Eye Contact

Bonniesmummy · #1 18-06-11, 07:42 PM

As you know Bonnie is a noisy girl who likes to hear the sound of her own voice, we work on her big gob daily when out on walks and she IS improving - mostly if I distract her or get in quick with a 'No' or 'Quiet'. My method of choice to stop the noise is distraction and/or doing nothing i.e. remaining calm, loose lead, being normal and only reacting if she does and so far so good.

What I have came to realise (with some help, thanks Catriona) is that when she does bark it's at those who are giving her eye contact. If someone walks past, no matter how close, she won't bark at them (the majority of the time) but if they are looking at her she will go off on one!!!

So my question is how do I get people to stop looking at her??????..... he he he only kidding!!! But seriously, what should I do in order to get her used to people looking at her without her seeing it as a threat.... is it even possible?

#2 18-06-11, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonniesmummy

As you know Bonnie is a noisy girl who likes to hear the sound of her own voice, we work on her big gob daily when out on walks and she IS improving - mostly if I distract her or get in quick with a 'No' or 'Quiet'. My method of choice to stop the noise is distraction and/or doing nothing i.e. remaining calm, loose lead, being normal and only reacting if she does and so far so good.

What I have came to realise (with some help, thanks Catriona) is that when she does bark it's at those who are giving her eye contact. If someone walks past, no matter how close, she won't bark at them (the majority of the time) but if they are looking at her she will go off on one!!!

So my question is how do I get people to stop looking at her??????..... he he he only kidding!!! But seriously, what should I do in order to get her used to people looking at her without her seeing it as a threat.... is it even possible?

Hmmm She obviously see's the eye contact as threatening

I would try and keep your distance when people approach or walk the other side.
Im sure Bonnie would feel less threatened and hopefully you could gradually get close in if that makes sence xxx

Bonniesmummy · #3 18-06-11, 08:00 PM

I do know what you mean Linda, and I do often cross over or move out the way of folk at times mostly to make her feel more comfortable and I feel that if I don't give her the opportunity to bark it will eventually break the habit.... does that make sense?

#4 18-06-11, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonniesmummy

I do know what you mean Linda, and I do often cross over or move out the way of folk at times mostly to make her feel more comfortable and I feel that if I don't give her the opportunity to bark it will eventually break the habit.... does that make sense?

Yes Hunni It does

Try giving her a warning before hand
I mean quite a strong one and dont reassure her
Then if ineventfull praise her like mad

xxx

Bonniesmummy · #5 18-06-11, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUTGARD

Yes Hunni It does

Try giving her a warning before hand
I mean quite a strong one and dont reassure her
Then if ineventfull praise her like mad

xxx

Thats just it, I try to read the signs and get in 1st with a command but mostly I try to give her the benefit of the doubt, so to speak, that she wont react. I often find too that if we are walking she is NOW less likley to bark at passers by, its the standing still that we have the most problems with. I think thats because she is watching people approach and they are watching her watching them so it starts the chain of events maybe??????? But then its really only those who look at her she has the problem with.

Any suggestions to desentise it.... it was suggested that I look her in the eye and blink, giving a reward/treat each time, building it up so that she see's eyes as something nice???

#6 19-06-11, 06:20 AM

By crossing over when people approach you're keeping at Bonnie's safe distance so she won't bark, but that won't solve the problem. I'd try saturation work and see what she's like - a busy place, lots of people - would she bark at everyone there?

Getting her to sit as people approach will be more threatening for her, as she'll have time to weigh up what's approaching and wind herself up into protecting you.

When I'm walking my 2 and I see a potential situation (bunch of screeching school kids, person with rat dogs on lead, whatever) ahead I walk straight to it confidently so mine know there's no 'threat' ahead and it forces the dog to deal with the situation (if its steady enough obviously).

Get stooges to give Bonnie a treat while stood next to you without looking at her, stooge walks away, and then comes back etc.. see Bonnie's reaction to this, repeat treat.

Make her do a command if she's unsteady in a 1-2-1 meeting with someone, sit or down, while you both ignore Bonnie and talk.

Bonniesmummy · #7 21-06-11, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anni

By crossing over when people approach you're keeping at Bonnie's safe distance so she won't bark, but that won't solve the problem. I'd try saturation work and see what she's like - a busy place, lots of people - would she bark at everyone there?

Getting her to sit as people approach will be more threatening for her, as she'll have time to weigh up what's approaching and wind herself up into protecting you.

When I'm walking my 2 and I see a potential situation (bunch of screeching school kids, person with rat dogs on lead, whatever) ahead I walk straight to it confidently so mine know there's no 'threat' ahead and it forces the dog to deal with the situation (if its steady enough obviously).

Get stooges to give Bonnie a treat while stood next to you without looking at her, stooge walks away, and then comes back etc.. see Bonnie's reaction to this, repeat treat.

Make her do a command if she's unsteady in a 1-2-1 meeting with someone, sit or down, while you both ignore Bonnie and talk.

Hi Anni, sorry I meant to come back to this and forgot

If its a busy place she is usually quiet tbh.... the only time I've known her to bark if it's busy is if someone gets too close or is staring at her

I never thought of it that way, that she is more threatened in a sit... that makes sense

I have taken that approach with her, confidently walking towards folk, and I must say it has made a difference. Walks are so much better as its not EVERY person she barks at now! she does still bark and I sometimes struggle to know the reason why.... I can normally tell if they are inside her comfort zone or they have looked at her or sudden movements that kind of thing but like I say there ARE times when I dont know what set her off.

Finding willing stooges isnt all that easy lol.... most people are scared of her and wouldnt partake in being 'bait'