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Hey everyone
I am hoping some people can give me some pointers and maybe some advice as to how I can get on top of some things Nikita is starting to show that could be a problem in the future. Any pointers if you think I should try a different approach or you found a way worked for you I would appreciate it.
1: How do you really teach her to meet other dogs? She gets SO worked up and I can get her to relax to a certain point and sit. She quiets down but she never really takes her eyes off them. I know the importance is focusing on me first and eventually she will learn to sit patiently until I tell her go. Standing in front of her perhaps? Having her look at me? Also I don't want her to book it and run to go greet people or dogs. Is this an energy thing and perhaps she just needs more exercise to drain some energy?
2: She also out of no where will bark and some times growl at people passing my car when its parked. If they approach her to pet her she will intimidate them but if they don't back down shes the biggest suck, however, all it takes is for her to give attitude to the wrong person. I try to get her attention again focused on behaving properly by quieting her but any suggestions will help.
3: Her prey drive is INSANE! We have a cat, dog and bird in the house. I already know not to leave them alone, and I am avid follower of Ceaser Millan and I know once he said that if they prey drive is so driven in them there are exercises they can do utilize the skills properly and drain energy. So anybody have any ideas what those exercises are as I don't remember what He said.
4: When she is in a very focused mode, usually when shes been chasing something around the house like cat or bird, I always address there but if I go into her to get her attention she sometimes wips her head to the side and shows teeth. She never does anything further, and I never pull back and as soon as she realizes it her ears go back and she shows submission like she realizes that wasn't right but of course, I need to stop this. Does this tye into the prey drive exercises again?
5: The prancing dance/stocking position. Every now and than, when she has been caught doing something, I will approach her and stand tall in front of and correct her ( by directing her to relax and focus on me or whatever it is). Sometimes she will challenge me and get in the bow position bouncing side to side barking, challenging me. I know that's what she is doing so do I just continue to stand my ground? She always ends up submitting but if shes crosses the line and adds in the little head whip thing she always gets the ultimate submission position (on her side) until shes relaxed ( of course after she has realized I am not backing down and she finally stops)
6: Last, She is the SWEETEST friendliest dog aside from these things that happen occasionally. She curls up at the feet inbetween the legs of everyone she meets, her butt goes crazy and she has the softest eyes. Shes a kisser, shes not food aggressive as I've fed her by hand until recently and still do occasionally and she has learned to stay away while I prepare food and only come when I tell her to eat. She is not toy dominate as she has learned that I own all the toys in the house so if I take posession of the toy she will submit. Shes a cuddler, shes amazing with kids, she doesn't actually show signs of physical aggression to other dogs but I am also teaching her not to be vocal ( growling) when playing with other dogs.
Anyway, all in all she has completely changed my whole family and all my friends view on pitbulls. she is learning to be an ambassador by I just need a bit of help to get on top of these things.
I am hoping some people can give me some pointers and maybe some advice as to how I can get on top of some things Nikita is starting to show that could be a problem in the future. Any pointers if you think I should try a different approach or you found a way worked for you I would appreciate it.
1: How do you really teach her to meet other dogs? She gets SO worked up and I can get her to relax to a certain point and sit. She quiets down but she never really takes her eyes off them. I know the importance is focusing on me first and eventually she will learn to sit patiently until I tell her go. Standing in front of her perhaps? Having her look at me? Also I don't want her to book it and run to go greet people or dogs. Is this an energy thing and perhaps she just needs more exercise to drain some energy?
2: She also out of no where will bark and some times growl at people passing my car when its parked. If they approach her to pet her she will intimidate them but if they don't back down shes the biggest suck, however, all it takes is for her to give attitude to the wrong person. I try to get her attention again focused on behaving properly by quieting her but any suggestions will help.
3: Her prey drive is INSANE! We have a cat, dog and bird in the house. I already know not to leave them alone, and I am avid follower of Ceaser Millan and I know once he said that if they prey drive is so driven in them there are exercises they can do utilize the skills properly and drain energy. So anybody have any ideas what those exercises are as I don't remember what He said.
4: When she is in a very focused mode, usually when shes been chasing something around the house like cat or bird, I always address there but if I go into her to get her attention she sometimes wips her head to the side and shows teeth. She never does anything further, and I never pull back and as soon as she realizes it her ears go back and she shows submission like she realizes that wasn't right but of course, I need to stop this. Does this tye into the prey drive exercises again?
5: The prancing dance/stocking position. Every now and than, when she has been caught doing something, I will approach her and stand tall in front of and correct her ( by directing her to relax and focus on me or whatever it is). Sometimes she will challenge me and get in the bow position bouncing side to side barking, challenging me. I know that's what she is doing so do I just continue to stand my ground? She always ends up submitting but if shes crosses the line and adds in the little head whip thing she always gets the ultimate submission position (on her side) until shes relaxed ( of course after she has realized I am not backing down and she finally stops)
6: Last, She is the SWEETEST friendliest dog aside from these things that happen occasionally. She curls up at the feet inbetween the legs of everyone she meets, her butt goes crazy and she has the softest eyes. Shes a kisser, shes not food aggressive as I've fed her by hand until recently and still do occasionally and she has learned to stay away while I prepare food and only come when I tell her to eat. She is not toy dominate as she has learned that I own all the toys in the house so if I take posession of the toy she will submit. Shes a cuddler, shes amazing with kids, she doesn't actually show signs of physical aggression to other dogs but I am also teaching her not to be vocal ( growling) when playing with other dogs.
Anyway, all in all she has completely changed my whole family and all my friends view on pitbulls. she is learning to be an ambassador by I just need a bit of help to get on top of these things.
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