Cocker Specific Discussion > Behaviour & Training
STRESSFUL WALKIES!
Jen:
I hope someone from the forum can throw some light onto Montys recent behaviour during walks as it's starting to get on my nerves now >:(
There are occasions, which are becoming more frequent, when he spots another dog - when he's on the lead and he goes mad....barking, whining and pulling frantically to get to them. :o This is really strange - because, when off the lead - he'll run to greet other dogs - but is still pretty good with recall after he's said hello!!!! :- - This is a nightmare for me - as usually I have a child attached to the other hand.....he's even nearly blindly pulled the pushchair over....nothing I say stops him until the other dog goes out of sight.... >:( Well today just took the biscuit......for some reason - he took a dislike to a lady and little girl on the opposite side of the road...not a dog in sight :o - I was pulling like mad one way - and he the other - barking and whining at this poor woman.......I just don't know where this behaviour has come from - those who met us on Sunday(at the L/SE meet) will know that Monty is a right softy and is more likely to roll infront of a stranger than attack them!
I am wondering if it's a "on the lead thing" or maybe to do with his age, like a protective thing.......but I just don't know how to deal with it as he refuses to listen during these spells of madness........and it's getting to the satge now where I am reluctant to take him out if I have the kids to watch too......which is a shame for all of us! ANY IDEAS? :-
Anita:
Oh Jen - what a naughtly Monty. I haven't got any advice I'm afrais - I know - useless ::) But I'm sure one of the other will be able to help.
Do you taking to any training classess?
Let us know how he gets on and keep smiling (even if it through gritted teeth!)
Pammy:
aaw Jen - poor you. You want walkies to be nice times don't you, and when they're like this you just don't enjoy them :(
I think it probably is a "being on the lead" thing, also prob to do with his age, thinks he's a big tough man - you know the thing ;)but he's got to learn that this behaviour will not do.
I think you need to spend some one to one training, without children. Keeping him on the lead, approach other people, children and dogs and walk briskly and brightly past, chivvying him along, use liver cake, I recall Monty likes it ;D, to bring his attention to you. Make him always walk to heel on the lead. Give him gentle praise when he's walked past nicely and firm no's and more chivvying when he's looking dodgy. Try not to do the natural thing, ie reassurnace, sshing etc as that reinforces that he has something to worry about. If you are bright and confident and show him you are in control, then he'll be more comfortable.
Then try introducing children and the buggy. I'd start with an empty buggy so that you don't have to think about the unthinkable happening. If an empty buggy goes over, no harm done.
I used to have this with Jasper and I used to get upset as I felt so embarrassed. I did all the above, only without the buggy - past that stage ;D, and before I'd even realised it, he'd stopped taking any notice of passers by. He will occassionally make to bark and mess about, but a sharp pull on the half check and a firm no, gets him back to me ;D
Good luck and give him a "don't be a naughty boy" hug from me and the boys send "good lad" "keep it up" licks :- sorry :-
Karen:
Naughty little MontyMoo!!!! Would never had imagined he'd be like that after meeting him last weekend! What Pammy is suggesting sounds perfect and I'm sure you'll crack the problem in no time! Good luck ;)
Jen:
--- Quote from: Karen on September 26, 2003, 02:41:08 PM ---Would never had imagined he'd be like that after meeting him last weekend!
--- End quote ---
::)I know the little b*gg*r had you all fooled ;) - actually - that's why I'm a bit surprised, cos it is out of character for him :-
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