Our Jack Russell Terrier rescue, Sophie, seemed very submissive when we adopted her. We did basic obedience training, which included showing her by various measures (having her wait for food, walking out the door before her . . .) that we were in charge.
Regardless of that continued work, we had issues with her only when she was on a leash. If a dog was walking towards us, she’d lunge forward at the dog. And bark. And pant. It was very embarrassing. Clearly she wasn’t happy to see the other dog. She had an aggressive air about her. So we went to Feisty Fido class.
We met a trainer with a group of owners and dogs at a local park four Sunday’s in a row. Sophie was an angel. Because she was in a pack. Without the other dog coming AT her. Once we walked in the neighborhood, the trainer was able to see Sophie’s issues.
We were told to get off the sidewalk and have Sophie sit. Have Sophie face the dog coming toward her. And the owner is to place their back to the other dog. When you place your back to an oncoming dog, your dog realizes that you are not concerned with the other dog! Body language for dogs.
So when I said we met a trainer for this dog walking class, I am using the royal we. It’d be my husband, Rich, who went to the classes and dealt with the chilly and drizzly weather for those four classes! He usually walks Sophie first thing in the morning. And in Rich’s opinion, Sophie is a different dog. She now practically ignores other dogs when on a walk with him! And when I walk her, we have a slight difficulty, but nothing like before 🙂
Keep in mind the body language. We used this technique with the doorbell. When the doorbell rings and Sophie runs to the door barking, I grab a container of treats and face my back to the door as I place her in a down stay. If she doesn’t bark for a few seconds I treat her. After I’ve dealt with the door, she gets another treat. Believe it or not she used to bark incessantly at the door. She now barks and runs to the door. When I get there, I put her in a down stay. She doesn’t bark again. She doesn’t move while the door is open. She gets a yummy treat when the door is re-closed. Amazing!