GoofyDog2 wrote:I watched the show last night and I have a few questions.
1. I have always heard that a crate should be a safe place where a dog will go willingly to feel comfortable and safe, and never to be used as an aversion or "punishment". But in this case Manny was corrected for unwanted behavior with a verbal "Uh-Oh!" or "No!", and then picked up and put into the crate which was completely enclosed in opaque fabric. I would think that would frighten the dog. I'd be frightened if someone picked me up and locked me in a dark, unfamiliar room.
2. I was surprised when you shrieked loudly to stop the dogs from fighting, but the camera was on Judy so at first I thought it was her. Then, later, you advised the use of a whistle, blown loudly, as an aversion. But we never got to see how the dogs reacted.
3. I fully agree with your initial statement that these dogs needed both owners to show leadership, and enforce rules and boundaries, and especially for Judy to stop reinforcing the dogs' unwanted behavior by protecting and cuddling. Judy clearly showed signs of major stress, and she seemed to make good progress after your visit.
4. When one of the dogs showed too much excitement about meeting another dog on the walk, I think you advised just walking the other way without saying anything to the dog. Shouldn't you tell the dog that you are changing directions, rather than just pulling him around with the leash? Or is the idea to have the dog pay attention to you without verbal cues?
Jolly good show!
Thanks!
Your answers:
1. As I said in the above post, the crate wasn't being used as a bed or a common place. Manny had to be shown that when he aggressed, Judy actually put her away from her. Now if Judy had put her on the ground, Manny would still have charged at Louie. The only way that Manny would get this is if he was removed into a space.
If a crate is being used as a den or bed, it should never be used as a part of discipline, but this crate was used as a temporary training tool and is now no longer there.
2. Are you asking what the dogs' reaction was? If so, they stopped their behavior immediately. For some dogs (not all), such a noise can be an effective, safe way to break up a fight because it cuts above the noise and emotion of the fight and acts as a really powerful interrupter.
3. Judy did a great job of turning herself around and becoming a more responsible and effective owner. I'm very proud of them all.
4. I do give a verbal cue as I turn the dog around, but then I don't talk to the dog as I'm walking away. Then, when I want to turn around again, I give another verbal cue.
and im not in charge of the house im the youngest of 5 so I can't take him to vet to get him checked or anything like that and the rest of my family won't go with it!
). 