Behaviour issue

Marley is off to see a behaviourist on the 28th. To come up with a plan on how to resolve his not knowing how to meet and greet other dogs. We had another little situation yesterday lucky I was able to break it up really quickly before it got to manic. Unfortunately Marley does not have a clue when it comes to reading other dogs signals, he just wants to play and as you all know they can be a little rough. So it's back to school for this young lad I'll let you know how it turns out.

please do .xxx

Keep us updated Rob, I'm sure what you learn will help others

Good luck, and well done on seeking help.

Good luck, do let us know how it goes.

:-(

Sounds very positive already! Great stuff. More updates as you progress, please!

Sorry the complete post did not show. So I have deleted it

tube

What's the posting problem, Rob?

It will not allow me to post all I write. Look at in preview it's there try posting it only displays a third.
Tried cut and paste ☹️ Still no luck ?

We'll look into it for you.

Hi had a good training and assessment with Penny the dog behaviourist she introduced Marley two three dogs, one after the other. It started with both dogs crossing each other so they could make eye contact I then would follow the dog initially at distance then eventually upto about 3 meters behind. After a few times across the training area the other trainer stopped and allowed me to circle the dog again initially at a distance gradually getting closer. if Marley started to show signs of stress I moved the other way. As soon as Marley looked at me I gave him loads of praise and a treat ( Penny recommended something really tasty as its a more of an important exercise I used that cheese in a tube he loves it). I then moved back towards the dog, you keep changing direction every time he lunges or barks. More treats when Marley looks at me. Eventually we got right up to the dog and I then put Marley firstly in to a sit beside the other dog then into a down,we were about a metre apart.Marley was totally relaxed as he did that roll on to his back for a tummy rub We did this exercise with two other dogs all had different temperaments the latter would not tolerate any silliness from Marley and would tell him off. Again after a while we were sat side by side. The next test was in the next paddock Marley on a long training lead and the three other dogs were free running. Marley was quite happy showed no signs of stress and wanted to play he did try to hard with one dog and was told off which he took on board right away and backed off. That was a first for him. The more dominant dog then teased Marley by running right at him, Marley reacted to forceful not biting but doing a sort of body charge ( a Staffie trait bit like a rugby tackle )
Marley was again told off which he immediately understood and backed off another positive reaction. So bless him he was learning.

I asked about my idea with me sitting in the ring and the dogs going around me. Penny didn't recommend that way it would cause to much stress for Marley. A slight alteration to the way we do it on a Monday was suggested if we could,have the dogs in a line or a circle and the dog having the test would walk around the dogs starting at a distance moving closer depending on how confident you are of your dog then eventually if all look happy put the dog in a sit or a down next to a dog in the line at what ever distance you feel happy with. This after a few sessions some dogs should be ready to sit happy beside each other.
A very successful training session

Today out on our walk Marley had his first meet with some cows hahaha you can imagine his reaction totally lost it. They were not bothered about 10 stood by a gate looking at him and were not going to move lol . So I tried that earlier tactic led him away so they were out of sight then back again giving lots of encouragement slowly he started to relax after about six passes I then moved closer to the gate and away and back slowly getting closer well after another six passes I had Marley stood 2 meters away and then in a sit. A little nervous as there was some lip licking but no noise. Result I think Marley's issue is he regards everything as a threat and he feels the only option is to attack or make lot of noise. This gradual approach with perhaps friends dogs I am sure is the way to go.

Right I have rabbited enough back to Glastonbury and my JD
Rob

that sounds really positive, well done!

What a great result to see, especially when Marley listened when the dogs told him to back off/ease off. Congratulations to you both and good luck in continuing with the gradual approach!

Sounds like the training is going great, well done to you both

Must say I think you have a good behaviourist. It sounds like she is very aware of dog stress and won't push Marley. It's so nice when you can watch them play with other dogs. Do let us know how he gets on.