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Training setback <sigh>

6 replies

ChickensHaveNoEyebrows · 08/11/2012 18:40

I've worked really hard for the last three weeks since we had a session with the behaviourist on managing Jasper's fear and subsequent dog aggression. We've had a few close calls where I've had to ask other owners to call their dog away, and one occassion where I had to grab another dog by the collar in order to prevent my on lead dog from being leapt on. But things have been going really well. His recall has been great, I've kept his attention and he's been fine playing ball in a field where there are other dogs as long as he can keep his distance (challenging, but doable). But today, I cocked up. I was waiting where I always wait for DS2 to come out of school, and fishing in my pocket for a treat. Jas was focused on me, and sat nicely. I didn't see the enormous white staff that was coming up the footpath behind him, and neither did he until said staff suddenly had his face in Jas's. Jas lunged at him and there was a lot of noise, but no actual injuries. All over in seconds. The other owner looked mightily pissed off, and I apologised, but felt about this small. Another parent was laughing at the sight of my small, floppy eared spaniel taking on the humungous staff, but tbh I could have died. I'm so disappointed in myself, because after all the hard work he's just had another negative encounter which I could have handled better. A woman came towards us afterwards to pet Jas, and he hid behind my legs (something he has never done). I know I just need to shrug it off and persevere, but I felt like a self pitying wallow. So there .

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Cuebill · 08/11/2012 18:55

Don't worry just treat it as a learning experience Tbh I think Jasper was well within his right to give a snarling leave me along command to the in your face dog.

Do not feel the need to apologise and do not feel you were in the wrong. Again another dog owning numpty not looking after their dog properly. (the staffi owner not you!)

Tomorrow is another day - it sounds like you are doing really well