Hi
27 month old entire male GSP.  Got KC Gold Good Citizen.  Well socialised.  Attacked last summer by Weim whilst on lead at gundog training....that was the start of the problem.  Posted on here about it, thought I had overcome problem resocialising with known Weims.  Problem resurfaced 2 months ago when I went gundog training with Weim Assoc as he met LOADSA Weims.  Became velcro dog - got best ever control work, but wouldn't leave my side to quarter and hunt.  (This is most unlike him as is solid black, second gen German import.)  I THINK that outdoors, multiple Weim dogs, gunslip and bangs (dummy launcher etc) = I'm about to be attacked, so get in nearest ditch/inbetween mum's legs or wherever.  We have therefore backed off gundog training and concentrated on agility (inside in indoor riding school, with flat collar and lead) and also on obedience (again, indoors, same collar and lead).  Tonight we had a new dog come and observe who had aggression problems - silver grey lurcher, wearing muzzle and very vocal.  The owner used one of those air pressure deterrents at other end of hall to get dog to stop barking and mine freaked.  Ran into corner under chair and wouldn't come out.   Now bang = something to be scared of.  This was previously NOT a gunshy dog - had been to numerous game fairs and had been trained with starter pistol.  I stayed on for the second class as didn't want to end on a bad note and thought this would do him good as it was a puppy class and that younger dogs would want to play and may bring him out of himself.  We were doing really well until someone clapped their hands and again, he shot under the nearest chair.

HELP.  How do I stop this downward spiral?

Oh goodness, what idiot used an air pressure deterrent in an area where there are other dogs? I sincerely hope it wasn't any trainer and whoever it was needs to be told that it is just not on. It's really not acceptable.

I remember your case I think from last year :)

Do you feel he was totally OK with the Weims he associated with afterwards, and was totally relaxed? Reason I ask is because probably the Weims at the Weim Assoc. were unknown to him and in a larger number, so were deemed more threatening. That may indicate that the previous problem was not completely solved and that either he was "flooded" with Weims or else that any desensitisation if done carefully wasn't completed.

What seems to be happening is that, possibly, his fear is becoming more generalised; this can happen and is not unusual but is a problem.

I'd suggest getting in the help of a behaviourist or reputable trainer who understands how to desensitise and counter condition and who can support you through this :)
You've obviously worked hard to help your dog and it would be a shame to not take him further onwards and upwards as it were.

I've PMd you with a suggestion, hope that's OK.

Lindsay
x

Hi there

I'm sorry to hear about your dog.  After all the hard work you've put in too.  I'm sure you'll get really good advice from Lindsay.

I just wanted to say that this is one reason that "deterants" should only be used (if at all!) by experienced trainers.  I personally would never use something like air pressure to desensitise an aggressive dog, because it would make matters worse.  Can you imagine somebody bringing their dog to a new training class and treating the dog like that?  They should have been spending time with him and building his confidence, not making matters worse by inflicting this sort of deterent on him.  Poor you!  You're dog has obviously got the fright of his life.

I remember your previous post too and I'm sure you will get this sorted out because you clearly have the dedication to your boy.

Good luck.  I would have a word with the trainer at the class and let them know what happened though and suggest quite strongly that this sort of thing shouldn't be allowed at a training class.  After all you are there to "train" your dog, arent you?

Kind regards
Annie