Dogs of the week

Sophie

YORK PA- Sophie is a 2 year old Spitz / Terrier mix. She has been increasingly aggressive towards their two other dogs since she got hit by a car, to the point that they needed to be separated. She seemed to not have any physical injuries but could have suffered a concussion or TBI. The first thing we did was to take her on a Silent Loose Lead Walk to the intersection to where she was hit. At first she freaked out but within a few minutes she stood quietly and relaxed on a loose lead, concentrating on me instead of the environment. Then I handed it over to Mom who did the same thing. We did a Focus Drill before bringing one of the other dogs out. Everyone was calm and relaxed. Then we went inside for a more confined space and introduced the third dog. All dogs were moving independently with no fixation on each other. Mom and Dad said they had never done that before. Just like a person with a past trauma, Sophie just needed to learn to trust again. Good girl Sophie.

Lu

PYLESVILLE MD- Lu is a 7 month old Lab / Shepherd mix who reportedly suffered from severe anxiety, especially around the grand kids. She also pulled terribly on the leash. We started off with a nice Silent Loose Lead Walk. As usual I had Dad put the Immediate Correction Lead on since she would only run away from me. After doing the SLLW I handed it over to Mom before doing a Focus Drill in the front yard with another dog for to add a distraction. Within a few minutes this Nervous Nellie just laid down, rolled over on a hip with her chin on the ground. This is the most relaxed position a dog can be in. Now out in the open I was able to approach her and give her verbal and physical praise. I further explained how to use the Focus Drill to expose her to anything she was frightened by. Good girl Lu.

Belle


YORK PA- Belle is a 2 year old Labradoodle that barked excessively, was a jumper, and would run out the door, in addition to pulling on the leash. She was a fast learner and now that her Mom & Dad speak the dog languages of movement and touch things will just get better and better.

Wrigley

YORK PA- Wrigley is a 6 month old Lab / American Bulldog mix. Mom & Dad called because of his pulling on the leash and getting him to settle down. Within the hour he was doing all five of the basic commands- HEEL SIT, DOWN, STAY, and COME. Don’t let your puppy trick you into thinking they can’t do things due to their age.

Butch

YORK PA- Butch is a 10 week old GSD. He walked on the loose lead like a champ before doing a five minute plus Focus Drill in front of the house with dogs barking and cars going buy. He achieved Heel, SIT, DOWN, STAY and Come with German commands. Forget all that “he’s just a pup” nonsense. This dog will be a rock star by the time he is six months.

Bear

DOVER PA- Bear is a 4 month old Bernese Mountain Dog, one of my favorite breeds. Mom & Dad are older and can’t have him play biting their thin skin. He also needed to learn how to control himself around guests and other dogs. Most importantly he had to learn perfect leash manners before he is 150 pounds+. Good boy Bear.