Bailey - 8 week training with a super trainer/behaviorist

[GSDLove]

Hello All,

Since I posted previously regarding Bailey and his aggression/bite issues ( People Aggressive GSD - 4 years old PEDIGREE posted!) I thought I would start a new thread updating weekly how his training is going and what I am learning. My hope is to educate, and give a perceptive from a non-professional dog person. Let me first say that if your dog is showing signs of aggression be responsible and contact a good trainer and/or behaviorist before you have serious problem.

Bailey has been in and out of different training classes to learn obedience commands which he has learned. What is missing is that he doesn’t respect me (that was a HUGE shock to me), so that is my goal with this 8 week class. If I can get his focus and respect then I will have more control in turn making for a safer and happier dog and human. He will always have the tendency for aggression but I have the responsibility of not putting him in a situation where he can be aggressive.

Initially I thought I could not afford to have a trainer come out, and reading more books is all I needed, but the truth is I could not afford not to have a trainer and books can take you just so far.

Monday night was Class 1 – Focus: My understanding is without focus other commands are useless. To do the focus exercises every time Bailey looks at me I say good and Bailey has to come to me for the reward i.e. liver. I do this exercise with him on a leash, standing or sitting.

I can see the use of this exercise and I am looking forward to learning more.

[gsdraven]

Good for you for recognizing there was a problem and taking steps to get it under control! I look forward to your updates.

Are you using a clicker or just a verbal marker?

[Catu]

Originally Posted by GSDLove

He will always have the tendency for aggression but I have the responsibility of not putting him in a situation where he can be aggressive.

And despite all the controversy generated by the pedigree thread... we ALL have the responsibility because we all have GSD, no Labrador retrievers and ALL of our dogs have (or should have) a tendency to aggression, some more than others.

I don't see it as making our dogs un-aggressive as much as showing them where and how aggression is appropriate in some context or others, and where to become a better leader, as opposite at "training the dog" is twice as important

to you, congratulations and thanks for this thread.

[debbiebrown]

Congratulations for being a responsible owner, realizing you have issues and trying work with your dog! you have taken the first step, its a long process and please expect there will be some frustrating times and some possible set backs............you are learning how to be a leader and how to handle your dog in situations watching the signals etc.............keep up the good work! its something to be very proud of and you will become a more confident owner in doing do, and your dog will also become more confident and more attuned to you!

[sit,stay]

I hope you update often! I think what you are doing is wonderful, and I loved how you concluded that you couldn't afford not to have a trainer!

Good job!
Sheilah

[onyx'girl]

I agree with Sheilah...having a good trainer to help you will pay for itself over and over. I look forward to reading your progress updates!

[clearcreekranch]

Glad you are getting professional help.

[Stosh]

I thought I had Stosh pretty well trained and under control until we started herding lessons. I was so confident that he would listen to me and do what I asked...HA! Once he had the opportunity to do what he wanted he completely blew me off. Now I'm doing what you are, getting back to basics and taking the steps I should have taken before I forged ahead to something else. Thanks for the post, I also am looking forward to reading more.

[GSDLove]

Monday, September 19 was class number 2.

We are continuing to work on Bailey's focus and my poor timing. I am learning that I am to fast in working with Bailey, and that is confusing to him.

German Shepherds are amazing learners. Bailey has had 4 years of mistakes in training from me and with the correct training tools he is making great progress.

My number one goal is to have 100% focus on me and recall. I now have hope that we will accomplish it.

Another thing I need to work on per the training is my trust in Bailey. Every time Bailey and I past him I would tighten up on the leash and my body, dogs pick up on that.

I can't wait for week 3.

Mary

[Castlemaid]

I'm so glad things are going well. I know it was my rescue who got me into training, because she was too much for me to handle at the time. I couldn't believe how much her behaviour and our relationship improved once I was taught how to communicate with her clearly, and started to understand more about shaping and rewarding behaviours that I want! Sounds like you got a super trainer to work with too, congrats!