KarenCurtis
Forums Sage
Hi all,
I have been a little worried about Sandstorm and company at our house for awhile now, since Sandstorm is a dominant male and barks/growls at people sometimes. We had my brother in law and his friend over yesterday. They walked in, said "hi Sandstorm", and the dog did not bark- at all. He back up, moved forward, sniffed. I was so happy
, so was husband. He is also getting better on walks- will sit while cars go by, not nearly as much barking/lunging/growling. I think part of it is because we have really let him know who is boss. Ofcourse he needs allot of reminders and corrections, but not like before. I was also afraid that since it is summer, windows are open, there are more noises that he would bark more. I guess he knows to stop- he doesn't want to be put in his crate for a minute, he would rather play ball with us instead. This has taken months for him to really get it, but he has. He still barks/growls at squirrels, etc., but it is manageable. He also is so good at coming when called.
I am looking forward to re-inforcing this over the summer, I have ten weeks off.
We are going to London July 6th, we still don't want to part with him, we really adore him. Don't get me wrong, there are still annoying behaviors that is for sure, and frustration, but he sure is learning. He still lunges at the door when he sees squirrels, I am doing the squirt water in face thing with a firm no. It is a little better.
Karen
I have been a little worried about Sandstorm and company at our house for awhile now, since Sandstorm is a dominant male and barks/growls at people sometimes. We had my brother in law and his friend over yesterday. They walked in, said "hi Sandstorm", and the dog did not bark- at all. He back up, moved forward, sniffed. I was so happy
, so was husband. He is also getting better on walks- will sit while cars go by, not nearly as much barking/lunging/growling. I think part of it is because we have really let him know who is boss. Ofcourse he needs allot of reminders and corrections, but not like before. I was also afraid that since it is summer, windows are open, there are more noises that he would bark more. I guess he knows to stop- he doesn't want to be put in his crate for a minute, he would rather play ball with us instead. This has taken months for him to really get it, but he has. He still barks/growls at squirrels, etc., but it is manageable. He also is so good at coming when called. I am looking forward to re-inforcing this over the summer, I have ten weeks off.
We are going to London July 6th, we still don't want to part with him, we really adore him. Don't get me wrong, there are still annoying behaviors that is for sure, and frustration, but he sure is learning. He still lunges at the door when he sees squirrels, I am doing the squirt water in face thing with a firm no. It is a little better.
Karen
It takes work, work, work. No slacking!!! I wish more people who get dogs knew this. Ofcourse some dogs are easier than others, we all know that.