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How can I stop jumping dogs that stop by my daddy's desk at work?
When daddy got me, I was pretty un-social, but now thanks to my dog walker, and my daddy taking me on walks, I can play with other dogs as long as a tennis ball doesn't show up.
I've been put in an enclosure in the office, but now that I'm better behaved, I can be let out of the enclosure. The problem is I view this enclosure as my territory. How can I change that?
Asked by
Niles - RIP
on Nov 15th 2007
Tagged
in Socialization
Status
- This question is closed.
Answers
If your Daddy is at his desk when other doggies come by, your Daddy needs to show you that it is okay for those doggies to visit. He could do that by showing some attention to the visitors, and maybe give your visitors a treat - and of course, give a treat to you at the same time.
I'd be careful about letting other doggies in your enclosure because you don't want a fight in the office, but that could possibly be another thing that could be attempted as you get friendlier with the other doggies!
Good Luck!
Rocky
answered on 11/15/07.
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Maybe one day your Daddy can leave you at home and on that day make sure he allows other dogs to come into your enclosure all day long. That way hopefully when you come back you will smell that all the other doggies were there and everything is still okay. Just a thought. Not sure if it will work but Good Luck!
Indy - Guardian Angel
answered on 11/15/07.
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Well, the enclosure IS your territory. And if you are not completely comfortable yet, it is only natural that you are protective of your "safe space." I think you need more time and perhaps more socialization with these pups (on neutral ground) before you will be completely relaxed. Have fun at work!
Random
answered on 11/15/07.
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Niles,
What an appropriate name for the corgi part of you! If I were you, I'd have my pawrents talk to Asher or Khola, that post in the Behavior and Training threads on the dogster forums. They're both very knowledgeable and help a whole lot of dogster pups. I think you need to figure out what triggers your response to other pups. Could be fear, could be resource guarding. Without observing the behavior, it's hard to tell. But both of the pups I mentioned would help you, I'm sure.
Timmy, the redwood country corgi
Timmy
answered on 11/15/07.
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OK---we are advocates and practitioners of Cesar Millan. Here's our take...
The area isn't Niles' territory...it's Niles' dad's.... and it's up to Niles' dad to be alpha so Niles doesn't have to be in charge.
As the alpha, Niles' dad would gently, calmly, and consistently correct bad behaviour..... put Niles in a sit stay stop the behaviour before it escalates....
Niles' dad will have to be alpha ALL the time...not just at work. Once he is, Niles will relax more...
Agadore Spartacus
answered on 11/15/07.
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I have to agree with Agadore. It's daddy's space and he must be the Alpha Dog! When other dogs come by you must be put into a sit, stay position and mind your manners. If you're a good boy, your daddy will praise you and give you a reward. If not, no praise and no reward! I'd take the reward!! This will not happen over night, it will definately take time. How bout have walk dates with the other dogs once or twice a day..or play time at the dog park together? A nuetral place to get to know each other better, so that you will become good pals? After some time doing this, maybe you'll be excited to see them at your daddy's office? All good things take love, time and patience, and most of all consistancy. If worse comes to worse, call Cesar in for a visit! I do like the play dates together, or walk dates idea. Trying if for a few months, so how it goes?
To be continued...
♥ Gunner ♥
answered on 11/15/07.
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You take a washed, vegetable can, you put pennies in it, you put a top on it, purchased or homemade. You throw the can HARD right next to the dog! It scares them out of the behavior. Eventually you have to pick up the can and shake it at them and eventually all you have to do is just pick up the can and they stop. It doesn't cost much, no one gets hurt. My dogs used to bark like two crazy beasts in my car until I used the penny can on them. Very little barking now and it's nearly stopped entirely. They do not like the penny can.
Cooper, CGC, HC
answered on 11/16/07.
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Ok, so you are saying, when you are out of your enclosure, you do not want another pup to go in it. Can Dad close it to eliminate the problem of other pups getting there? Or does it bother you when another pup just comes near it?
Cherokee Forever Loved Cherry
answered on 11/16/07.
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Gosh, I hate the use of any aversives with a frightened, insecure dog. It can lead to problems further down the road.
1) Can every pup ban together at work and spray all the dogs with the same doggie perfume? If they all smell the same, there can be a little less confrontation (works with my fosters).
2)Can you start with the dogs at a distance and do a LOT of treating and reinforcing, gradually bringing the other dogs closer?
3)can you work with introducing outside of his "territory"?
ARCHX Asher, RL1X, RL2X, RL3
answered on 11/16/07.
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Well, I'm a little confused about the "enclosure". I'm going to assume that you are guarding your dad's desk.
I would first and foremost have him on a leash. Keep it around your wrist as you type or whatever. Frequently get up and walk around. Walk over to other dogs for a little sniff-sniff from Niles and a pat-pat from you.
Are there so many dogs that there's a "treat ban" in the office for jealousy issues? If not, a great "sharing" exercise is to have Niles and one other dog (both on leashes until they are more familiar with the game) "sit" (or easiest command) and have a treat in each hand and give it to them at the same time. Later, you can start to stagger the reward times, so that the dog that complied quickest gets the treat first. Make the change gradual, though, and say "sit" generally, not directed at individual dogs unless they just don't get it.
I have a feeling I'm going to need to finish this in p-mail!!
Jasmine
answered on 11/16/07.
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I don't know about you, Niles, but I can always be bribed with food. And I think if my Daddy likes another dog well enough to give him a treat then I should like him too.
Bubba
answered on 11/16/07.
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It sounds like the enclosure was at your dads desk correct? So now there's no gate and its a more open environment? Positive reinforcement is the key, when your a good dog and don't show aggression dad should give you treats and praise. Maybe if dad kept you on a short leash a coworker could bring a dog over, dad needs to make you sit and behave, when this is accomplished and you do as your told, favorite treat and praise. This needs to be repeated until you realize other dogs mean praise and treats. This might have to be done in tiny steps and throughout each day. Each time a dog goes by you need to sit and stay and when you do, you get a treat and praise, you get nothing if you misbehave except a correction. It probably wouldn't hurt for you and dad to take a walk with coworkers and dogs once in a while to establish a bond, you know, Cesars way!
Oh and Niles, tell dad to be sure and get the good treats, none of those dry hard tasteless things. Good Luck.
Jiggs
Jiggs CGC
answered on 11/17/07.
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While I agree that it is important for the human to be alpha of the "pack" it should be achieved in a humane manner. I would not do any aversion therapy while keeping Niles in an enclosed area, as this may exacerbate the problem long term. It may stop it temporarily but Niles will associate the other dogs with a negative outcome. Niles needs to form positive associations when he sees other dogs while enclosed. Bring another dog in a controlled manner to a point where your dog's behavior is not triggered. Give DELICIOUS treats (like hot dogs) and repeat often. Don't go too fast. Sit/stay. Eventually bring the other leashed dog closer in a controlled manner. I would get a behaviorist if this is not improving. Do not place either dog in harms way. Niles may end up being a territorial dog that can't be in an enclosure. He may need to be accepted for the pup he is.Patricia McConnells books "feisty fido" is great.Niles has come a long way and thanks for rescuing a dog in need.
Guest 006702
answered on 11/17/07.
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I have never tried them, and don't know Dogster's position on them, but what about trying those "belly bands" for male dogs? While it may not stop him from initially trying to "jump" another dog. Now, mind you, I don't know what you mean by "jump".... trying to fight with another dog, or trying to... uhmm.... Get "frisky" with the other dog....
So if I am wrong about your meaning of "jump", then my answer will probably your funniest answer!
Snuff
answered on 11/18/07.
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I don't know if this will help, but when I am on a leash, or behind a fence/window/cage door, I put on my whole, "HOLD ME BACK! I'mna kick some puppy butt!"
When I'm free, I don't do that.
Now, I'm not saying it will be the same for you. I am an alpha dog. I wanna let everypup know who is the boss.
Maybe if you met on neutral ground?? I bet it is all territorial, and maybe, after what you have been through, you are just not willing to lose the GREAT thing you have now!?
Hugs to you,
Sammy Jake
Samuel Jacob (4/1/97-4/4/08)
answered on 11/18/07.
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doggie downers dude, doggie downers. Yawn...nitenite Bo
Beauregard Jackson 1st
answered on 11/18/07.
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I'm going to have to agree with Asher and Jasmine.
I would start by wearing a leash and then have someone else approach with their dog on a leash. Start with a good amount of distance and then give a treat for calm behavior. Then once you are rewarded have the other dog walk away - that way you can start to associate a dog approaching means I get a treat and doesn't necessarily mean someone is going to be in my territory. Just keep doing this and slowly get closer and closer and soon you should start to associate dogs approaching your territory as a good thing because you get a treat (a highly desirable treat (hint hint)).
It will take time, but it should be effective with some patience, love and understanding.
Which I'm sure you get tons of.
Georgie
answered on 11/19/07.
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My mommy brought home another sibling and needless to say I was hating life . I snapped, I growled, I pouted, I refuse to eat, The worst thing I did was I ignored my mommy .It took a lot of time and patience for me to understand that my new sis Zoie wasn't replacing me.My mommy made sure I was handed a treat first and I was always called first then I would be patted first. Needless to say I eased up a little and when mommy talks softly but stern I know she meant business. So Dad take charge, give the others a treat but only after you give Niles his. Good Luck
♦ Hansome Jack ♦
answered on 11/19/07.
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Hi Niles. The same thing kinda happens to me - I was rescued from a kill shelter about 10 weeks ago, and I'm still getting used to what's mine-and-will-never-go-away vs. what-to-guard. It's not easy, but I would NOT put yummy treats into the mix because the other dogs are going to want them, too, and you'll become more frantic about 'keeping' those for yourself.
I would ask your Dad to have some of the other dogs and people go play somewhere neutral so you can meet those dogs without feeling like you have to protect your stuff. Do this OFF LEAD in an enclosed area. When you are on a lead you automatically think that you have that area to protect. Just fact. If you are free, and with a compatible doggy friend, you know you can get away from an uncomfortable situation and not be trapped.
It's going to take lots of time - I know 'cause I'm learning the same sort of stuff! That enclosure IS your territory, your 'safe space'. Go somewhere neutral and work out friendships first.
ChiliBob
answered on 11/20/07.
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