We love dogs. We’re INSANELY in love with our first born son-dog, Clem. He has been the best thing we’ve ever done together. When we adopted our second born daughter-dog, Iris, we knew she’d be a challenge. She is, after all, a Pit Bull / Catahoula Leopard Dog mix. She is loving, sweet, comical and very intelligent.
We’ve had her for over a year, and have been steadfast in our training, discipline and love. So far, we haven’t been able to find a training method that helps her learn to greet people calmly or walk on a leash without pulling. We walk her and Clem every single day… rare is the day when they both go sans-walk. So our inability to train her correctly has nothing to do with her not getting enough exercise or walking practice. With Clem, as a Chesapeake Bay Retriever / Husky mix, it was a bit difficult walking on a leash as well for a while. The Husky breed are inherently pullers, but he finally got it and is a DOLL on walks (for the most part).
We’ve been to a training class at the Humane Society with Iris and have tried the treat-to-train method. That didn’t work. So now we’re working with a private dog trainer, using only positive reinforcement to train and shape her behavior. So far, we haven’t seen tremendous changes but we’re truckin’ along. She either wears a pack with a few canned goods in the side compartments on walks, or wears a halter, which makes it a bit easier for me to walk her. She still pulls like a mo-fo.
We’re FRUSTRATED. We love our dogs, and know that Iris is a sweet, loving, smart dog. But the way she walks on a leash and greets people, and her on-leash dog aggressiveness / reactivity is making our life very stressful. This is more of a venting post, but if anyone has any tips please feel free to leave them or contact me! I welcome ANY and ALL help.
Amanda Siska
Jun 24, 2010 -
Have you guys watched the Dog Whisperer? He turns aggressive dogs into calm little angels in every episode. My sister has a pit-bull mix who started biting guests, and she started him on a strict “Dog Whisperer” discipline method, and his entire personality changed! It was amazing. Totally check it out.
The basic premise (in case you’re unfamiliar) is that dogs are using a pack mentality, and if their owners aren’t being dominant enough, they get stressed out because they feel the need to do the dominating for them. It can manifest itself in aggressiveness, leading strongly when being walked, and other more complex psychological stuff.
I think he’s probably got some books out too, but I loved watching him on the show.
admin
Jun 24, 2010 -
Yes, of course we’ve watched the Dog Whisperer. We’re super knowledgable pet owners and have been through class training, and now work with a private dog trainer.
Trust me… we know what we’re doing but we’re still not making much progress.
admin
Jun 24, 2010 -
And, we’re pretty hardcore on the dominance front. She just has A LOT of energy, is very intelligent and is a mix of two very challenging breeds. It’s bringing a lot of stress to our lives, but I know we’ll make headway at some point in the future!
Amanda Siska
Jun 30, 2010 -
Yeah, I figured you guys were already familiar with him. Sorry I don’t have any better advice! I’m sure something will work out soon though. Iris is such a sweet puppy!
admin
Jun 30, 2010 -
Yeah… she is sweet and lovey. She’s just a challenge. Oh, the trials of being a parent. HA!