Sprocket: Update 1

We are two sessions in to dealing with Sprocket’s intense reactivity to other other dogs. This is the breakdown of what we’ve done to date:

Assessment

• Replaced the standard leash with a 1-foot traffic lead, and the harness with a martingale collar to give the owner better, more efficient control. Result: Successful in walking and moving Sprocket around easily and without any pain.
• Observation of both Sprocket’s and his owner’s body language to identify issues with leash handling and communication, to find Sprocket’s threshold, and to identify his loading sequence [the signals he gives before he explodes].
• Conditioning work to help him overcome his fear of water.

Session 1: Behavior Modification Begins

The owner’s neighbor brought their dog to assist. Distance was maintained, with the helper dog kept across the street and Sprocket kept on the driveway between the owner’s two vehicles. This was done as a safety measure for everyone, including Sprocket. The front of the larger truck was used as a barrier to help lower the intensity of Sprocket’s reactions, to encourage him to look to his handler for direction, and to provide him with a sense of relative safety. This exercise was repeated several times before the heat forced an end to the session. By the end of it, Sprocket was improving on looking for direction first instead of reacting, and he was more willing to follow the handler when asked, without resistance.

Session 2: Human Coaching

This session was dedicated entirely to the owner. The focus was on gaining a deeper understanding of what drives certain behaviors and responses, learning the difference between responding and reacting, how what we think and feel affects our dogs and our ability to connect and communicate with them, how dogs mirror our true state of being, and more. Due to the very personal nature of the discussion, I will not go into further detail.

When we understand ourselves better, we are better able to understand, connect, and communicate with our dogs. Sometimes, this means we have to do things that are really uncomfortable. Coaching sessions are one of those things. Yes, they are uncomfortable, but when you see how your dog begins to change for the better, you’ll realize it was worth going through. Because, not only do you become a better version of yourself for you, you also become a stronger, more confident leader for your dog.

Have a great day, and remember to stay calm and lead on.