Our Springer has turned on the pup and son...

[Karyn]

Migsy said:

They've been around each other pretty much all day - interestingly she is showing signs of dominance towards him whilst he has been quite laid back (for a springer). I wonder if we're in the midst of a hierarchy change as well.

Be interesting to hear how it develops between the two of them. Our (spayed) bh is the dominant one over our male dog.

How're you getting on, specifically with the walking?


If he pulls whichever direction you're walking in, simply swap directions really quickly. I think C3BR posted it... 10 steps forward, turn left, 10 steps forward, turn left, 10 steps forward, turn right, 10 steps........ you get the picture!

He should pick up pretty quick that it's you controlling the direction and pace of his walking... and then you can gradually increase the length of time you walk in any direction, simply swapping direction as soon as he pulls.


^^It can make you quite dizzy, though...



Getting them walking properly when they're so focussed on something else really is the most difficult thing I've done with ours. I really do empathise with you... but it can be done! You'll feel like one or other of you (most likely you!) will be mentally broken long before you see any improvement, but it will come, as long as you're clear and consistent in what you expect from him and how you deal with it.


You cannot understand how mental I've looked, walking round, effectively in circles, with the dog, in silent tears!


Another slightly oddball approach is to walk along the length of a wall, with dog between you and the wall. Simply don't leave enough of a gap for him to squeeze through... I'm not really sure on this approach, though, as a barging dog might just end up with skinned cheeks! And it doesn't really do much in addressing the behaviour... just removes their ability to do it.

[Migsy]

Evening,

They've played nicely for the first time since this all started. Pup gave as good as she got too. She's suddenly become quite bouncy. Springer is still quite laid back and being attentive towards her. Watching them very closely, but there was no growling or baring teeth. All good.

Walking - I'm avoiding the 'by the brick wall technique' as I've tried this one with him before - he barged through my leg knocking me up in the air, landing on my hip with him stood infront of me as if I was the stupid one. We'll stick with the turning and yes, drove myself daft and he still didn't get it. Home and try again later.

All going swimmingly then