Your vies on my approach

[dutchman]

Time to seek some more advice. My new little rescue Tanner age > 2 years is a fear growler and barker. Yesterday when we went shopping and I had him in the kid seat of the shopping cart I would use a loose finger thumb circle around his nose with a verbal no to correct him. Since this didn't appear to be making much of an impact impact I replaced the no with a quick little puff of air directed towards his nostrils. After I used this approach a couple of times it appeared to be helping. I looking for feedback as to the pros and cons of using this method. It appeared to be helping and if any thing Tanner had a tighter bond after the outing than before so I'm leaning towards keeping this approach. We will also start mixing in rewards for good behavior. Is there any major problems with my technique? Let me know I don't want to be creating new problems while I try to resolve a current one. Every dog is a learning experience

Thanks in advance,

Tom

[Wienergal]

Tom, I'm no expert in such matters, but it sounds to me as if you're on the right track. We all know that consistent correction is the key to breaking bad doggy habits, and that the correction should be something that establishes your alpha-ness and does not hurt the dog in any way. Your method meets both criteria--AND it's working! If you can curb his tendency to growl or snap out of fear using such a gentle method, I say, keep it up!!

[Penny's Aunt]

You might also try just tapping him with your finger (not hitting) when he does something you don't like. Just a tap, a reminder that you're here, a distraction. When he stops what he was doing (good), he gets a treat. When he goes along without doing something bad, he is told he is a "good boy" & gets a treat. When he meets someone that is willing to help, give them a treat to give to him. They don't necessarily have to touch him at this point, esp if he can't back off. Don't use visible idiots as helpers.

He has to learn to trust you, that you will protect him against bad things & people he doesn't like. And he has to learn to trust people in general, that most like him, some have treats, & that he can retreat from people he doesn't trust.

Some people use a couple of kinds of treats. I use liver biscotti (a dry liver-flavored sort of cookie) for regular treats, with dried pieces of liver for special treats, like meeting strangers, or if she does something especially good, like bringing the ball all the way back & putting it in my hand, rather than dropping it.

[Wienergal]

Oh, Penny's Aunt...I have missed your posts! I know you're busy with the lovely Shilo, but it sure gave me a smile to read your post below..."visible idiots!" Pure Penny's Aunt!

I remember your post from months and months ago, the one in which you said we all have the responsibility of protecting our dogs from morons! Words to live by... http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif