This is a quick message for everyone who told me to get rid of my dog or have her put down (after just a couple of days of bad experiences).

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with Lotti, who was able to give me some really good ideas (and point out the obvious that I kept missing because I kept getting so upset by Poppy's behaviour).

She recommended I did not muzzle her, but did get hold of a halter which would give me a 'control-and-shut-mouth' back up should I need it. (I beleive thanks to Katie-B are in order) and to work with Poppy on ways of demostrating her fear more acceptabley (ie coming back to us for reassurance) and distaractign her.

We tried this at home (me and OH), distracting her from her favourite toys with a call, then a click and treat, and it seemed as though it might work.

This morning, OH took her out, armed with instructions, and then I found myself with a spare 1/2 hour and went out again. It started badly (kids across the road and a barking dog in a car) and I now have a nice rope burn on my arm from her lead, but we walked away from the scary things and distracted her with other stuff (erm...mainly gravy bones) We did this with everything scary in the [thankfully very empty] park and made it back in one piece.

I got back from work this afternoon and took her out again, armed with all the tricks. Again there were kids playing across the road, but I got her before she locked onto them in full growl/bark mode , I made sure I didn't get into any small gaps with people, but we got cornered by men coming from both directions. Howeverm 3 gravy bones, lots of fuss and click later we made it, no barks, no lunging, nothingn (and for those of you've who've been follwoign the story so far-he was Asian-god I feel horrendou, I AM starting to notice people by their race).

We even walked past some other dogs on the way home after we'd run out of treats (thankfully, she's as happy short term with a click and a cuddle) and I got to speak to the other dogs' owners (from a good distance), so hopefully if we meet them again they will keep their dogs at a good dsitance.

I know it is not over-I don't think I'll ever drop my guard, but I am so proud, of her and of myself, my confidence is back and we are ready to face the world again.

So basically, to all those who doubted, yes this is a right royal 'up yours'

This is a quick message for everyone who told me to get rid of my dog or have her put down (after just a couple of days of bad experiences).

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with Lotti, who was able to give me some really good ideas (and point out the obvious that I kept mssign ebcause I kept getting so upset by Poppy's behaviour).

She recommended I did not muzzle her, but did get hold of a halter which would give me a control-and-shut-mouth back up should I need it. (I beleive thanks to Katie-B are in order) and to work with Poppy on ways of demostrating her fear more acceptabley (ie lookign to us for reassurance).

We tried this at home (me and OH), distracting her from her favourite toys wiht a call, thena click and treat, and it seemed as though it might work.

This morning, OH took her out, armed with instructions, and then I ofund myself with a spare 1/2 hour and went out again. It started badly (kids across the road and a barking dog in a car) and I now have a nice rope burn on my arm from her lead, but we walked away from the scary things and distracted her wiht other stuff (erm...mainly gravy bones) We did this with everything scary in the [thankfully very empty] park and made it back in one piece.

I got back from work this afternoon and took her out again, armed with all the tricks again. Again there were kids playing across the road, but I got her, before she locked onto them in full growl/bark mode , I made sure I didn't get in any small gaps with people, but we got cornered by men coming from both directions. Howeverm 3 gravy bones, lots of fuss and click later we made it, no barks, no lunging, nothing.

We even walked past some other dogs on the way home after we'd run out of treats (thankfully, she's as happy short term with a click and a cuddle) and I got to speka to the other dogs owners (froma good distance), so hopefulyl if we meet them again they will keep their dogs at a good dsitance.

I know tis not over-I don't think I'll ever drop ym guard, but I am so proud, or her and of myself, my confidence is back and we are ready to face thw orld again.

So basically, to all those who doubted, yes this is a right royal 'up yours'

Lovely, im sure people will be clamering to give you advice next time:roll:

Lovely, im sure people will be clamering to give you advice next time:roll:

Well to be honest, I ddin't count the 'give your dog away or have her put down' comment as advice

That's great news Vicki! Be careful not to get complacent - The Daddy - it's not that Vicki doesn't appreciate advice - she's simply saying to those members who weren't at all helpful that it's not always as straight forward as it seems.

There are far too many people out there willing to give up on a dog because of a bad experience so well done Vicki for sticking it out!

Well Done:clap: You sound like your doing a great job

well done
although tbh you've better things to do than worry what anybody posts on here.
give your dog a cuddle and have a nice night.

(i used cheese cubes for my dogs training btw - cheaper than gravy bones as well)

I think neeeeek's comment about putting your dawg down was a little extreme but the fact is that it is something that could (have !) happened had you not taken the time to rectify the situation. The unfortunate reality is that if she had bitten anyone, that decision would be out of your hands and that would be really sad if it is just down to obedience and changing behaviours. At least now hopefully you know what sort of dog she could be and don't take any chances. Well done for taking the time with her, I'm sure it'll be worth it.

:clap: lovely news, :clap:

it's going to be worth the effort, I'm sure!

Vicki - that is great news honey :)

Thanks everyone, you're dead right Lotti btw-I don't think shes the type of dog I will ever be able to let my guard down with, but thankfully I think we have got there early.

Noddle, that is exactly right, if anything had happened it would have been out of my hands, and more importantly out of the hands of whoever it happened to.

Fingers crossed from here on in.

p.s. Lotti, that book is great, will have to post a pcik of me and Poppy reading it-she likes to lie on me with her head in the book

Does the book tell you how to do the 'watch' and 'touch' exercises or do I still need to email them to you?

Will check, we haven't got a long way in yet as I have been at work today!

lol ok - just let me know if you still need me to send them! I know the book covers a lot of distraction exercises...

Certainly will do. At the minute I'm still astounded and chuffed that we can distract her with the gravy bones because she never used to be bothered. Maybe she has decided that she can take stuff off us after all, or maybe she is just hopeful I will pull something better out my pocket one time?! :P

you can do that and make it work though Vicki - if the rewards are varied and sometimes big, sometimes small, sometimes tastier, sometimes less - she is gambling for the reward so will work harder for it - it makes the whole game more exciting!

Just be careful with gravy bones - if she's fine with them that's great but they can be a bit rich ;) and then doggy poo bags become even less fun!

Well to be honest, I ddin't count the 'give your dog away or have her put down' comment as advice

Fair point and i appologise but you must admit it seemed a little abrasive.
Im happy you have stuck with it and your getting results but it must be something with the name as my Poppy is pain in the bum too:D.
Worth it though arent they.
Good luck Vicki:thumbsup:.
:):)

A few months ago, Mr Godzilla was trying to socialise a particularly 'keen' retired greyhound that got anxious/stressed around other dogs. Taking it a walk where he knew other dog owners and explaining the situation to them really helped. Obviously having it under control helped too. Don't always feel you need to apologise, but do explain.

Go Vicki!!!!!

Well done to you and Lotti!

Fair point and i appologise but you must admit it seemed a little abrasive.
Im happy you have stuck with it and your getting results but it must be something with the name as my Poppy is pain in the bum too:D.
Worth it though arent they.
Good luck Vicki:thumbsup:.
:):)

No worries, misunderstandings happen