Quote:
Originally Posted by Potter  You may need a professional trainer to come to your house to help you with the walks, preferably one that practices positive reinforcement training and not one of those alpha theory ones because it will only make it worse. I have a reactive Yorkie as well. I do not take chances with him so I don't usually let him go near other dogs on or off leash unless I know the dog very well. One snap from a bigger dog if they make the dog angry is all it takes to hurt your little one. |
They are already in a training class at Petco all they do is positive reinforcement. I will ask the trainer regarding this issue next week when I see her. Unfortunately, I can't afford to hire another trainer right now so I am hoping by me changing some of my habits when I walk them can help.
I have decided to walk them each separately in the evenings because they are easier to handle. Boomer is the one that is more reactive and I feel if I can get him under control Thumper will follow. It means more walks for me but hopefully it will only be temporary. I tried it out yesterday and Thumper did excellent he ignored all the other dogs and went on his way. Boomer was a little bit more aggressive but calmed down when I told him No and slightly tugged on his leash. When they are together they play off each other so it is harder to control them.
I am also very protective and have not socialized them with other dogs for fear of what will happen. I think I may try and take Thumper to the park this weekend if the weather holds up to see how he does since he is more docile.
With the holidays coming I don't want to leave them alone all day but may need to for their safety. I may just not go to my family all day and only stop in at dinner time and go straight home. My Aunt is hoping I will be able to bring them as she is a dog person and hasn't met them yet.