Unfortunately being qualified gives no guarantee that his methods are all based upon positive reinforcement. Sounds like an old school police dog trainer who has never updated his skills into the 20th century let alone the 21st Slip leads fall into my 'banned' category of equipment with clients. If you have a problem holding Bailey when he becomes very anxious and reactive it might be worth looking at the type of harness you use and a double ended lead.
Hi @Natasha darke - having problems with my phone tonight so part if my reply is mixed up in your quoted text above and the rest disappeared I'm a member of several positive behaviourist groups. If you would like to try someone else please feel free to send me a private message with some contact details and I'll see if there is anyone near you. I know many are very booked up at the moment and you may not be able to reclaim on your insurance depending upon which organisations they recognise.
I don’t know anything about dealing with an anxious dog. But I have a very strong dog and I use a front-fastening harness on the chest if I know he’ll be pulling a lot and I need control (like if there’s a bitch in heat).
I personally would never use a slip lead as my girl is strong and pulls too. I don't agree with the above about looking at other tools such as harness and double ended leads as this still will restrain him from leaving when he is scared and will just make it worse. He needs to be able to remove himself from what is scaring him or it will only get worse. I have previously attended a lesson with a qualified trainer, but they were very old school and wanted me to use a slip lead and yank it everytime she pulled. I left shortly after and went elsewhere to get help. it cost me more, but was so worth it.
Welcome to to forum, I don’t have any advice I’m just so glad you followed your gut instinct. The behaviourist sounds so old fashioned. Good luck in finding someone with positive methods.
Oh my gosh, don't use a slip lead! When a dog is that frightened they are not in their right mind and will strangle themselves in an attempt to escape what they fear. If that's your trainer's advice I'd find a new trainer.
We use a harness for Homer when he needs to be out and about in potentially scary situations. We could keep the harness on and let him off lead when we could then clip him back on lead when necessary. Trying to get a scared dog to move is really impossible. Homer will jump and dance backwards. So we just have to sit it out, or go back before going forwards Some days our walks were barely out the front door, other days we got further, we just took his lead on this. A little encouragement but if he said "No", then we went back. Homer loves the car, and home, so sometimes we'd tell him were going back to the car in a happy voice. We also play find the car, where Homer has to show us which car is ours. As far as I'm concerned going back to the car is far safer than running off. At one point I drove round the corner, had his usual walk and then he walked all the way home past what was a scary place. Left the car and went to pick it up later.
I do too, my Tatze doesn't pull at all until we see a cat, then - whoooaaa! So any walks where we may see a cat I use a front fastening harness.
I think if I was dealing with this with my dog I would use her harness, which has both front and back fastenings. I agree with others that a slip lead is highly inappropriate for a frightened, panicking dog, which needs to remove himself from the object of his fear. A harness would prevent him hurting himself and remove the risk of running scared back to the car which might result in accident and injury. Very difficult for you OP, you've come to the right place for help and support.
What @Pilatelover said! You have good instincts. Take advice from experts, but if it "feels wrong" then always check it out. You know your dog. Well done.
Just say NO to slip leads! I am going to try to relate my experience with Murphy and his being afraid of fireworks, gunshots, and thunder. Pretty sure it started with fireworks. He headed for the bedroom and got behind the bed and would not come out for two hours. Thunder, same thing. This went on for a while, we had no idea what to do for him. One day the thunder started when we were outside, he made a beeline for the back door wanting in. I let him in and he headed for his safe spot behind the bed. I went with him. What you need to understand is that I am a great big moosh of a guy. So I sat down with him and talked quietly to him, petted him. I was there about an hour with him. Next thunderstorm, same thing. During the summer we get a lot of thunderstorms in the afternoon. So this went on for a while. Off to the bedroom, sit there with him trying to make him feel better. By the way, he is also a great big moosh of a labrador. So we get along well, LOL. One evening I was sitting in my chair when the thunder started. Instead of heading to the bedroom he came over along side my chair and gave me "the look". So I sat there soothing him as best I could. When fall hunting came we went through pretty much the same cycle with gunshots nearby. Not quite as bad as thunder, no running into bedroom. I kept up my routine with him, it made ME feel better trying to comfort him. Well, after many months, about a year, the situation changed. Now when it thunders and we are outside he just comes over close by me. If we are inside he will lay down next to my chair. Gunshots are different, if we are out, he will stop playing for a little bit and then carry on. Fireworks are in the category of gunshots these days. So, things have improved for him quite a bit. He is no longer terrified, just not happy. But I will say this, sitting on the floor while your dog trembles and soothing him for an hour or so takes a lot of patience. But darn, do not give up and think it is too much work or you have something better to do. Your lab is one of your best friends and he really counts on you for support. Here is a side note: If Murphy gets something stuck in a paw, like a chunk of bark or a stick in between the pads, he will stop immediately, look right at me, and I know, uh oh, better go tend to him. He knows he can trust me to make him feel better. Pretty amazing stuff since I know he always makes me feel better!
Yes, Cassie got a bone stuck in the side of her mouth tonight, not horrific, but obviously uncomfortable, after trying to get it out herself with no success, she came to me, tail wagging--- can you do something? I was flattered.
I ask when They have a problem and come to me to "show me" sometimes its and obvious thing like a thorn in the paw, but now when I say "show me" they will point out things they want like a toy or a treat but can't reach or in the case of Doug a baby bird trapped by one of my cats. Moo has shown me many things over the years and really enjoys getting her monkey working. Its nice that Cassie is able to show you how she respects and trusts you its lovely. That part of the relationship is the best thing ever.they so close to us
I really enjoy reading how so many people are able to develop a connection with their dogs. But, I do apologize cause I sorta derailed this thread a little bit. Ahem, I will straighten up my act now!
Don't worry at all - you have given very good advice and your experience with Murphy is very pertinent to the thread!
