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A Leash Reactive Corgi Who Doesn't Need #WOOFSupport & A Human Who Does

2/13/2014

21 Comments

 
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Hello!
Typist: Brychwyn
So I growl, bark and lunge at other dogs when I am out on walks. What's the big deal? Corgis have been excellent guard dogs for centuries and I am simply carrying on the tradition. Bethany says she doesn't like it when I growl, bark, lunge and snap. She says I am "leash reactive." I don't understand what that means but she prefers that I not bark so I am trying to cut back. But WOOF Support? C'mon! I don't need any Working Out Our Fears help. I am afraid of absolutely nothing. Seriously. N.O.T.H.I.N.G.

Well, maybe I am afraid whenever Bethany is... She gets very worried when she sees an off-leash dog. Bethany is afraid Wilhelm, Huxley or I will get attacked. I guess it happens a lot. It happened to my friend Oz! But it has never happened to me. I wouldn't let it because I growl, bark, lunge and snap, looking and sounding very mean. I have never bitten anyone, of course. I don't think I ever would. But I would never have to because I make such a big showy "stay-away-from-me" scene! Like I said, I am a guard dog. And a very good one if I don't say so myself.
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Guard Dog Extraordinaire
Sometimes I bark at other dogs because I want to say "hello!" I actually like most other dogs. I want to visit and play! Maybe I am afraid of not being noticed... Bethany says she is afraid other dogs will misinterpret my exuberant greeting. She says I have to be quieter and calmer and that I need something called "self-control." Do they have that at the pet store where everything else I need comes from? And does it come on fish flavor?

I am fine off my leash. Maybe I just don't like my leash. I am very good at "heel" and I always come when I am called so why do I need this leash on anyways?! I do also bark pretty loudly off my leash too. But I don't growl or lunge. So maybe Bethany is right and I am "leash reactive" but I still don't understand why I need help.
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Blur of speed at the off-leash park.
Bethany gives me a lot of treats on walks when I listen to her say "with me." This means I have to look at and stay near her and ignore other dogs. It's really hard though... I want them to notice me! I also want to be able to travel, go camping and go to the pub but Bethany says dogs that are so noisy can't do as many things. She says she doesn't need me to always guard her and our pack so I try to guard in a stealthier way. Corgis can be pretty sneaky!

I don't like walks when Bethany isn't focused on the task at hand and paying attention to me. I can sort of understand that she likes to enjoy the view or take pictures since I like to sniff and mark. But when she isn't concentrating on Wilhelm, Huxley and I, someone needs to make sure we are safe and the best someone for the job is me! Bethany has done a much better job of staying aware and keeping alert on our walks for quite a while now. And she gives me a lot of treats and praise for taking some off-duty time when we are out walking. I am getting used to it... but not too used to it if any of you dogs out there think that means you can come near without permission!

So if "leash reactive"means guarding your family and being theatrically friendly, then I guess I am. And if getting help for my leash reactivity means that I can keep going to wonderful places and doing fun things, then I'll do it. But most of all, if being quiet and staying next to Bethany when another dog is near makes her happy, then that is the best reason of all for me to try and try and try.
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Typist: Bethany
Brychwyn came to live with me at ten and a half weeks old. In these last three years, he has never been attacked, bitten or even overly dominated by another dog. When Brychwyn was with his dam, grand dam and litter mates, he was properly socialized and carefully exposed to new experiences as well as other dogs. Yet even way back in his first puppy kindergarten class, Brychwyn snapped and lunged at the other well-meaning puppies. Looking back at those early symptoms, I wonder if I had treated Brychwyn's reactivity differently, then maybe it wouldn't have worsened. Jason and I believed he just needed morepositive socialization. So did our team of trainers and behaviorists. But the problem just got worse. I began to dread our walks because if we saw any other dogs Brychwyn got so loud and crazy. I thought he was just a puppy and we'd keep training and he'd be fine. But when Brychwyn was just a little less than a year old, he lunged and snapped at a friends lab puppy during a play date. I knew he had a serious problem. I didn't know what his problem was or how to deal with it but that didn't matter. I needed to help my corgi.
Leash Reactivity
I have been a hobby dog trainer since I was a teenager but I had never heard of "leash reactivity" before. And I can honestly say I still wish I hadn't. I have dealt with a slew of canine behavior problems but a leash reactive dog, the growling, the snapping, the lunging and the out of control barking involved, is the most difficult. In Brychwyn's case the worst part is that there is no specific incident that explains why he is this way. So I blame myself. I must have failed him somehow. And I will spend the rest of his life making it up to him. Everything I have learned about leash reactivity and how to deal with it has made me a better trainer and companion to my dogs. Not only do Brychwyn, Wilhelm and Huxley reap the benefits of me expanding my dog training knowledge but I will be a better partner to future canines I hope to be lucky enough to share my time with.
Threshold
The first thing I did in beginning the long, gradual, ongoing process of easing Brychwyn's leash reactivity was learning his threshold. I very simply observed what it took to make him react- a dog walking across the street, a loose dog running about, a dog behind a fence a block a way, etc. Then I got familiar with the physical signals that Brychwyn was going to react- ears pulled back, whiskers jutted forward, increased breathing, tail positioning, etc. Having been walking a leash reactive dog for quite a while (though unaware of the name of the problem) I had already become very alert to any other dogs around. But in learning about Brychwyn's threshold and the signs he gave about how he was going to react, I was able to begin the painfully slow, everlasting process of helping him.
Timing
Like any dog training, timing is everything. I had to be very careful not to reward Brychwyn for reacting but instead for not reacting. The only way to do this was to reward and praise before the reactivity threshold was crossed. And, in the beginning, we avoided any situations where Brychwyn's threshold was threatened. Because Brychwyn's leash reactivity had no rhyme or reason, this was (and still is) very difficult. Certain other dogs can walk on the same block with us while some can't be within a mile. This is where getting to know Brychwyn's physical signals helped. If I would see the other dog first, I could watch Brychwyn carefully for any of his about to growl, bark, lunge or snap signals, praising him if he remained calm and quiet and making sure his threshold was not crossed. If Brychwyn noticed the dog first, I would have to act quickly to keep Brychwyn from crossing his threshold. Again, observing his physical signals and praising and rewarding extensively. And, most importantly, not allowing Brychwyn to cross his threshold into growling, barking, lunging or snapping. Should I fail and allow Brychwyn's threshold to be crossed, I simply ignore his tantrum, however embarrassing it may be. Sadly, each time any reactive dogs threshold is crossed, training is set back. And so it went on, and still does, with Brychwyn.
Staying in the program
Once a reactive dog, always a reactive dog. I know this. I am fine with it. I celebrate the baby-step (or puppy-step) successes we have had so far. We have gone from not being able to share a city block with any other dog, to being able to walk on the same side of the street with other dogs. We can even cross paths with certain dogs. Brychwyn can be tied in front of businesses on the sidewalk as long as I am always watching carefully for his reactivity signs (I never take my eyes off the dogs when they are tied!) We can also go inside of dog-friendly establishments as long as I am constantly alert to anything that might cause Brychwyn to react.
All in all, Brychwyn's reactivity ebbs and flows. Sometimes we will have an entire walk where I could easily forget that he is a reactive dog. Other times, Brychwyn gets set off by something before we even leave our yard and I have to just soldier on with tears in my eyes and treats in my pocket. I don't know what made Brychwyn a leash reactive dog but if it is the same thing that also made him so handsome, expressive, funny, cuddly, intelligent, hard working and eager to please then I'm fine with it. We all have a dark side... Brychwyn's is just louder than most. But I love him. And I wouldn't want him any other way.
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Thanks so much to Oz the Terrier, Roxy The Traveling Dog and Wag 'n Woof Pets for hosting the WOOF Support Blog Hop, where reactive dogs and their owners can come together to share similar experiences.  Are you a reactive/fearful dog or its owner?  Then please join us and share your story. Cascadian Nomads Brychwyn and Bethany have both been wanting to blog about this sensitive subject and we are really happy that this hop encouraged us to share our stories.
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21 Comments
Molly The Wally link
2/12/2014 08:32:08 pm

All in all I am good but sometimes out of nowhere I can be really naughty. Peeps keeps a close eye on me and also avoids big dogs as I can be timid round them. Have a tremendous Thursday.
Best wishes Molly

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Brychwyn
2/13/2014 02:14:48 am

It doesn't matter to me what size a dog is, sometimes I just have to get crazy and loud so they'll notice me!

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Jan K link
2/12/2014 09:01:09 pm

What a great post!! Thank you so much for joining the hop and sharing your story. You know, I never would have guessed that Brychwyn had this issue. When I've been on your site, I've seen photos of all your dogs out in public places, and honestly....I was a bit jealous because I thought you had perfectly well behaved dogs that you could take anywhere anytime without issues. :) I don't even dare take Cricket anywhere public, and try to walk her in places where I have less chance of seeing other people or dogs. It is also so great to know that there are other dogs and their people out there who have the same issues we do, especially when it seems to be for no apparent reason. It confirms my thoughts that some dogs just have this in their personality.

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Bethany
2/13/2014 02:20:09 am

I didn't used to be able to go so many places! We basically worked on nothing but Brychwyn's reactivity to get ready for the cross-country trip last spring. And there were set-backs that made me wonder if he was going to be able to go...
At the doggie day care I once worked in, the trainers there would say that the idea that people have that dogs must like and play with other dogs is ludicrous. Do all humans like and play with other humans? So I totally agree with your theory that some dogs are just born with a reactivity issue just like some people are! I still think I could have dealt with it better in the beginning but I see parents deal with bratty kids badly too.

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Roxy the traveling dog link
2/12/2014 10:54:05 pm

Oh you sound like me. Except I don't bark. But there is no rhyme or reason or telling when I will get reactive. ((SIGH)) I guess we can work on this together.

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Brychwyn
2/13/2014 02:21:39 am

That's okay, Torrey, I bark so much and so loudly that it's enough for both of us!

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Kari link
2/13/2014 03:16:43 am

Wow. You really seem to have it under control. Both of you! I like how Brychwyn "worked out his fears" right before our very eyes. And Bethany, you're obviously very dedicated to improving his leash manners. I look forward to reading more of your posts in future blog hops, because I think I have a lot to learn. I confess that at this point, I just try to find places to walk Leo where he won't see a leashed dog, jogger or bicycle. The latter two move too fast, it's really hard to prevent a reaction.

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Bethany
3/6/2014 04:14:51 am

We used to be do that too, Kari, but when I started to plan our cross country drive to Buffalo last year, I knew I needed to do more if Brychwyn was going to be able to come! Leash manners was all we worked on; all other training was put on hold. I have learned a lot and am happy for this blog hop to share what I have learned and to learn more!

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Reilly and Denny
2/13/2014 04:03:43 am

An excellent post - enjoyed reading it :)

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Bethany
3/6/2014 04:16:35 am

Thank you. It was hard to write (for me anyways, I can't speak for Brychwyn.) I actually thought I would blog a lot about my leash reactivity journey with Brychwyn but the blog is almost a year old and this is the first time I could get anything out. But I am glad I did.

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SlimDoggy link
2/13/2014 05:29:32 am

Brychwyn, we sound like pretty compatible dudes. I'm afraid of nothing either, except certain things at certain times...drives my mom nuts!

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Brychwyn
3/6/2014 04:17:20 am

Sometimes it is good to be an enigma- the mystery keeps those lazy humans on their toes!

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Chill Out Spartacus! link
2/13/2014 11:43:16 pm

Is it just me or did Brychwyn earn a CGC title? I thought I read that in your "about us". If so, that is really impressive for a dog with reactivity issues!
We agree completely with your breakdown of dealing with leash reactivity. We're just starting out with these steps with our Spartacus and are already seeing positive changes. Great post!

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Bethany
3/6/2014 04:22:42 am

Thank you. I am glad things are going well with Spartacus. I look forward to reading more about his progress.
Brychwyn did indeed earn his CGC and he technically passed the Therapy Dog International test as well (although he horrified me when he reacted to the children in the test... it was only a little bark but it clearly frightened the kids. We still passed but I am not sure we should have.) Brychwyn is in a different "mode" at dog shows (which is where we took the CGC and TDI.) I have to ease him into the environment as he definitely reacts initially but once he knows he is there to work, he is all business. Brychwyn is such an intelligent and eager to please dog. That is one of the things that makes his leash reactivity so mysterious and so frustrating.

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Vlad & Barkly's Dee
2/14/2014 01:35:15 pm

Our last Corgi, Sharkly, had dominance issues, and there was never any telling what would set him off whether it be a wrong look or daring to get near one of "his" toys. Corgis are notorious for having dominance issues (especially the males). He was neutered, he had his CGC, but he could go from calm to crazy in about 2 seconds without warning. It didn't matter if he was on a leash or not. We learned to keep him away from other dogs pretty fast. We're lucky with Barkly being a beta-personality, but then we were very specific about wanting no signs of dominance from him within his litter. Living life with Sharkly was an adventure that I can do without ever experiencing again--though it helped us a lot with learning teamwork as a couple as well as helping us learn all about Corgis and what we didn't want from another one. They're some of the greatest dogs on earth in our opinion, but they do require a lot of work. Hopefully your hard work will continue to show improvements to make your life a bit easier.

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Bethany
3/6/2014 04:40:01 am

Sometimes I look at Brychwyn and think "I never want life without a corgi" and other times I feel like I never want one again! I am definitely grateful for all we have learned together so far- he is SO smart and I am getting there too.

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Joanna link
2/15/2014 01:16:20 pm

Hi Bethany and Brychwyn! First of all Bethany, don't blame yourself! Any behaviour is due to a combo of 1. Genetics 2. Learned experiences 3. The current situation when the behaviour happens. For some dogs that have had a traumatic experience (like Oz) number 2 plays a big part. For others it's just part of who they are, and they're not 'bad dogs' it's a small part of their overall personality.
You're so right to look at the silver lining though, and I feel this way about my dog Billy too - dealing with his reactivity has taught us both a lot, making me a better owner in the process :)

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Bethany
3/6/2014 04:42:32 am

Thank you, Joanna. I still believe I could have kept the situation from getting worse if i had been better informed about what was happening and what to do. But that is why we're here now right? Someone, even one person, will read this and know why their puppy is snapping and get them on the road to recovery sooner than I did with Brychwyn!

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Mary from YourDesignerDog link
4/2/2014 12:57:28 pm

Great post! Very thorough and knowledgeable. It shows how much you truly care about Brychwyn and about giving him exactly what he needs to live the happiest possible life.

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Jean Patterson
12/22/2016 08:05:12 pm

Hi Bethany-
I am brand new to this blog, and love this post. I have a 3 year old Rottweiler that is leash reactive and I have been working on this for the last 2 years and 8 months. When my boy was finished with his puppy shots we walked every day at the beach, park, down town, in stores that permits dogs. Everywhere I could think of. When he was about 7 1/2 months old we were walking on the beach and we were the only ones there and about 8 to 10 blocks away was a pickup truck on the beach. We did pay any mind to it until two males got in the truck and started towards us. So we started walking towards the surf away from the truck. Well the two guys thought it would be great fun to chase an old woman and her two dogs. I also have a 12 year old GSD. Up to this time my Rottie NEVER had issues with other people or dogs on or off leash. The truck came right at us and chased us into the surf and they came so close that when my two dogs reacted the Rottie knocked out a tooth on the truck wall. Since then my Rottie has been leash reactive to people and other dogs. We are making progress but it's very slow. I am putting as much obedience training as I can and also impulse control as I can think of. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your reply.

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Bethany
1/2/2017 07:10:59 pm

Hi Jean and welcome! Thank you for reading and for your comment. I am sorry that you have to be a part of the owners-of-leash-reactive dogs club but, hey, we love our dogs no matter what, right? It sounds like you are doing a whole lot right but yes, leash reactivity progress is very slow and sometimes non-existent. Brychwyn still has his days... even after many days where one would never imagine he had a leash reactivity problem at all! Impulse control is helpful for leash reactive dogs but my experience has been that impulse control only goes so far. I regularly combine impulse control, distraction ("do a roll-over instead of barking at that dog!") and confidence building (my phrase as of late is "see! You're fine" along with a chin scratch) when I can tell the threshold is about to be breached! Keep up the obedience training and also find out what fun tricks your Rottie likes best. Any "work" can distract a leash-reactive dog from the threshold being crossed and build confidence that will make that threshold slowly creep farther and farther away.

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