The Cody Challenge

Everyone I work with has seen Cody. He's a black German Shepherd pup who's about 6 months old. The reason everyone I work with knows him, is because his "mom" made quite a spectacle of herself, regularly coming in and attempting to socialize this dog on her own. I applaud her effort, but she didn't know what she was doing. This dog, at only 6 months old is HUGE, and he's only going to get bigger.
I saw her struggling with him about two weeks ago and knew she needed some help. This dog was barking, lunging, and growling at everyone and every dog that walked by. The woman could barely hold on to him, and worst of all he was wearing a neoprene muzzle.

I'm not a big fan of muzzles to begin with, but I understand why the woman put a muzzle on him, with him lunging and growling at every moving thing, she was terrified he was going to bite someone, but the poor dog was drooling profusely down the small opening of the muzzle and I was afraid he was going to dehydrate and overheat right there in the store. (If she was going to muzzle him, a wire basket muzzle like greyhounds wear is much safer for the dog, as it allows them to pant properly but they can't bite.)

I went with a different approach, as I was able to approach Cody and he didn't growl at me, rather taking a treat from me through the small opening at the end of the muzzle. I suggested a Gentle Leader. These things are one of the most fantastic inventions ever. Not quite sure of the temperment of the dog, I put the leader on over the muzzle and then removed the muzzle. The dog immediately began to pant properly and even started to relax. I explained that this way the dog could be corrected when he barked and lunged (by sinching the nose loop tight and shutting the dog's mouth) however when he wasn't doing anything wrong he could have his mouth open and pant. It also allowed her to walk him on leash without him dragging her around the store. She was immediately grateful and signed up to take him to class to see if she could "fix him" the rest of the way.

Today was the first class with Cody. The other trainers think I'm crazy for taking on this dog. I love a challenge, and he will definately be that. The class he's in has 7 other dogs... 2 yellow labs, a Burnese Mountain Dog, a Boston Terrier, a German Wirehair, a Chow/Husky mix, and one other dog I'm too tired to remember. Half the class Cody barked and lunged, the other half the class he layed down on the floor quitely.... that in itsself is drastic improvement over what I witnessed two weeks ago. I even had this big dog in my lap today. I think he likes me. :) I just kept reassuring the mom that 1) I've seen worse, and 2) It WILL get better.

I have seen worse too. In NY I had an Australian Cattle Dog named Dakota that barked and lunged at every dog in class for 4 out of 8 weeks. He acted as though he wanted to attack and kill every dog, and the poor mom couldnt get anything out of the class because she spent the entire time standing in front of her dog diverting his attention from the other dogs. I worked with Jennifer, Dakota's mom and Dakota after class, as well as in a park with my own dogs, desperate to help her.... It worked. Dakota is the dog in the center of the picture.

Dozer (pug), Bella (Springer Spaniel), Guyver (Yellow lab mix), Dakota (Australian Cattle dog), Snickers (Beagle mix), Boss (Pit Bull) and Scooby (Beagle).

I only hope I can do the same for Cody. Wish me luck.