Chasing Trucks on Lead

[Weily4Life]

Originally Posted by poohbearsmom

In the gallery, there are pictures of poorly fitted, and well fitted prong collars that I posted a while back.

Thanks for the pictures, poohbearsmom,

I could see by your pictures that collar I fitted the collar a little bit too low, so I took out a link before our second walk yesterday. One of the corrections caused a yip though and that has me concerned.

[Nishasmom]

A yip is okay ; it means your doing it right. He probably just got startled; Nisha yipped the first few times too. They know they did something wrong that way, if you keep it up, your dog will learn quick!!

[Weily4Life]

Nishasmom,

Thanks for the reassurance, I don't want to hurt her trachea.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by Weily4Life

...I don't want to hurt her trachea.

You have a better chance of doing this with a metal choke collar than a prong.

They're also known as "cleric's collars." You put one on a dog and the dog get instant religion.

[Weily4Life]

Originally Posted by lengel

It sounds like you have time to act. As soon as you hear that truck coming, get Greta to focus on you. Call her name, give her a command (like sit) and fork over a whole lot of treats until the truck passes. Then you can move to treating her while still walking (does she heel?). Finally the occasional treat and lots of praise as the truck goes by. Definitely walk her by herself as you're working through this. A professional trainer could help you if you need one (I am not one, I just have my own experience). This behavior can be corrected. My girl no longer does this - but I still give her the occasional reward for behaving well.

Thanks for the advice lengel,

She is doing much better with most trucks. UPS trucks are her most excitable and I was unable to hold her attention by forking over a lot of treats as you mentioned. I am thinking that maybe these treats are not yummy enough to distract from the UPS truck.

Question: What are yummy treats that the rest of you use with highly distracting situations?

[Weily4Life]

Originally Posted by Ayoka

...Of course this will mean working at some distance from said truck and work up to being on the sidewalk however...

There is a book out called Focus not Fear by Ali Brown that I have heard a few people mention has helped with reactivity to certain things and in certain situations which might be worth a read.

Unfortunately, we don't have sidewalks, we walk the shoulder of the road so the only thing I can think of here is just to continue doing what you fine people have mentioned...she focuses on me with all those yummy treats, and hopefully she will become desensitized to the trucks.

Ayoka, Thanks for the book suggestion, I have added this to my list of reading material. Greta is definately highly reactive.

[Abigor]

Best treats that my pup enjoys is pure roast beef you can buy at a deli. You can kick her in the head and it will not deter her from the roast beef in your hand. NO I DO NOT OR HAVE NEVER KICKED MY OR ANY DOG! So don't get all excited...I was just using that as an example on how much she enjoys roast beef.

[lengel]

String cheese pieces does it for my guys. If the situation was desperate, I'd go with hot dog slices. Haven't used them in years, wouldn't eat them myself and they're messy as heck but they get the job done. Go for smelly.

Glad to hear that it's working!

[Weily4Life]

:) I appreciate everyone's help with the tips and advice, and would love to have recognized all of your posts to my thread individually with a reply. Time just doesn't always allow that...more time at the computer means less time with my dogs. That said, I do appreciate each and everyone of your posts. I have received so much great help here.

:( Unfortunately, my work with Greta has come to a screaching halt this morning. We returned from another successful walk this morning...back in yard...took off after a squirrel...she came hobbling back. It looks like we will be looking at a cruciate ligament repair. :(

[lengel]

I'm so sorry. Does it look like she'll need surgery or confinement?

[Weily4Life]

I am guessing surgery, but really can't say. The Vet was closed when this happened. So right now we are restricting her activity and will take her in Monday. Her symptoms are practically identical to when she blew her other knee in 2005 and needed surgery.

[Nishasmom]

poor dog ; I hope you get good news at the vet!

[Weily4Life]

Thanks Nishasmom.

Lengel You asked surgery or confinement? Either way, I think it is time to invest in a crate. After 3 summers in a row of "sitting on my two dogs" after a surgery, a crate is looking like an attractive choice. Haven't seen a thread about attempting crating of dogs owned for 4-5 yrs, so will start one for advice.

[Weily4Life]

We had our vet visit this morning. Greta had a very positive drawer sign...IMSS...she has blown her cruciate ligament. She will have surgery March 25.

[Nishasmom]

Im so sorry poor girl. I hope the surgery goes well.