Which one do I start with/focus on?

[Christine]

Sang,

Since you have 3 dogs I thought I'd direct this one to you but I'm open to suggestions from anyone who cares to share!

I working on getting myself in gear and getting back to the "foundation" work with my dogs. I'm trying to remember (correctly) a point you made re: working with multiple dogs; it was basically picking one dog and focusing your training on that one.

My question to you is, which one of The Puppers should I start with? I'm sure it should be Duncan or Diva as they are the ones with the biggest issues. I'm just undecided as to which one and how to focus the work. I'm leaning more towards Duncan as his issues revolve around aggression, especially as he has had a bite incident.

I tend to be a procrastinator so I'm hoping for some inspiration!

[Sang]

Hey Christine, good question. Since Duncan is the one with the more serious aggression issues, I'd definitely start with him first. You can certainly introduce the other 2 as well, but the focus should be on Duncan so you can master the techniques and the process. Once you've mastered it with one dog, it will be much easier to work with the other 2.

So get back into the pushing and the bitework/tug with Duncan, all outside of course. And work only with him without the other 2 around. Eventually you'll be able to have all 3 out together, and be able to work them together, but for now, just stick with Duncan.

What will be interesting is to see how the group dynamic starts to shift as Duncan becomes more grounded. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the other 2, or both for that matter, start becoming more and more expressive as Duncan becomes more and more grounded. You'll definitely have to keep us all posted on your progress and any developments as you start back into this.

So I hope that helps Christine. And always remember, even though this is "work", it should still be fun.

[Christine]

Hey Sang,

Thanks for the response. I guess the problem initially was that I was trying to work with all 3 dogs simultaneously! That's probably why it felt like so much work. Plus I was struggling with some health issues that only exacerbated the problem. I have to say, even though I was far from consistent with pushing for food and tug play, what little I did apply has made a definite difference in Duncan. His face is much more open and friendly and his body is more supple and relaxed. Duncan is also getting better at vocalizing and barking, showing his teeth even; I like that.

I'm excited about getting back into the NDT process with him knowing that I can focus on one-at-a-time and I agree that it will be interesting to see how the "pack" dynamics change as Duncan progresses and becomes more grounded; something to look forward to indeed!

Another hope I have is to get back into canicrossing with The Puppers; it's been over a year since we've been out. Of course, it will be a gradual process. For the time being I have to content my self with walking with them off-lead exploring fields and woods, not a bad option. As my health improves and I regain my strength and endurance, I can start walking them individually and before long we'll be a team again! I'm looking forward to expanding to skijoring this winter. My x-country skis are VERY old but they will suffice for now. I should be able to make my own lines so the only purchases will be the waist-belt and harnesses. Of course, having the bungee line will make for a softer start and I can use that when canicrossing (I should've bought that when I first started canicross, would've been easier on my back!).

I do prattle on! Thanks for you input, Sang.