Therapy Training?

[JemarsSerena]

This might be a little long so bear with me. My mother has had a fear of dangerous dogs all her life. This somewhat of a contradiction because she will take in almost any stray that comes across her path and find it a new home. She is an avid walker and carries a large stick when she walks, just in case. The day I brought home my first rott Isabelle 9 years ago she begged my wife to make me get rid of "that thing". Isabelle was socialized and trained and eventually my mother changed her mind on the breed in general and understood that dangerous dogs were the result of irresponsible ownership. When I moved to MN, my mother took Isabelle in for a year until I found a place to live that would allow a rott. She now loves the breed and thinks my Serena is a "beautiful dog" after originally thinking that rotts were ugly.
Getting to the point. My mother is still afraid of dogs. About two months ago while out walking, my mom was attacked by a dog that got off his chain. It took a large chunck out of her arm that required skin grafting and 20 stitches. So now mom is even MORE afraid of dogs.
Mom watches my kids while I take Serena to classes on MOnday nights. When I came to pick up the kids tonight my mother expressed concern for the kids with Serena. Serena is of great temperment mind you but we have issues around other dogs. The reason my mom mentioned anything is that Serena was trying desperately to go play with my mom's 11 year old Border Collie\GSD mix and I was working hard to prevent it. Even at 40 lbs, Serena can be a handful when she has her mind set on something.
So here's my question for you guys... I'm thinking about repeating basic obedience to give Serena more experience around other dogs. As well, I'm thinking about asking mom to go come with me and do the training so that she is as comfortable as me when it comes to controlling Serena. Also, it will get my mom around some more dogs and maybe help her with her fear, so what do ya think?
Bill

[SaranBear]

First it sounds like your mother is a smart lady to carry a big stick with her. As any frequent walker/runner knows when you are out there on the road you are quite a target to loose dogs.

Just to clarify has Serena been to group obedience classes previously? Was it puppyK or beginners obedience?

I have this issue with my dog ( he is over 3 and about 104 lbs.) we let his wanting to visit other dogs get out of hand and now we must deal with it. Our goal at this point is for him to politely ignore other dogs when told to do so. It is slowly happening and sit/stay, and "enough" (when whining or barking) are wonderful useful commands. You could also teach "watch me" to help keep her focus on you rather than the other dog.

Whatever you decide I don't see any harm at all in taking a group class with the dog. I definitely think it will help you and her to achieve more control around other dogs. It sounds like Mom would like to watch and sit in on the classes, but maybe you need to handle her during the class to help you gain more control. It is so wonderful to have an objective view on the situation, and it has helped me greatly to have constructive criticism/feedback from attending my class.

[JemarsSerena]

Originally Posted by SaranBear

Just to clarify has Serena been to group obedience classes previously? Was it puppyK or beginners obedience?

It is group basic obedience. We have two more weeks of class. I'm going to talk to the trainer and see what she thinks. The reason I want my mom to handle her is to give her the confidence of controlling a large dog.

[SaranBear]

What about moving on to intermediate obedience? That is the class we are taking now and it is wonderful because at this point the dogs are bigger and he is learning more self control. (i.e. he doesn't decide who he goes and sniffs and says hi to)

The only reason I suggested you handle her until she's learned more control is because if she does successfully drag mom over to another dog(I'm assuming that is Serena's objective), it will reward her for trying and it may make Mom even more leery. She may feel even less in control.

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by JemarsSerena

I take Serena to classes on MOnday nights. When I came to pick up the kids tonight my mother expressed concern for the kids with Serena. Serena is of great temperment mind you but we have issues around other dogs. The reason my mom mentioned anything is that Serena was trying desperately to go play with my mom's 11 year old Border Collie\GSD mix and I was working hard to prevent it. Even at 40 lbs, Serena can be a handful when she has her mind set on something.
So here's my question for you guys... I'm thinking about repeating basic obedience to give Serena more experience around other dogs. Bill

Bill...remember Serena is just a pup...she's only 5 months old. I think time and patience will help her. She also needs to mature...I think that has a lot to do with it. She's still a pup wanting to play with any- and every-one around. Deja and I have private lessons periodically and class lessons 1x per week. I've noticed in the class lessons that it takes a bit longer to get her attention. My trainer told me that her age has a lot to do with her attention span, that it will get better as she becomes more mature and gains more confidence.

Personally, I think that if as an owner you feel both you and Serena can benefit from a repeated class, then repeat it. Moses had issues when Sasha passed earlier this year, and part of our solution was to re-enroll him in an obedience class that he had already passed. Some around me thought I was crazy, but it has helped him tremendously. He has gained confidence, he is more focused and he responds/listens much better. He needed to have the stability of something to work towards. My trainer agreed that this was one of the best moves we could have made for him...and he is excelling tremendously. In fact, he is being recognized as much as her own dog for "getting it right" and he eats up the "praise".

I think Serena will do great, I just think part of it will come with time as she gets older and becomes more mature. However, any negative habits you definitely need to "nip in the bud" now...and I totally understand the 40# and can pull stage...we have had a few times like this also. I'm telling you it's the Rottie Girls 2006 thing! Good luck with your decision and keep us posted.

[JemarsSerena]

The next level of classes with my trainer will not happen until the spring. I'm looking for other trainers though to keep us busy till then. I just thought that maybe mom could go through basic to learn the methods for herself. Our trainer is great and keeps the class under control. This could all be for not since I have not thrown this idea at mom. Either way I will still repeat basic or find another class to keep us busy this fall. I'm looking for agility and\or Rally trainers but I am having a hard time.

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by JemarsSerena

I'm looking for agility and\or Rally trainers but I am having a hard time.

I actually found my agility/rally trainer via my vet. He has known her for many years and I wouldn't have found her without the referral. Maybe check with pet facilities also, we have a couple of pet resorts here and they both have excellent trainers. So maybe this is a possibility. Good luck and Serena will do great at either!