[nagdu] Hannah,Re: howling was RE: Amazing dogs?

[Julie J.]

Hannah,

Have you tried turning around?  I mean when she starts up acting a mess 
because she's more interested in whatever, just drop the harness handle 
and pivot 180 degrees so you're facing the way you just came from.  then 
you could try a variety of things...double back in the direction you 
came from, have her sit and down, pet her or whatever it takes to get 
refocused.  I found this method very effective with Monty.  Firstly it 
breaks the eye contact he was having with the 
dog/cat/squirrel/whatever.  When he can't look at it  he isn't as 
distracted.  Lessening the distraction made it much more possible for 
him to get refocus on me.  Also for him, getting closer to what he 
wanted was very rewarding.  I only allowed him to get closer if he 
behaved himself.

Remember I told you that three years ago he would have Tigger fits of 
bouncing when he saw another dog a block away?  Today we walked past 
three little dogs on tie outs bouncing, barking and generally going 
nutters.  These dogs were literally inches from Monty and he gave them 
only a glance.  If you asked me if he would ever get to this point three 
years ago, I would have probably said no.    It took a lot of work and 
even more patience, but it is possible.

HTH
Julie