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.

[Anne G.]

That is a great perspective, and one I can relate to. Our pup is our first dog and here we are in our 60s! Jane's Murphy got the perfect Mom, so dedicated with great instincts on training methods.  I'm sure they will find the solution and it will be great for us to learn from it. That's what is so good about these discussion threads!

[Pat and Traveler]

Sick of 'Murphy Training Dilemmas'???!!  Never happen.  I've been empathizing and applauding with you all along.  Adventures in the two-dog-household have been of particular interest lately as my daughter and her dog are with me and though the dogs get along fairly well, they do have their issues, which seem to change daily.  Dominance is one of the current issues, and bless you for discussing your problems and solutions. 

You are such a dedicated dog owner--as others have said, Murph is lucky to have you.  Hope sweet little Guinness won't feel too intimidated by his bro. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks so much, Pat!  We are making real progress, and I'm very encouraged.