[2knew]

Hello,

We have a new Coon Hound/Aussie Sheppard mix female, about 14 months old. This beauty's house manners are outstanding. When on lead she barks like CRAZY at every moving animal, especially other dogs. I have spent 3 days leading her around my yard making sure she is aware of lead manners, and indeed she is. As soon as she is let out in the world, it all changes. She is not motivated by food/treats while on lead in the open at all, and is barely aware that I exist, other than the fact that I am the anchor stopping her madness. I have her on a halti...makes a little difference; mostly in duration of spaz. We are using a 6 ft lead. She was overly assertive with one dog while at the off leash park on Friday, so I am not keen on trying that again until I have her recognizing my presence and leadership.

Any strategies and suggestions are welcomed. I have been making her work for every bite of food for a few days (the whole family is in on this).

[daleigh]

Happy to hear that the whole family is involved and trying. In order for a dog to get the lifestyle it desires the whole family must help to satisfy his/her needs.

Aussies are very talkative. They also require a job at all times. Whether it be playing a game, herding, chasing, doing tricks, etc etc they just need something.

Coon Hounds are responsive alert hunters. They "sounds the alarm" and have a very high prey drive (as do most hounds)

Aussie/Coon Hound mix? Well you've got a high energy, high prey drive, talkative dog! And I am happy to hear that you have mastered most.

TWO OPTIONS (or both!)

(1) When a dog pulls just simply stop. Stop and turn around. Don't talk, don't move, don't do anything. Just stop and turn around until the dog settles. Once the dog settles wait another 30 seconds then praise & treat/reward. But you have to be consistant! Yes this takes up a lot of time, but you have to keep consistant. That is the only way I can guarentee it working. The dog must be Sitting or Laying down in a relaxed position. Then you can begin moving again.

(2) The instance she notices a dog/animal/etc put yourself inbetween the thing and the dog. COMMAND attention on you with a noise, obedience commands, etc. Distract distract distract, redirect redirect redirect, and reward good behavior.

It's going to take consistancy and it's going to take dedication.

A LEASH SHOULD NEVER EVER BE MORE THAN 3FT LONG! Wrap the leash around your hand or arm and only give just enough slack. The dog should be walking right at your side at all times.

Don't use off-lead dog parks again until you are 100% sure her recall is good.

If I can think up of anything else I'll let you know. But for a high intensity case I would start off with this... build from here.

[2knew]

Exactly the kind of strategy stuff I'm looking for. I'll be starting the distraction/redirect and move the other way stuff on our next walk...and maybe for the rest of our lives!

I'll post back and let you know how I made out.