When we get a dog (be it a rescue or otherwise) we want our dogs to be perfect. Rarely, however, do we get what we want. And if you are a training/behavior geek like me, you NEVER get what you want. You get the problem dogs. You get the leash reactive, anxiety ridden, over threshold in a second dogs and they bite your hand a million times dogs. You get the ones that, under normal circumstances, would have an owner running for the hills. You, however, take it as a challenge. You might not like it, but you take it.
Problem dogs are exhausting. Even for those of us who are learning the field. I don't know what a "normal" walk is (Gracie is leash reactive...and Garmin is, too). I don't know what it is like to go to dog parks or have "play dates" with other dogs (Gracie is dog selective). I don't know what it is like to not have to climb over baby gates and other barriers (did I mention that Old Man Gizmo isn't a fan of whippersnapper, Garmin?). But, I deal with it. Much to my husband's dismay, I deal with it.
When you get a problem dog, you have a few choices. You can quit and the dog becomes someone else's problem. You can ignore the problem and hope it goes away (unlikely), or you can try to fix the problem. I chose to try to fix it.
In this blog you will learn how I dealt with Gracie's separation anxiety, crate fears and leash frustration. I will show you that anything is possible--especially if my girl can get her CGC (which, by the way, includes a supervised separation section). I will also show you what I am doing to work with Garmin--my over the top ACD mix. With him, I am trying new things, reading new books and altering my approach.
Please know that if you are dealing with a problem dog you are NOT alone. There are plenty of people out there just like you...and lost, just like you. And frustrated. And ready to throw in the towel. Don't. Stick with it--it will be rewarding (even if you want to rip your hair out sometimes).
One of the most important things I can tell you about dealing with a problem dog is don't let the dog become the problem. What I mean is, don't forget to play with your dog. To have fun. To be silly. Don't let the problems eat away at you and make spending time with your dog unbearable. If you work through whatever issue you are facing, I promise that you and your dog will be happier than you can ever imagine.
Problem dogs are exhausting. Even for those of us who are learning the field. I don't know what a "normal" walk is (Gracie is leash reactive...and Garmin is, too). I don't know what it is like to go to dog parks or have "play dates" with other dogs (Gracie is dog selective). I don't know what it is like to not have to climb over baby gates and other barriers (did I mention that Old Man Gizmo isn't a fan of whippersnapper, Garmin?). But, I deal with it. Much to my husband's dismay, I deal with it.
When you get a problem dog, you have a few choices. You can quit and the dog becomes someone else's problem. You can ignore the problem and hope it goes away (unlikely), or you can try to fix the problem. I chose to try to fix it.
In this blog you will learn how I dealt with Gracie's separation anxiety, crate fears and leash frustration. I will show you that anything is possible--especially if my girl can get her CGC (which, by the way, includes a supervised separation section). I will also show you what I am doing to work with Garmin--my over the top ACD mix. With him, I am trying new things, reading new books and altering my approach.
Please know that if you are dealing with a problem dog you are NOT alone. There are plenty of people out there just like you...and lost, just like you. And frustrated. And ready to throw in the towel. Don't. Stick with it--it will be rewarding (even if you want to rip your hair out sometimes).
One of the most important things I can tell you about dealing with a problem dog is don't let the dog become the problem. What I mean is, don't forget to play with your dog. To have fun. To be silly. Don't let the problems eat away at you and make spending time with your dog unbearable. If you work through whatever issue you are facing, I promise that you and your dog will be happier than you can ever imagine.