I have recently begun taking Max, my balanced Dobey, out for walks with the "Rehab 3" - my 3 Terriers who have been "highly reactive" to other dogs they pass-by in the past. While Mickey and Timmy simply react with excitement, PeterPan would react with aggression!
Walking with Max we are now passing-by other dogs with no reactivity from any of the "Rehab 3"...nothing...after just one week, they walk on by just like their respected, high ranked dog Max!
I spent much time rehabilitating PeterPan from his severe dog-dog aggression, 1 year in recovery he is no longer red-zone, yet he would still react with a level of "Terrier excitement" upon seeing another dog, now with Max to help he is much calmer and not so anxious. PeterP needed much one-one rehab time first, now he is ready to walk with the others Max is proving a great role model!
I add though this is not all due to modelling from Max, I have increased the pace and the amount of challenge during this exercise, both mental and physical! As well as stepping-up my calm assertive energy - altogether this works and I am the leader of this 4-dog-pack!
Some of my dogs are very experienced "stooge" dogs, dogs who can help other dogs recover by remaining calm submissive and showing the way to balance through their own behaviour/energy, this works well even for an insecure or aggressive dog.
Ava, the puppy, has 9 other balanced dogs to model from on our walk, she is doing great walking in tune with the pack, ears back truly focused on walking next to me in balance with the pack!
The "Power of the Pack" is truly inspirational, if we are open to learn from our balanced dogs we can indeed help other dogs, dogs helping dogs recover balance.
"Discover the way to lead the way" -
My 14 dogs can show you the way too!
Together, my pack and I are CrystalDogs, -
We have "Pack Power"!
1 comment:
Dear Suzie,
We just discovered your blog.
We think you would enjoy reading Planet Of The Dogs, the first book in our Planet of the Dogs series.
This illustrated series of first chapter fantasy-adventure books is for children and dog lovers of all ages.
You can preview the book in advance. For sample chapters and information on the series, please visit www.planetofthedogs.net.
For information on the concepts behind our books and our involvement in therapy dog reading programs, please visit http://barkingplanet.typepad.com.
Please reply to this comment by email to bakingplanet@aol.com with a postal address and we will be pleased to send you a complimentary review copy of the book.
Best wishes,
Robert McCarty
Barking Planet Productions
Post a Comment