a story about how dog and human are adaptable beings. To me this is what's magnificant about dogs, and humans too, as opposed to the cop-out adjectives that are given only to the dog.

To your continuing success!

[Inga]

Yeah! I am so happy for you and Sydney. You are both going to enjoy a lot more quality time together now. I imagine it will be just as liberating for Sydney as it is for you to leave all of that nervous energy and stress behind and you can enjoy walks and outings more. Great Job! You should be very proud of yourself too!

[poodleholic]

Congratulations! And kudos to you for not giving up! I know how frustrating it can get being "prisoner" to such a dog, believe me. I was stubborn and hung in there . . .all I can say is Ain't Freedom Great! LOL

[DogsforMe]

Congratulations on your continued success. What was different between the 2 trainers' methods?

[sydney-the-cattle-dog]

Originally Posted by DogsforMe

Congratulations on your continued success. What was different between the 2 trainers' methods?

The biggest problem with my former trainer was her slow response to questions between sessions, sometimes I wouldn't get the answer until the next session. She was also better at communicating with Sydney than with us. She would take a hold of him and get great results but fail in explaining what she did and why or really watch our handling to correct our errors.

When I found our current trainer we saw immediate results with simple to understand techniques. He is always available by phone or email and has a keen eye to quickly see where I have made a mistake and set me on the right track. We go home with our practice assignments and are able to practice with confidence and get results.

[sydney-the-cattle-dog]

Another class another progress update-

I hope you all don't mind me posting my training experience over time. This is all so exciting to me.

Today I walked into the classroom and there was only one other dog for the class, an adorable Jack Russel that I think had its legs replaced with springs. I didn't make a fuss and walked over to an empty chair and asked Syd to sit. No problems despite the bouncing blurr a few chairs over. In fact there was a never before seen lack of reaction from my Syd- no snarls, growls, barks, or hackles.

So the trainer starts the class and it is about five minutes before it sinks in that I have in fact brought Syd to class and not my all-loving lab mix puppy. I had actually forgot that I had Syd- the super reactive dog- on the end of the leash. It was just so strange; he was acting so good.

The whole class was wonderful and I can't wait for next week when we get to be in a real class again with more real dogs in the same room. I just can't emphasize enough how good it feels to take a dog that previously could not be within 20 yds of another dog without a huge aggressive display to an obedience class without any signs of aggression what-so-ever.

[reverend_maynard]

Could you explain a little about the techniques that you used?

TIA

[Curbside Prophet]

I certainly don't mind. I enjoy reading about dogs that empower their owners. This to me is what's wonderful about dogs and what is their true nature.

[sydney-the-cattle-dog]

Originally Posted by reverend_maynard

Could you explain a little about the techniques that you used?

TIA

I think it would be appropriate for me to post some details but it would be best for me to do this in the morning when I am coherent.

This has been an amazing and revealing journey to date.

I will sit down in the morrow and recount all that I can for the benefit of all who have a dog as wonderful and troubling as my Sydney.