Hi folks - my name is Nell & I live in Derbyshire, England. i have two border collies & we compete in agility, have fun together & learn new stuff everyweek.
I accessed this site today as I have just reread 'dont shoot the dog' & feel like giving myself a pat on the back for past success using this method - I am reinforcing my good feeling!
One of my dogs, Loki was a very nervous working sheepdog who would growl/threaten/bite first & ask questions later when approached by 'inyourface' dogs.
I had a lot of advise from 'experts' ranging from keeping him on a lead at all times to picking him up and scruffing him to shock collars!!!!
As an advocate of positive training needless to say I ignored all of the above.
Instead I muzzled him (so he could go free to work out his own behaviour & I could relax) & clickered & treated everytime he ignored a dog! Bingo!!!!
That was 6 years ago - he is now 9 & the lightbulb went on for me today when i realised for the past 5 years he walks past all dogs (no muzzle anymore) & turns & looks at me as if to say - 'Hey look at me I'm SUCH a GOOD BOY' & this has become so routine that i had even forgotten to notice.
So I wanted to share this with like minded people - Well done him & well done me!
Good wishes sent to all who have done good this way wherever you are.
Nell
