where to start?

[ellesbell]

aloha from hawaii everyone!

i was eagerly awaiting a response from neil, but figured i would add to the forums for additional input. i was lucky to find this website via amazon. first, i was looking for dog-training books, where i found a review from lee charles kelley. the thing that intrigued me was the debunking of the "dominant/submissive" method of training (it made a lot of sense to me - since i have been trying to follow that model with less and less cooperation from my dog as time has passed.) i SINCERELY hope this will be the answer to my prayers and i can finally have a relaxed and happy relationship with my dog instead of the stressful power struggle that my previous dog trainer has made it out to be.

tigger is a pitbull/sighthound mix, and his prey drive is apparent in everything he does. he loves toys and can play tug-of-war for hours (if there's nothing else going on around him), he goes crazy barking and pacing in the house whenever he sees any living creature out the window, he can get dog aggresive while on the leash (but does fine off-leash at the dog park), and of course, doesn't listen one iota to me when he's in a higher state of drive. i guess i just need help learning how to channel and redirect that energy in more positive ways.

the thing i am most worried about, is that here in honolulu there isn't any open spaces to go WITHOUT distractions to start. even the very short walk from my front door to the car or grass requires us to pass by a neighbor's (always open) screen door with three very barky schipperkes. because of them (and probably consequentially my frustration as well ) being able to keep my dog's attention when we encounter ANY other dog has become next to impossible. at this point, knowing that i am lowest on his prey totum pole, would it be better to start pushing and playing inside (i know it's discouraged) or should i just try to engage him outside, distractions and all?

any input would be greatly appreciated!

ps- i think the hardest thing for me to accept is the "no kissing" rule. my dog presses his face into mine all the time! is this an act of aggression? his tail wags when i make kissing noises, and i honestly don't sense any tension from him when i do it. thoughts?

[neilsattin]

Hi ellesbell,

Hopefully today's blog post about indoors vs. outdoors helps you resolve the question of "where to start" for yourself.

You're very fortunate to have a dog who tugs and expresses his drive (see other threads for the difficulties some people have with getting that far).

i guess i just need help learning how to channel and redirect that energy in more positive ways

Well said!

If there really is NO place for you to be alone outdoors, then you might as well do some work inside, just so Tigger gets the gyst of hearing his name and the new pushing/tug dynamic. However, if there are outdoor spots you can get to where you can at least be reasonably far removed from distractions (i.e. there can be distractions as long as they're not too close) then I would just stay relaxed, move past the nearby distractions (the neighbor's dogs), and get to that place.

Also, turn your walk itself into a hunt-like activity. As you incorporate the tug and pushing into your walks, and think of your walk as a game where you are trying to attract Tigger's attention (bring two tug toys), you might find that you're more and more interesting to him then those other little critters you encounter.

As for the "kissing" - your dog is trying to make contact with you. As you give him ways to make contact that actually satisfy him, either by helping him relax or giving him a true outlet for his energy, then you might find that he does that less. Or that it just plain ol' doesn't matter to you - as in "how about I just break that rule, mr. sattin?"

welcome, and please do keep us posted!

[BrownieNJoyce]

I appreciate the way Neil answers questions....his responses help me avoid becoming rigid and remind me not to always look outside myself for the answers. Thanks Neil.

As for the "kissing" - your dog is trying to make contact with you. As you give him ways to make contact that actually satisfy him, either by helping him relax or giving him a true outlet for his energy, then you might find that he does that less. Or that it just plain ol' doesn't matter to you - as in "how about I just break that rule, mr. sattin?"

[neilsattin]

You're welcome! I appreciate the feedback!

note: I appreciate constructive criticism as well.