I am really pleased at the progress two dogs that I am working with are
making.

Both are rescues, both are wonderful with people. Both are dog-reactive,
not aggressive. What they would do is bark and lunge if one lead, chase if
off-lead. Both owners are interested in competing in agility.

Our main focus has been working them in gentle leaders, working "sit and
look at their owner" while another dog is around. Started with the other
dog being boring and then the dog running agility. We are simply working
with a clicker (clicking for looking at the owner).

It amazes how much progress that they have made is a couple lessons - of
course it also helps that I have a variety of "distacter" dogs that will not
attempt to interact with them.

Encouraging both owners to use the sit and look for direction around the
house as much as possible too.
Teaching an incompatible behavior and reinforcing it heavily is so useful.

And it amazes me to see one dog really looking to his owner for direction,
throwing sits and downs, and just the way he is now responding to her. He
wasn't in tune with her at all, was just

I just find it so gratifying to be able to help people establish that
relationship. I really do wish I could do this for a living, but I know
these are two great dedicated owners - probably not typical!

And especially that they are such nice dogs that people were willing to give
a home to and not only a home but a great home.

--
Melissa S. Frye
Skyrocket cockers www.mfrye.com/skyrocket/