Impulse Control

I don't see what the problem is, but apparently, I'm not as good with other dogs as I should be. On leash skills were a piece of cake for my mom. She just taught me to look at her instead of barking. It's the most common type of client she gets apparently, so this was really easy for both of us. However, I'm a puppy, and I have tons of energy, so my mom wants to do play dates. I can be too rough, she says. I'm just excited! Come on! But my mom thinks I need training so she attended an online seminar about off leash "aggression." What an ugly word.

This seminar listed a few types of different personality types that exhibit off leash aggression around other dogs:

• Play-stunted: With these dogs, play often turns to aggression because dogs lack the ability to pick up cues from other dogs, don't have give/take in their play and repeat behaviors over and over that may upset other dogs.
• Bully: This type is similar to the previous type, but only targets certain types of dogs, usually more timid dogs, where play-stunted dogs play the same with everyone.
• Tarzan: Again, this dog is similar but may really struggle with poor greetings because they are dog-deprived or under-socialized. This type may also be a bully or play-stunted.
• Fearful
• Predatory

The last two are more serious. I don't fall into that category. I am more play-stunted or tarzan. I tend to be attracted to dog fights and repeat behaviors, even if I am being rejected. I'm sure you're thinking, how can I be deprived of dog play when I live with two dogs. I live with two old dogs who never play with me. Just because your dog lives with other dogs doesn't mean they have been properly socialized. Plus, no one knows about my first six months living on the street!

The best way to teach a dog like me is to teach impulse control. There are a lot of times when you can do this:

• Ask your dog to sit and wait for the food bowl to be placed on the floor.
• Ask your dog to wait at the door.
• Make your dog sit as you put on the leash.
• Ask for a stop or wait during play, such as before throwing the ball or during rough play.
• Always wait for calm behavior before letting your dog greet a new person or dog.

These are all simple things every dog should be able to learn to do. I'm ready for more advanced things now. I have to learn to be calm when Chubbs or Fenway may want to play with a toy or eat their dinner. Right now, this involves a leash, really great treats and lots of timeouts. 

I also have to have  timeouts instituted into my play times. All normal dog play involves breaks. Some dogs don't know how to give themselves breaks so the owners need to step in. This seminar suggests during play dates, giving your dog a warning every time you start to see the problem behavior that indicates a fight is about to begin. This takes careful observation, but there is always a warning. It may be a freeze, a look, or a repetitive behavior. I make a little whining noise. My warning is "that's two" while my mom holds up two fingers (she learned this from teaching humans). That way I have a visual cue as well as verbal. Most dogs learn visual cues much more quickly. If the behavior continues after the warning (which it usually will at first), a time out cue (for example "uh oh") follows immediately as does the time out. This has to happen immediately EVERY TIME. If your dog stops the behavior after the warning word, praise and let play continue.

Practice makes perfect, so if your dog doesn't have a serious fear or aggressive behavior, start scheduling play dates! Your dog will love this part of the training, and so will you. Remember to relax. If you are nervous, we get nervous. With time, your dog can learn to play well with others, just like I am. 

Good luck! Love, Bammie