Another Murphy Training Meltdown

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

've been having a bit of a training "meltdown" this week over Murph.  He had another little "setback" that seemed to come out of nowhere.  Earlier in the week we took both Doods on a long walk, and Murph was wonderful.  We made it through an hour walk with NO CORRECTIONS.  I was feeling great.  On our way home we decided because they were so good we'd check the dog park in our complex, and if there were no other dogs we'd play some ball....Murph's favorite thing.  As we were driving through the complex Murphy spotted a man walking his Standard Poodle and lost his mind.  He went crazy barking and jumping into the back end of the SUV.  He was in back, and I was in front so I couldn't correct him.  He knows this dog...an older Poodle with a wonderful disposition.  When the dog was out of sight, he quieted right down and we went to play ball.  We played for a little while and then I saw Murphy take off toward the gate.....that's when we saw the Poodle and his owner (a very elderly man) opening the gate.  Murph again "freaked out", and DH went running toward him.  Murph was growling, barking and lunging at this dog, who at that point was cornered (and still on leash).  The Poodle reacted by also growling and showing teeth which made Murph totally board the crazy train.  It was frightening.  DH grabbed his collar and pulled him back and held onto him while the neighbor and his dog made a quick exit.  At that point DH let go of Murph who decided to attack Guinness.  I was able to corner him at that point and correct him....he got the message and stopped.  Poor Guinness was terrified.  I have no idea why this happened at this point with Murphy, but I have been really upset.  We spent a long time yesterday just talking with our trainer about what to do next.  We have a plan, but it's going to be a lot of work....as if we haven't already been working.

Murph is such a situational learner that he only seems to be able to master things in isolation.  So, he has now mastered the walk.  He knows what he can and can't do around other dogs on the walk.  He has mastered the Petstore...same story.  We have worked with him in two town dog parks, but not this one that's in our complex.  So next week we'll work with him and the trainer (who will bring other dogs) in this dog park.  In the meantime, I have to watch him very carefully in the house around Guinness.  I cannot allow any signs of intimidation (which he does frequently).  For example, Murph will sit at the top of the stairs and stare at Guinness who is trying to come up.  Guinness will go half way and then just stop because he's afraid to pass by Murphy.  Those are the types of things I have to stop.  The taking of toys has to stop too.  I have to correct Murph whenever he tries to take something from Guinness.  Murph always marks right over where Guinness pees...that has to stop.  If he sees other dogs while we're driving and goes crazy, we have to pull over, correct and not move forward until he's calm again.  Until our training next week the boys can't be in the "dog park" together unless they're leashed. 

It's all so frustrating and after seeing him attack Guinness, now I have to always be on guard.  I really don't think he'd actually bite Guinness.  It appears to be all about trying to show that he's the "boss".  We think it's just a show of dominance and there really is no aggression involved.  The problem is that when he encounters dogs who don't know him, many will not put up with his dominant behavior and he could get himself into a really dangerous situation.  So now I'm back to watching for ANY signs of dominance (not matter how subtle) and correcting him.  We've always practiced the NLIF strategies, so it's not like he's been allowed to be "in control".  I think it must be so hard wired into this guy that it is going to be a very long and tough "fix".

You're probably all getting really sick of my "Murphy Training Dilemmas" by now.  He's just such a puzzle.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Jane, I am certainly not sick of hearing about your Murphy dilemmas. I appreciate all that you are doing to bring Murphy into a place of control and ease. Thank you for sharing your journey. As the rest of us deal with our own dilemmas, your helpful input is invaluable. Thank you for keeping us up to date on how Murph is doing.

[Carol and Banjo]

Jane, I commend you for all the hard work you've done and thank you for sharing your trials and tribulations with us.  I marvel at your determination, not knowing if I'd be able to step up to the plate as you have done.   One thing I do know is that if I ever find myself in a difficult training situation with Banjo or any future dog, I will ALWAYS think back to you and I'll find inspiration in all that you've shared.      I hope you can take this one day at a time and try not to look too far ahead.   One thing you can say for Murphy is he has learned SO much!   I really believe each day he'll pick up on the boundaries you're setting for him.     Sending big hugs your way!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, I never get tired of hearing about your training and Murphy. I wish I had a Ben who could work with me and I cannot believe how lucky Murphy is to have you. You inspire me not to give up on our issues too.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Whoa... I'm listening and DITTO.  I'm not sick of it, I have the same thing here.  If it weren't for you, it wouldn't get said.  Same thing, different town, different house, different dog. If you would change the other dogs to a strange human, the park is my house, and Guinness is Spud, then I could have written this myself. I'm glad you post because most of the time I am just speechless anymore about setbacks.

[sandy b]

Jane, never get tired of hearing about training Murph. He is so lucky to have you.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Jane you are my inspiration for training Tara and I so admire your commitment and patience with Murphy!!! I'm sorry to hear of this new challenge that has presented itself. Murphy has learned so much so quickly that I have no doubt you two will conquer it as well.

 

I hope little Guinness is doing okay??  This must be disturbing for him as well!

Please don't stop posting about because I am looking forward to the day (and I KNOW it will come!) when you reach your goals with Murphy!!

 

 

[Anne G.]

Jane, I never tire of hearing about Murphy, partly because I have a Murphy too although she is female (like Murphy Brown). Also, it is very informative to read about these challenges and what kind of work you do to correct it. We all can relate!! My Murphy is a little too timid, kind of the opposite problem, but also not a good thing. I hope all goes well for you and both doods!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks for the support everyone!  I am feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, but I know I just need to get over it and keep moving forward.  The hardest part is that Guinness is now being impacted....and I hate that.  Anyway, it is so helpful to know that I have my friends here who understand.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hugs to you, Guinness, and Big Murph. I know you will work through this the same way you have worked through everything else.

You are my hero.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

OMD, Karen.  Thank you, but I should not be anyone's training hero based on my track record.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Your track record is that you have continued to work very very hard, and Murphy has continued to make progress. Nobody has a better track record than that.

[Carol Brand]

Not sick of hearing about it at all.  I think his reactions are fascinating and I've read with interest over the last year about your training efforts.  Keep the reports coming!  We can all learn from them.