Milobee

4 hours ago, Papillon Kisses said:

I’d contact Barbara Hodel at https://goodog.com.au/ She’s not upper north shore, but is president of the Pet Professional Guild and will be able to recommend a suitable force free trainer in your area.

 

Louise Ginman at Positive Dogs runs a Reactive Dog Classes if you don’t mind travelling to Strathfield. She is also a force free trainer. http://www.positivedogs.com.au/reactive-dog-class

Thanks, I will look into them.

10 hours ago, persephone said:

I concur. You won't find anyone better . Phone him in the meantime - he may give you a strategy ...while waiting . 

Thanks! I have booked him in and we will just wait until then. I just thought I would see if there was anyone else highly recommended that we could maybe see earlier. 

9 hours ago, juice said:

Steve at k9 pro deals with dog aggression. Your dog will not improve without help , he will just escalate. 

Yes this is why we are seeking help! Steve is booked for the next 4 months. I was just seeing if there was anyone else we could see sooner to help.

We are upper North Shore. We are happy to travel to get the right help. 

Hi,

I am after any recommendations for a dog trainer to help us with our 6 year old English staffy. He has recently shown aggression towards other dogs. We have two young children and would like to get some help with training as it was a side of him we haven't seen before. We are located in Sydney but happy to travel. 

Thanks. 

it does really sound as if he may have a pain issue , and I agree with the suggestion of a chiropractor visit :)

It is on my list now of things to try to help him!! He does run around lots and plays constantly at home without any issues...but you never know. I just wish they could talk and tell you exactly what the problem is!

Did the vet check his back and hips? He could have pinched a nerve and it only hurts after walking for a bit (that is how I noticed my boys problem - he would start limping and often lay down, while playing).

Can you get a chiropractor to have a look at the dog as well (if the vet couldn't find anything)?

Some harnesses can rub on dogs and they won't walk because it is uncomfortable - does he need a harness, what about a flat collar and lead (much more comfortable for a dog IMO).

If he is a puller, remember that a harness will just give more leverage to pull lower to the ground, so pull more.

It is easier for you but they get a lot more pull from a harness than a flat collar (or martingale collar)..

Thanks for the advice Staffyluv. I didn't realise there are chiropractors that work with dogs!! It maybe something to look into. I will also try just using his flat collar with the lead to see if that makes any difference. The harness he currently has is a front leading one to help stop the pulling.

Assuming he's ok with and likes other dogs, try walking out with a friend who also has a dog who is ok with other dogs.

Thanks Erny! I will definitely give this a go. He loves other dogs so this may help.

have you taken him to somewhere in a car ? How far does he walk then?

Yes I have tried that and he does the same thing! Will initially appear happy to walk and then pulls up and plants his paws in after walking about 100 metres.

First stop is the vet for a general health check.

If all comes up roses with health, then behaviour is next on the list. Think hard about any little things that may have happened on a walk previously. It could be an interaction with another dog, a frightening noise, something as simple as wheelie bins on the kerb can freak some dogs. Be firm but fair in your attempts to coax him along. Make sure his leash & collar or any other exercise gear he wears is fitted properly and comfortable.

Has your dog been to basic obedience classes? This might be a good place to start. If he has good basic obedience then maybe look at getting in a professional dog behaviourist to assess your situation and 'help you move forward'!!

Thanks! The vet has checked him out and doesn't think there is anything wrong. He has had some training and was good with walking but I'm thinking we may need to do some more. He has just begun showing a very stubborn side!!!

Hi, he seems fine that nothing else is wrong. I have tried a couple of different harnesses as well. As far as I know nothing has spooked him when out walking. I have also tried different times of the day to see if that works but he still pulls up!

I am just wondering if anyone has had the same experience or can offer any advice. I have a 1 year old Staffordshire bull terrier who suddenly doesn’t want to go for walks. He was previously an ok walker but recently he will just refuse. He appears keen at first and will eagerly head out of the house but once we get past the end of our street he just plants himself and refuses to move. I have tried using food and treats to encourage him to walk, which initially seemed to work but now he isn’t interested in them. I have tried to take him on walks in different areas but he still pulls up and becomes stubborn after 100 metres or so. He does enjoy having a play at home and a run round in the back yard so I know he is getting some exercise. Thanks