No picture in this post, just an update on how we are progressing with walks.
Magnolia has not been the best walker since we began fostering her, but when she returned to us, she was extra challenging. We have noticed on walks she displays signs of dog aggression. Although she loves her foster sister, Jackie, when she sees or hears another dog, she gets agitated, will lunge, bark, growl, etc...
We want Magnolia to be be her best version of herself for her next adopters, so we recruited the help of Kristen, from DDR, to help with some training. Kristen taught us that Maggie needs to be desensitized to the sound or presence of other dogs. Magnolia was found as a stray on the streets as a puppy, so who knows what this poor girl had to endure that might have made her feel nervous around other dogs. On walks, or anytime we are in the yard, we have been using lots of treats and positive reinforcement. When she hears another dog, I get her attention and give her a treat. We are trying to reprogram her little brain that dog barks aren't bad. We have been focusing on short walks and keeping them positive.
We have seen some signs of progress (yay!) but she still has work to do. At least she will take treats on a walk now. Weeks ago, she was so alert and hyper-focused on other dogs, that nothing we did got her attention. Her acknowledging me and taking treats is a big sign of progress.
I would strongly encourage any potential adopter to continue her training. She is such a smart and motivated girl, but she needs structure and support to help her overcome this challenge.
Magnolia has not been the best walker since we began fostering her, but when she returned to us, she was extra challenging. We have noticed on walks she displays signs of dog aggression. Although she loves her foster sister, Jackie, when she sees or hears another dog, she gets agitated, will lunge, bark, growl, etc...
We want Magnolia to be be her best version of herself for her next adopters, so we recruited the help of Kristen, from DDR, to help with some training. Kristen taught us that Maggie needs to be desensitized to the sound or presence of other dogs. Magnolia was found as a stray on the streets as a puppy, so who knows what this poor girl had to endure that might have made her feel nervous around other dogs. On walks, or anytime we are in the yard, we have been using lots of treats and positive reinforcement. When she hears another dog, I get her attention and give her a treat. We are trying to reprogram her little brain that dog barks aren't bad. We have been focusing on short walks and keeping them positive.
We have seen some signs of progress (yay!) but she still has work to do. At least she will take treats on a walk now. Weeks ago, she was so alert and hyper-focused on other dogs, that nothing we did got her attention. Her acknowledging me and taking treats is a big sign of progress.
I would strongly encourage any potential adopter to continue her training. She is such a smart and motivated girl, but she needs structure and support to help her overcome this challenge.