[Timber1]

For the past week or so my house has been surrounded by water, and for probably the next week my GSD and I will only be able to get out by boat, a small jon boat.

My concern is the dog, Timber. He will not obey in the boat when I start the motor, or even row for that matter. He just goes goofy trying to attack the motor and the oars.

Ironically, once under way he is fine. But in a flood, having him mishavior can be a bit risky. On the other end he is 100 percent house broken, so I have to take him to dry land to go potty.

He is now over two years old and always like boat rides and going fishing. But nonetheless, the aggressive toward leaving on the boat has always existed.

Obviously, in a small jonboat, during a flood there is not a lot I can do.

I did think of using an E-Collar, albeit most of you know I would prefer not to.

Suggestions appreciated.

 

[onyx'girl]

I remember a thread you had in the past about this, now he is really being tested, eh? Wow, I feel for you guys, and this weather is crazy! Our local spca is caravaning to Cedar Rapids on Sunday to get some rescued animals from the flooded area. Take the boat and just keep going til you hit high dry land...Please stay safe.

 

[big_dog7777]

This is a tough one. It is imperative that he be safe, which means he must be under control. I would use a down stay in the boat. I don't like the e-collar for this situation because with so much going on I don't know if it will be clear to the dog especially considering he is already amped up. I would put a prong on him, with the rings facing down. Clip the leash to both rings so it is a directional correction on the back of his neck and put him in a down. If he breaks it use the old trick of putting your foot on the leash and pulling up to force him back down while telling him to down again. When he stops fighting against it give him some slack.

Yes this is 100% compulsion, but it's better than the alternative (him tipping the boat and possibly getting hurt.

 

[WiscTiger]

Some times my mind works a bit differently than a lot of people, so here goes.

I would look for a work around solution right now, until I had time when life wasn't so stressed with the floods to break down the behavior in steps and work forward.

So my work around idea is do you have a garage? Could you set up an area with wood shavings on the concrete for a potty place. Much less stressful for both you and Timber. This isn't pottying in the house it is going potty out in the garage on wood shavings. Raya will go potty on wood shavings on concrete but won't potty on just concrete.

Just a thought. If not I would try John's suggestion. Yep it is like John said 100% compulsion, but some times there is no other choice, both you and Timber need to be safe.

Val

 

[Timber1]

Thank you. The kicker is the water in the garage is so high we could go swimming. Everything is under water. This is one major flood and I wanted Timber to stick with me.

My Ex has taken Timber until the water recedes, so he at least he will have some grass to go outside. I appreciate John's comments and they might work. But when the boat has water in it, the current is strong and the dog is attacking the oars and motor, I felt it was best to give him to the Ex for a few days.

She now has Timber, my adopted GSD, named Paris, a Chow, and two cats. Ironically they get along.

As an aside the best training I could have probably done is to remain calm, and until Timber settles just sit in the boat and command him to stay in front. It takes time, but has worked in other situations. The kicker is during a flood I just want to get in and out, and not have to battle the dog.