Quote:
Originally Posted by Loryn
You are totally right!!! The whole time I was at the park I always had in the back of my mind Lars reacting to someone, because of the way guys where coming up to him. I was truly amazed at how many guys would walk up to me and say beautiful dog and then go to put their face in his face. It was like they were trying to prove they were tough by showing they have no fear of my dog. I was on guard the whole time. When the little girl was coming by on her scooter, the first thought I had was him barking at her and I wanted to train him not to bark at people when they come by, then BAM she fell and fell right onto the cooler and blanket, it was like nightmare, and he bit her. I didn't sleep at all last night, I just kept thinking about the whole thing. Odd I come on here and the first post I read is yours and you saying what I was thinking about all night. It has opened my eyes big time. I kept thinking, how do I, let go of being nervous with him now that fear is even bigger. I need some serious help with me, he will be fine. If I don't change my head, Lars won't change at all. Oh I just want to cry!!! It's so frustrating now. He is such a good boy and he didn't do anything but react to what he saw as a threat. My nervousness throughout the day is what made him on edge. I started telling guys you can?t pet him because he is in training. I know the energy from those type of guys was not good either. Lars picks up on shit I don?t, but he never bite any of them. Maybe I stopped him before he could, because I watched his eyes, ears, and stance. When the little girl came by he didn?t like the scooter, but his body was sitting behind me, his head next to my shoulder. That is how close she fell to us, and the cooler and the scooter made him just react. God I do not wish this on anyone ever!!!  |
Well babe you have the right idea. You have to change the vision in your head. In a sitauation like that, you have to picture the BESt possible scenario, Lars sitting beside you quiet and obedient like a good boy, and eventually that will be the reality. Dogs are very much animals that live in the moment, and the energy you give them will be what they take into these situations. if you are in a stressful situation (unfamiliar surrounding, loud noises, etc) it's super important to be stoic and mellow, that will give your dog the security it needs to deal with the situation. You can do it, it takes time and effort but I can tell you love him a LOT and you want that vision for yourself anyways. Keep it up, you do the right thinig to admit the issue and now you just have to make a plan to enact it. You two will be fine
I would suggest also a "gentle leader' to take him on walks. Gives you COMPLETE control of his head, not to mention the ability to control his jaw at all times. It applies pressure at the back of the neck if they pull or you apply pressure, in the way another dog would in a teaching way.
http://www.mightypets.com/gentle-leader.asp
Go to classes with Lars, it may also help give you both the confidence to overcome things together.