Marcerella,
Oh, please don't stop going to class!
In your situation, here's what I would do:
1) Talk to the trainer. Point out how much the other dog's behavior is stressing your dog. It's really the trainer's responsibility to control the other dog if the owners won't do it (how aggravating!).
2) Break any prolonged eye contact between Layla and the American Eskimo. Do this by either getting her to focus on you or by stepping in front of her line of sight.
3) Step in between Layla and the AE whenever that dog is walking by yours. Let Layla know that she doesn't need to fight him - you will handle HIM for her. Also make sure she isn't feeling trapped (back against the wall) when he walks by unless you can get between them. It seems to me that Layla is feeling threatened by him. Let your body language tell her that you will run interference for her.
Personally, I wouldn't spray her for acting like she is in class. At least, not yet. I'd try the above. If she acts up, I'd put her in a "down stay" and avoid eye contact with her.
__________________ FirstYorkie We Love Clicker-Training!
Last edited by FirstYorkie; 01-31-2007 at 12:29 AM.
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