Dog 'trainer' rant!

Wellyboots6

I have had Digger a couple of days, and knew when I took him on that he has some issues that need a lot of work. He walks fine on the lead usually, but when he sees another dog he gets excited and bounces like a kangaroo and barks. I am fully aware he needs some intensive training!

We were walking down the lane when I saw a lady I have had issues with previously, approaching with her dog. Digger started bouncing and barking, and so she gave us a wide berth...

Lady: That dog needs training
Me: Yes, that is what I am doing now
Lady: Well I am a dog trainer, and that is not training
Me: What would you suggest then?
Lady: Well, that dog needs training
Me: Well I am glad I have not wasted my money on paying you for that wonderful piece of advice!

I can well understand he looks intimidating when he bounces, but there was no way he could have got hold of her dog, and I was actively training him and not just letting him get away with acting like a loon and ignoring it.

She made a similar comment a while back with my previous German Shepherd Tyson.

Tyson was badly behaved to begin with, but with serious training he became an absolute star. I am hoping Digger goes the same way.

I always take on rescue dogs with 'issues' because I believe every dog deserves a chance, and that they are not naughty on purpose but because they have not been taught what is acceptable.

I just got upset because her dog is perfectly behaved and I felt that she was looking down on me. I am sure her dog was not born perfect, and required some training at some point.

Sorry, I know people probably won't agree with me, but I did just need a rant!!

roxy13

Well done for taking on dogs with 'issues'. Alot of people wouldnt and they would end up being put to sleep. Don't worry about that women.
You have done a lovely thing taking on a rescue animal with problems.
Rant away!

little_miss_muppet_face

I hope u do manage to train your dog.. My dog is now 2.5 and still barks, lunges and gets super hyper when she sees other dogs while on lead.. I've tried for 2 years to get her over it and still had no luck...
Hope u have better luck than me xx

Wellyboots6

Haha! I HAVE to succeed now, just so that when I see her again and he is perfectly well behaved I can feel all smug

Failing that I can just tell her that I had initially thought he was dog reactive, only it turns out he is just a great judge of character!

dontone

little_miss_muppet_face wrote: »

I hope u do manage to train your dog.. My dog is now 2.5 and still barks, lunges and gets super hyper when she sees other dogs while on lead.. I've tried for 2 years to get her over it and still had no luck...
Hope u have better luck than me xx

My pooch is 6 in June and he still does it. And if he can't be bothered to jump up, he'll just lay down and refuse to move. There are a few dogs around here who do the same as him. Must be something in the water.

To katy. Tell the lady to mind her own business. Nothing worse than your own local "dog whisperer" We have them around here, and their dogs are the worst behaved of the lot as well.

Her dog might poop in the house and be a chewer, just because on the lead they behave, doesn't mean to say that they are completely perfect

_Andy_

I would tell her to stick it. Interfering, arrogant sod.

_Andy_

On another note, to echo others, massive kudos to you for taking on a rescue dog and especially one with issues..you'll give the pooch a great life

gettingready

Oh Katy - looks like I have to catch up on here.. a lot....

Big hugs and... keep on doing what you are doingxxx

Belly rub to Digger and tell him he is a lucky boy

morgymoo

Well done on taking on Digger one thing you could try is to get Digger to watch you, when he does reward him with a high reward titbit like sausage cheese or liver make sure you get a good sit, nice and quick reward that. You could also try teaching him to walk to heel using a titbit have it in your hand just above his nose that would really impress her Good luck

Wellyboots6

He doesn't deserve a belly run today GR, he has got teeth marks in all my toilet rolls, little monkey!

Morgymoo, he will do a sit after a bit of messing about when he sees another dog so I am hoping I can build on that and get a sit before he even starts the messing about. His heel work is brilliant until he sees the other dog and then he goes loopy again. I just need to try and get his attention before he gets fixated on the other dog. Hard work ahead I think!