South Westminster Dog Socialising Classes 7th May ST GEORGES SQUARE SW1
What a great day!! My First session for 2011 went really well, eight bull breeds, two jack russells, one beagle, one lab, two rescue mixed terriers and a maltese x - all NAUGHTY but Nice!!
Firstly - we discussed any 'behaviour issues' (mostly pulling on lead, jumping up, barking non stop and lack of recall). It was important to assess each dog and see how socialized they were with both other dogs and people, so we all walked round the large 'dog area' (dogs on leads) in pairs - practicing 'walking to heel' and how to use 'the block'. This also was socialising the dogs in a group - walking together.
Then the dogs were 'off lead' (under constant observation) interacting with each other. Dogs once 'unattached' to us - humans (who often transfer their own stress to the dogs through 'lead contact') usually interact well with each other. It is often ourselves that 'cause' the problems! It is important to observe your dog and to understand your dog's body language but also feel confident in yourself. If you don't feel confident and 'stress' free - not only does your dog pick up on your anxiety but other dogs could too and they could react aggressively.
Jessie a very pretty staffordshire bull terrier had a problem with other dogs when she was on lead (off lead she was fine) and also having been bitten once by the local bully (a jack russell) - now - was slightly 'anti'! I got her owner to walk round with Romeo the Jack Russell (both on leads). A few growls at first but using no 'negative' verbal and rewarding only 'positive' reactions - Jessie learnt Fast!! Clever Girl.
Kane a big softy (Bull Mastiff X) was one of the 'pullers' - more practice needed - gave his owner some 'walking to heel' homework!
.Jimmy a lovely rescue has got a 'vocal' problem - Barks for Britain and Romeo he is a pup that joins in!!
Whats on the Agenda next week - Barking , Recall and Checking 'Doggy Homework''; can't wait.
2pm next Saturday 14th May
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