Young Labrador crazy to get to other dogs

Discussion in 'Labrador Puppies' started by JulieT, Mar 20, 2016.

  1. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Anyone who has never pulled their hair out about their Labrador's inability to think if there is another dog within a mile, can move on over this post....:D:D:D

    Charlie used to be the world's worst Labrador for his inability to leave other dogs alone. It was a mix of things - his natural over friendly temperament, his early 'socialisation' on Wimbledon Common, an abrupt and very long isolation from other dogs at the peak of his teenage years...honestly, he was an absolute nightmare.

    I don't think I'm ever going to have a dog that is uninterested in other dogs, but I have worked very hard, and today I was pleased with him. :)

    He was in a new place, there were a lot of people around, lots of dogs, footballs etc. Many dogs ran up to him - the video shows just the first two or three, and he was great (well, relative to the nightmare he had been). I had a couple of failures, he did go to say hello twice, but the young GSP did her best to get him to continue playing and he returned his attention to me.

    I've still got a long way to go - I've hardly got keen focus on me yet! But I was pleased - and so just to say if you have a nightmare young Labrador and you think you will NEVER get his attention when other dogs are around, it does get better. Also note just how high my rate of reinforcement still is....don't hesitate to machine gun in those treats!

    The hollering and shouting that Charlie is interested in at the end of the vid is the family of the other dog fixated on the food trying to recall their dog! They nearly recalled my dog, but their dog was completely uninterested! :D:D:D

    [​IMG]dog distractions by julieandcharlie julieandcharlie, on Flickr
     
  2. jessieboo

    jessieboo Registered Users

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    We have the "nightmare young lab", so thanks for sharing this! It is good to have hope!
     
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  3. Stacia

    Stacia Registered Users

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    Very well done, an example to us all, I really must work on Drift (no 1 Lab) who is a bit reactive. I did like the little dog who sat so attentively :) You have spurred me on to really work at it!
     
  4. Boogie

    Boogie Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    In my experience, when little pups, if they have too much uncontrolled play with other dogs they come to expect it.

    Our pups meet lots of dogs from 8 weeks old, but it is all on lead, controlled interaction. They are taught a very solid recall before they ever play with other pups or dogs. Then, at 17 weeks and on free runs they are allowed to play but expected to come away and stay away when asked.

    It has worked like a dream with Gypsy and Twiglet. Yesterday we went for a long free run with a Guide dog, Maple (4 years old) and there were many, many dogs around. They were both brilliant at staying with us if dogs were on lead and saying 'hello' then coming back when dogs were off lead.

    With Tatze (my pet dog) it has been a different story. She was 'over socialised' with other dogs very early on - and I had to then re-teach her not to go up to every dog we met.

    It can be done, as JulieT says - but it takes a lot of dedication. Tatze is fine now and, after a few nips from nasty little dogs, is far more careful who she engages with.

    Here is Twiglet with the lovely Maple :)


    2.jpg
     
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  5. jessieboo

    jessieboo Registered Users

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    Boogie, thanks for sharing this, that is really interesting. Because Jessie is so dog mad, I have been avoiding play with other dogs as our trainer has said it won't benefit her. I always have her on the lead around other dogs. Our trainer has suggested letting them say hello, counting to 3 and then making her come away. We are doing this all the time and I can most of the time now get focus back on me, but I don't think that would be the case if she was allowed to play, she goes completely insane! We are working on recall around other distractions and she is doing brilliantly, so I am hopeful we will one day get there!
     
  6. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    I very much agree with @Boogie - once you have this problem, you have to work your socks off to correct it.

    I'm not sure it's always caused by over socialisation though - it could also be caused or made worse by isolation and infrequent but amazingly exciting (from the dog's point of view) play.

    A good aim is to have a dog around other dogs and being very chilled. Lots of very boring dogs required for puppy socialisation perhaps!
     
  7. Snowshoe

    Snowshoe Registered Users

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    Good boy Charlie, resisting a pretty girlie-pup who wants to play isn't easy.

    The little black and white dog at the end was so cute, sitting attentively and politely for the wrong person. :)

    What I want to know is, how do you handle a whistle, clicker, treat, follow the action AND video all at the same time? You were talking too so the whistle didn't sit in your mouth the whole time. Amazing.
     
  8. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Haha - the go pro is tiny and is on a mount on the back of my hand - that's why my videos make people feel a bit seasick, they jump around all over the place whenever I give Charlie a treat!
     
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  9. drjs@5

    drjs@5 Registered Users

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    Good boy Charlie.
    Your treats ARE irresistible though Julie, so you can't blame the other dogs ;)
     
  10. First timer

    First timer Registered Users

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    Thank you for this - it's very heartening! Daisy is a nightmare around other dogs and I can see we have heaps of work ahead.
    Balancing the right amount of socialisation is tricky- and clearly we didn't get it right!
     
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  11. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    It is also partly their nature too though. :) My dog loves the world and everything in it, that's partly just who he is. :)
     
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  12. jools

    jools Registered Users

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    Well done Charlie!

    Thank you from me too @JulieT for posting this. Eric loves the world too.... dogs, people, things that fly in the wind, the wind! Just everything!
    We have a lot of work to do to get to this stage I'm sure :)
     
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  13. edzbird

    edzbird Registered Users

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    and another thank you from me for posting this video.
     
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