OH!
I have two large reactive dogs, German shepherds.
They are 11 years old now.
I haven't read others recommendations BUT
Focus is important.
In the end, after 3 years of fighting my littermate reactive dogs to be normal, every training method, training trips with them, sports training, etc.. The best is just to change your mindset and "Keep them safe from themselves" they will make BAD decisions that could put people in jeopardy, so it is up to you not to put them in that position. We changed our lives for the dogs and they are still here making bad decisions
NILF is really important (Nothing in life is free) Copied from SPCA site
HOW NILIF WORKS
- Make your dog work for all good things in life.
Work = to follow a command the dog knows well. You may want to use the basics like sit, down, and stay. Or you may choose to have your dog do something more complicated such as shake hands, roll over, wave, or play dead. Anything your dog knows is fair game.
Good things = anything your dog wants or likes. This includes—but is not limited to—food, treats, cuddles, and greetings; having the leash put on or taken off; having doors opened to go outside or come inside; being invited up on furniture; being played with, brushed, or spoken to; getting a belly rub; having a ball thrown; going in or out of the car; or greeting a guest.
- Ignore pushy, demanding behavior.
Pushy, demanding behavior = anything your dog does to get your attention and make you do something for him. This includes—but is not limited to—whining, pawing, nudging, mouthing, jumping on, staring, and barking at you.
Ignore = this means no attention at all. None, period. This is the toughest part of your training program. Scolding your dog, saying “no!”, pushing him away, giving a command, or even looking in his direction are all forms of attention. Instead, turn your back or walk away. Wait until your dog leaves you alone before you give him the opportunity to earn something good for calm and relaxed behavior.
- Give the command only once.
Once = if your dog doesn’t do what you ask, don’t do what he wants you to do. If you ask your dog to sit and he doesn’t, walk away, turn your back, or pretend he isn’t there. After a minute or so, give him another chance to earn something good. But only ask once.
- Make everyone who interacts with your dog on a regular basis follow the NILIF rules.
Everyone = that means everyone. Spouses, significant others, dog walkers, neighbors who drop by every day, and especially children. Dogs often see children as either playmates. NILIF teaches dogs to see children as leaders, just like the grown-ups in the family.
- Be patient, especially in the beginning.
Patience = the most important part of your training program. It may take your dog a little while before he realizes he truly has to work for the things he wants. After all, up until this point everything in life has been free.
What NILIF Looks Like
It’s your first day using NILIF and you’re ready to take Fido for a walk. You pick up his leash and he comes running over to you. You tell him, “Fido, sit.” Fido is so excited that instead of sitting, he runs around you wiggling and wagging his tail while jumping at the leash in your hand. You don’t repeat the command, run after him or scold him, or push him away when he jumps up. Instead, you calmly put the leash down and walk away. A minute later, you walk back to the
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Dog: Nothing in Life Is Free (continued)
leash and pick it up again. Again, Fido runs over and is too excited to listen to your command. You repeat the procedure (get the leash, give the command, Fido is too excited so you walk away) 10 times—then Fido finally sits. When he sits, you clip on the leash, praise him, and take him for a nice long walk.
The next day, it takes 6 tries before Fido sits to have his leash put on. By the end of the first week using the NILIF technique, Fido is sitting automatically when you pick up his leash.
Tips and Pitfalls
- Make sure your dog knows the commands you use. If he doesn’t, how can he obey?
- NILIF is non-confrontational. If your dog chooses not to do something you ask of him, then
that’s fine. If he wants a reward bad enough, he’ll rethink his choice.
- Everyone must ask your dog to do something before giving him any kind of attention. Even
the mailman or the kid passing on the street.
- Some frustration is inevitable, but don’t give up. Step away from the situation, regroup, then
try again with something less confusing.
