[NAGDU] Dog distractions

Thu Sep 7 14:49:08 UTC 2017

Hi Andy,

a lot has been said already and I'd like to echo all of it. Let me just 
add, I have a very energetic, active and sometimes over-excited dog. 
I've had him for three years now and in the beginning, I was desperate 
sometimes. Like Alec, he wanted to greet people while working and 
sometimes just forgot he was in harness to jump up on 0passers-by. It 
was embarassing, it was overwhelming and I didn't know how to react. But 
I quickly noticed that very harsh corrections weren't the solution. 
Well, things like high collar corrections aren't taught over here anyway 
which is a good thing in my opinion. Over all, redirecting is often a 
good thing, followed by praise and/or treats if you use them.

When Taylor misses an entrance, I turn, go back with him, let him try 
again. Sometimes point to the entrance. When he shows it to me, I praise 
him a lot and repeat the procedure once or twice until he really likes 
to show me the right entrance.

When he gets distracted en route and a simple "Hey, Taylor!" or 
"Forward" doesn't work, I stop, tell him to sit and stay. If he does, he 
gets praised. I've found that making him sit and stay, then praise or 
treat him while the object of his distraction walks by works best for us.

Also, I noticed that the more relaxed I became towards his behaviour, 
the more he was able to obey my redirections or commands. Those dogs are 
so sensitive to our emotions.

And please try and don't be too critical about Alec's behaviour. He's in 
a completely new world right now and you're, too, in some ways.

Good luck. :)

Lisa

Am 07.09.2017 um 15:33 schrieb Cindy Ray via NAGDU:
> I would have to agree with all that has been said here. My first dog I was
> very demanding. I wanted perfection and I wanted it now. Well, now never
> happened and I destroyed any chance of a good relationship with my dog.
> Praise goes a long way, and never underestimate doing preventive obedience
> in a situation. I've used it to cool the urge to chase dogs many a time. Try
> it, Andy, and play, and praise, and hug, and pet. That dog is gonna love you
> for it.
> Cindy Lou Ray
> cindyray at gmail.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie Johnson via
> NAGDU
> Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2017 5:59 AM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Julie Johnson <julielj at neb.rr.com>
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Dog distractions
>
> I'm going to agree with everyone else, that sounds like a lot of correction.
>
> Personally, I only use that level of correction for a truly epic fail on the
> part of the dog.  For missing a turn or brushing into some bushes, they
> would get a verbal reprimand and the opportunity to have a do over. Repeated
> huge corrections over time will typically lead to one of two things, the dog
> shutting down or a total rebellion.  Either is not good.
>
> Since you are a new team, I'm going to venture a guess that this isn't to do
> with failure in the dog's training or ability to understand what to do.  I'm
> thinking it's more about your working relationship.  You are very, very new
> and haven't fully developed the mutual respect and trust needed to work
> smoothly.  Yes, working errors need to be addressed, but I'd put a lot more
> effort into communication than corrections.
>
> Like Jenine suggested I'd do obedience at home or where ever you have a few
> spare seconds.  Obedience isn't to keep the dog in practice with
> understanding sit and down, it's to keep him in practice with listening to
> you.  I personally don't do obedience practice in one set aside session.  I
> sprinkle it in throughout the day as we go about our regular routine.  The
> dog never anticipates what I will ask, when or for how long. I also don't do
> collar corrections with obedience.  If the dog doesn't do the behavior, I go
> to the dog and help them do the command.
>
> I'd also suggest playing with your dog.  It will help alleviate some of the
> frustration, playing is good for the soul.  It will also help him burn off
> some extra energy and it will help you strengthen the bond you have.
>
> To address the working errors without hard corrections, you could try a
> couple of quick obedience exercises.  The best use of this is as prevention.
>
> So if you are approaching your building and hear people out talking or
> working, stop and do a round of sit, down, hand touch or whatever, then
> continue on forward to your building.  This will get his focus back on you
> and the work.
>
> Good luck!
> Julie
> On The Go with Guide-and-Service-Dogs.com
> http://www.guide-and-service-dogs.com
> also find my products in the Blind Mice Mega Mall
> <https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Directory_Departments?storeid=19
> 16046>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Andy B. via NAGDU
> Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2017 5:09 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Cc: Andy B.
> Subject: [NAGDU] Dog distractions
>
> Hi,
>
>
>
> Alec is 2 years old in a few weeks. We have been home for 3 weeks today. It
> seems that he has huge problems with certain types of distractions. First,
> he will intentionally leave part of our route to visit people. For example,
> last night he refused to turn down a sidewalk he is familiar with so he
> could try and visit with strangers. A few minutes ago, he intentionally
> passed up the apartment building door to try and visit with an apartment
> staff member he has seen a few times before. Earlier today, he ran me into a
> car door trying to get out of the rain. Finally, a specific route we walk
> has low laying bushes during a certain block. Sometimes he is distracted
> enough that it can take a few harsh two handed corrections to get his
> attention, then a high collar to get him moving again. Most of the time the
> high collar isn't required, but now and again it is useful. What is the best
> way to get his mind off these problems? They are repeat offenses, so I doubt
> corrections are teaching him anything right now. Most of this is probably
> puppy. However, it could get us in a little trouble one day.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NAGDU mailing list
> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/julielj%40neb.rr.com
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2012.0.2265 / Virus Database: 4365/14435 - Release Date: 09/06/17
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NAGDU mailing list
> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/cindyray%40gmail.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NAGDU mailing list
> NAGDU at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/dreamymarmot93%40yahoo.de
>
> ---
> Diese E-Mail wurde von AVG auf Viren geprüft.
> http://www.avg.com
>