One small thing you can do as you screen trainers is walk away BEFORE your pup reacts. For example, you're walking in the park an you see a child up ahead. You know children set her off. Don't get tense (she feels your energy down the lead) and continue to walk calmly. You know better than anyone how her reaction starts and proceeds. As soon as she spots them and you know she's going to go off, happily say, "let's go this way," leading her away in the opposite direction (back where you came from). The hardest part will be to get her to catch her right before she goes off, luring her away with your happy attitude or treats. A walk nice harness that clips in the front might be helpful since it will help lead her in the direction you want to go and stop her from getting her reward. (reward being barking and snarling) you only have to go back 10 or 15 steps and try again. Eventually, she'll learn that the only way the walk will proceed and you two stop going in circles is by her remaining calm.
__________________ Littlest JakJak
We miss you Kaji |