Wolfie leash aggression update - Opinions on CAT?

[UConnGSD]

I had posted a few months ago regarding Wolfie's leash aggression and had great conversations with other members on their experiences. Since then, we have taken the Reactive Rover class. It has helped a lot but the last hurdle still cannot be crossed. He still flies off the handle when he sees another dog while on leash. Off leash, he's Mr. Lover Boy.

I had a kind of scary incident lately which was a great learning experience. DH and I picked him from boarding and while still in the parking lot, he saw a golden and went ballistic. In the ensuing struggle between leash and beast, Wolfie got free (the helpers at boarding put on the harness incorrectly and we didn't check ) I just froze (so helpful). Wolfie went from ballistic to jumping into a stranger's car after the golden and giving him googly eyes. All in a split second. Finally, DH came to his senses and called Wolfie, he came over to me and we got him in our car. I just about fainted after the ordeal.

I think that finally reaffirms what I had known all along: his leash aggression has to do with an intense desire to play and inability to get to the other dog.

Now, this brings me to CAT (Constructional Aggression Treatment) which came out in the latest issue of WDJ. http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/

I'm sure there are a lot of WDJ subscribers here who have probably read the article. Hopefully, there are also people who have tried CAT. I would like to hear your opinion about whether you think Wolfie might be a good candidate for this type of training to deal with the last hurdle. I know that I am seeking an opinion while giving limited information but hopefully, it has just enough info. Obviously, the next challenge would be to find an appropriate trainer with a neutral dog in the Buffalo area.

[JakodaCD OA]

I just read that article it was very interesting..

I haven't tried CAT, (since I don't really have a dog who requires it) but my opinion, you've got nothing to lose..

I guess I would do what the writer did, she evaluated some dogs first, I see the 'person' aggressive dog, (I think it was an all black dog) she felt a different method would work and went with it.

I guess I'd try to find a trainer who's familiar with CAT and other methods, have them evaluate wolfie and see what would would be best to try with him.

I would rather have YOUR kind of dog, then a downright DA dog..
but I agree, it's got to be controlled,,heck he might give some owner a heartattack if he got loose and did that )) and who knows what type of dog he's going to say "HI" to , could rip him up good))

[BJDimock]

I can't read it without subscribing! What are the general techniques involved?

[sleachy]

I posted this topic last year...unfortunately, I think that topic has been trimmed from the board.

Basically, the responses I got were "that's flooding" and after much discussion with my trainer and at a seminar, I tend to agree. It's negative reinforcement and I would stick with desensitization and counter conditioning.

Here is a link to Kellie Snider's thesis paper on the topic...
<u>A Constructional Canine Aggression Treatment: Using A Negative Reinforcement Shaping Procedure With Dogs in Home and Community Settings</u> by Kellie Snider

[UConnGSD]

Thank you for the feedback everyone! Actually, in the WDJ article, written by Pat Miller, she says that in an earlier article she had highlighted all the negative aspects of CAT, including this notion of flooding. In this article, she writes about her change of heart regarding CAT. She talks about her recent workshop on CAT and I don't see where, in any of the 3 cases mentioned, it could be seen as flooding. Flooding would imply the dog simply shutting down in response to the stimulus, right? That did not happen in any of the cases. In fact, a couple of dogs had YEARS of positive reinforcement only training with progress until getting stuck at the last hurdle. At the end of the CAT workshop, they were able to interact in a positive manner with their original triggers (dog or human). I'm not sure if this would happen if the dog were truly flooded though. Miller does say that this is not for every dog. I guess an all out aggressive dog would be an unlikely candidate for CAT.

Does anybody know of any trainer in the WNY area who's at least familiar with CAT and willing to give it a shot? I will start looking around soon myself.

[zyppi]

Ok, so does anyone have a kitty solution?

I've talked to trainer after trainer and most say it's more the cat.

I know my little Burmese was fine with my old girl who at the bridge, but when Sofie came on the scene (as a puppy) Tatty hissed and fuzzed and ran.

What could possible tempt a dog more?

I've never been able to trust them anywhere near each other and actually have dog proofed areas to protect the cat.

I'd love to see it change.

[UConnGSD]

Anne, are you talking about using the CAT training technique when the dog is aggressive towards the kitty cat If so, I have no clue how that would work. I guess it would be hard to control the movement of the kitty, to say the least...

[Riley's Mom]

I started reading the article and it was making me feel real uncomfortable so I never finished reading it, and I won't be implementing it.

[BuoyantDog]

Quote:I would stick with desensitization and counter conditioning.

As far as desensitization goes, has anyone ever tried desensitizing by using audio clips of dogs barking or growling aggressively?? What other desensitizing techniques could be used?

[Liesje]

I'm not familiar with these techniques, but I'll share what worked for me and my dog. Nikon was VERY reactive and dog aggressive around 6-10 months. We had a terrible time doing any "training" or behavior mod for this b/c there are so many other dogs where I walk and I cannot always predict when one will be there (especially the off leash ones!) and be in control of the environment. So for about 4 months I basically gave up on any sort of desensitization, flooding, counter conditioning, etc....I really did not work on this issue directly *at all* and yet after several months, when I dared try another walk, he was perfectly fine with all of the dogs we crossed, even the off leash ones. Basically what I did was focus on building his confidence, building his bond and trust with me, and doing a lot of motivational type training switching from food to toys. I think his confidence started to mature and he became more focused on me, learned to respect me and defer to me. So after working it from this angle, I no longer have issues controlling my dog.

There's probably a million ways to go about it, but this is what worked for me.