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Originally Posted by Posybunny  I have heard that if you can get some friends or neighbors that trigger an aggressive response to walk by the pup, no eye contact, and drop a treat, that soon the dog will love to see a stranger coming...
That would be reconditioning her...
I saw Victoria Stilwell re-train two yorkies on her show with this method and it seemed to really work.
I had a foster dog that was just like that, beginning at 8 weeks old. She was beautiful, so everyone wanted to touch her, and it made me very nervous. So I do understand your fear and anxiety over the situation.
Good luck to you...  |
I was just going to recommend that too I've just seen the same show -- if you can get a copy of it somehow I thoroughly recommend it. (The programme's called 'It's me or the dog'.)
You could also try carrying treats - I do this all the time so I can teach my two (and bribe them back to me if there are joggers!). try sitting somewhere calmly at the shop with your dog and using a calm voice as people approach talk to your dog - try asking her to do something to distract her from the people - ask her to sit or down and reward her. Don't say "it's ok" or anything when she's going crazy because that's reinforcing the behaviour. And keep the exposure to a short period of time. it's a lot for a wee dog to take in! and if she's good for the whole time (even if it's only 2 mins) praise praise praise!
I say give it a go at the park off leash -- being 'trapped' on leash or in a cage with no way to escape from perceived danger can exacerbate the problem. Again take lots of treats and keep her focused on you - ask her to sit or down - run with her - try a little heelwork and she won't be worried about people because she'll be all about getting those treats!! keep it short - 5 mins - and just slowly build her confidence in herself and in you. If someone does approach ask them to ignore her until she approaches them and then treat her. we've met a few really scaredy dogs at the park - best way to handle them is ignore them and let them approach at their own pace.
It'll take a while but it'll be worth it.
hope this helps.