Really happy - I'm getting there!

I live not too far from Biggin Hill so when they had the air show on, I had a ride over there and took Ralph for a walk.  

I’ve been a bit nervous walking him on my own as we’ve had some issues with dog aggression, so this was something I haven’t done for a few months without the OH.  

I just wanted to say that Ralph was as good as gold on this walk. We’ve had some issues in the past with him being dog aggressive sometimes, but we’ve been working on that with a dog trainer and also the OH and I, well, me in particular, has been showing Ralph that I am above him in the pecking order… someone suggested that might help with the aggression as he was feeling that I needed protecting, anyway, I have been giving it a go – going first through doors, gates etc, not allowing him on the sofa/bed until I say, making him wait until I’ve eaten before he has his, and I tell you what, he’s like a different dog.  We still have the odd incident, but I no longer dread talking him out which is lovely.  I’m enjoying him again.  

On this particular walk there were lots of people about and lots of other dogs.  Ralph was on lead for the whole time but allowed dogs to come over and say hi, and wander off again without a cross word.  Even when a Mastiff growled at Ralph, Ralph didn’t bat an eyelid.   Not one growl the whole walk.  

I am happier and obviously he is too.  

The Red Arrows are my favourite and it appears that someone else enjoyed them too.  Here he is watching them!  Thanks for reading.
x

Well done ralph

No offence, but personally i think this dominance strategy has been so thoroughly debunked as to be meaningless. If your general demeanour is more confident this probably has more to do with it than anything else. the main thing is though is that youre having fun with him, and looking at your avatar pic, he looks like a magic little fella!

As I say, we've been working with a trainer too, so whatever it is, it's working.

So glad Ralph is coming on well Jo, Katy can be funny with other dogs but I find if I stand & chat with their owners she soon settles down & realises they are not a threat

This is great news Jo, it'll build your confidence no end as it has with my OH. This isn't so much a dominance theory thing in my view it's a pecking order thing. I've seen it with my Flo and my in laws Bloodhounds and in my own family.

I think Ralph feels more comfortable with you being in control and not so nervous so a win win

Glad to hear you and Ralph are doing well

Glad you're feeling more confident Ralph will certainly be picking up on that, and feeling more confident in himself. Sounds like he did really well out and about. I also don't agree with dominance "theory," but a lot of what you're doing is training/consistency more than anything! I don't think that dogs pay any attention to when you eat (unless they're getting something out of it!) but things like doorway training etc are vital for safety if nothing else.

Fantastic news indeed .

Here's a bit I posted on the dominance theory:

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t62292-debunking-the-myth-the-dominance-theory

Some of the old dominance stuff can help in that it gives greater clarity and guidance. My belief is that a lot (most) of what we call bad behaviour stems from worry, from the dog being in a situation he's not sure how to deal with and unfortunately picks the wrong option. By going through the door first (I agree, good practise) and keeping a slightly tighter definition of where they are in relation to you on walks, you are in effect saying that you're in control of the situation so they don't need to worry. It's leadership instead of dominance.

It sounds like you're getting on will with your trainer and what you're doing is clearly having great effect so I wouldn't necessarily change, but do keep your eyes open for some of the more extreme stuff dominance based trainers can do (pinning being amongst the worst) and if something feels wrong, don't do it. I'd also say to keep aware that many of the explantions of dog behaviour given by dominance trainers are off the mark, which can lead you to misunderstand Ralph's true feelings and needs, i.e. confusing worry for dominance.

Keep feeling positive, and have fun!

Basically watch anything with Cesar Millan in it and do the exact opposite.