6/07/2011

I Bark - Therefore I Am

Part of why Diana and I blog is to highlight the difficulties I have in interacting with other dogs and humans because of my lack of socialization before she adopted me. If the struggles I have and how I am working on improving help other dogs or their humans, then my incessant barking is doing its job.

I’m learning now to be a better canine citizen, but I may never “get there”. I don’t know how to relax or focus. I don’t know how to interact socially without barking. I prefer to interact with people, especially Diana and I don’t mingle all that well with other dogs at social events and especially not at chance encounters.

I love to go for walks. Love it! I jump and jump and grab my harness and leash and drag them to Diana each night until we hit the pavement. I’m alert, active, happy and so excited to go. Diana would love to walk us about a mile to an elementary school with a big play field. Lots of dogs go there and run up and down the field. I’ve been there twice – when no other dogs have been there. I run full out with my ears back, probably the happiest I’ve ever been. Usually though, we take shorter walks where it is quiet and I am less likely to encounter other dogs.

Diana would also love to take me to a small dog meet up in our city. It is a wonderful twice monthly event where the dogs visit an assisted living/nursing home specifically for people with Alzheimer’s disease. There are about half-dozen dogs that go every month to visit, hang out for a couple of hours, score tons of treats, petting and visit with our older friends. It’s a win-win in our community and in their lives.

One of the requirements to attend is to behave while on leash. I can’t go. I bark and show aggression towards other dogs when I’m on the leash. The second you clip off the leash I’m friendly to everyone and everything and very generous with hugs and kisses.

As you know, I’ve worked with Jeff Tinsley, the owner of Sound Animals, here in Seattle. He has helped Diana and Michael learn to handle their anxiety and me in group situations, how to engage me in activities and learning situations to make things easier and generally is an awesome guy. I’ve made great progress - just not enough.

If anyone reading my blog has any advice for us on helping me overcome leash aggression (if possible), I welcome your positive thoughts and ideas.

Today I ask only one thing from everyone. If you are planning on getting a dog or have a dog – do the right thing. Socialize them early, often and well to help them become the best they can be.

Thanks.

^ . . ^
 
Woof


6 comments:

Oskar said...

Due to my mom being ill I was not socialized well early on. It's something we need to work on too!

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

Pish Posh Says said...

Hi, Oskar! Thanks for reading my blog. The best of us are always in school learning our stuff. Thanks for always supporting us.

Big Hugs, Sasha

zoetheborder said...

Is an ongoing issue for us and more than one behaviourist has been called in for advice. And there are two of us, with two very different issues, which makes it tricky. Best thing we learnt?

blindmaximus said...

I wish I had advice but unfortunately I don't. I am not social either. I'd blame it on my blindness but even when I could see, I didn't get along with other dogs. I used to play with my now-deceased friend Gourry the raccoon and I've started playing with our kitties now that they've been here about a year, but I don't play with dogs. And I'm kind of what you'd call "leash-retarded." So I may not have advice, but if it helps, know you're not alone.

NWIPR said...

http://www.kathysdao.com/articles/Leash_Aggression_in_Dogs.html
I like how this article explains the issue

NWIPR said...

http://www.threedogstraining.com/2010/04/17/mad-leashes-manage-leash-aggression/
here is another article to look at

I'm going to BlogPaws 2012 badge