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well, one of my last posts was the one that changed me (for the worse). This was back in the summertime and Sierra had just growled and snapped at a kid. She is a Pit Bull and most of us know that if a Pittie shows human aggression, it is usually a VERY bad sign...truth is, we don't know exactly what breeds are in her - she is FOR SURE not a full bred Pit...so the wariness that she shows towards strangers could be from guardian breed blood (American Bulldog and/or Boxer are the 2 big guesses) plus she'd literally just turned 18 months - which is the last fear stage.
The BAD: I lost it, I was horrified, I was told to never, ever let another stranger pet her...and within quick succession...3 more negative incidents happened (all barking incidents but scared the crap out of the people)
The WORK: I started posting on this forum daily, taking the advice and using it. I bought sessions with Cesar and started implementing it, I bought Sierra the Illusion collar (though I don't need to use it bc she is becoming GREAT on the walk) and I walked her, exercised her etc
The HARDER WORK: was on me...I felt very negative and predicted all kinds of mayhem in different situations...I now questioned taking her to the same places I'd always taken her, I used to let her run free around the condos all the time...I knew how emotionally connected she was to me and I knew that my fear was leaking into her and she was doing what any good guard dog would do...step up and protect the weak leader (and thus herself)
The MONEY: I am broke because I began putting her in doggie daycare in October but the return has been huge...she has gained tons of confidence, she doesn't have any dog aggression, she is exposed to many people and many dogs and is a true favorite at Doggieville (a little plug - Mtn View CA)
The PAYOFF: We have much work to do BUT...on Friday, I went to get her from Doggieville and a 5th grader (named Kai) was picking up his dog (Saphire - a Huskey)...so as we waited for our dogs, Kai and I began talking...soon Sierra bounded out in her usual way, knocking everyone over with her whipping tail...she jumped on the couch to greet me and Kai was so excited so Sierra picked up on it and proceeded to lick his face clean off. Now MY state of mind was great because Sierra is ALWAYS happy at Doggieville and always greets every stranger the same way
(I must lick you to death and whip you with my tail a hundred times)
So I NEVER feel any fear there...so Kai and I finished our talk...Sierra was leaning on the kid and waiting for me to get her going...and as we walked out the door, I realized that Kai was about the same age and size as the kid who got snapped at...the situation was different in all ways but that - but at least I don't have to believe that my dog doesn't like kids...
MORE work - all of the other incidents have been guarding behavior - she has "claimed" the condo's back yard and now I, and my neighbors, must claim it back from her - and we will!
thanks to all who have seen me through to this point!
peace, maria b
Hi, I'm kinda new to the chat forums and noticed no one had replied to this particular post of yours. So I felt a little sorry for you and had to read it.
Kudos to you and all your hard work. Sierra can't help but know how much you are devoted to her well-being. I love to hear how much people are willing to work for the betterment of their pets and other humans.
Keep up the good work. Wish there were more like you.
Congratulations!!! That's an amazing story and an inspiration to those of us still working to get there. It's amazing how in tune our dogs are to our emotions. It's such a great feeling when we feed them positive enegery that helps them succeed.
Keep up the great work!!
What a terrific post! Great job packleader!
I wish there were more post like these to encourage others to see what they too can accomplish with their dogs.
Thanks for sharing
Michele
Thank you, you guys...I have to focus on the positive, it is essential that I not let any negative emotions affect my dog.
hey well done ! that is awesome. I must say I enjoy reading your posts, your dedication and determination and honesty is great to read and quite inspiring to be honest. I wish you and the lovely Sierra all the best, you sound like a great team and should be very proud of all your work !!
Tyler, Bruno and Jess !
I'm working on some custom papers now. My dog Chuck is around all the time. I think he helps me to concentrate. Can you believe that?
Congratulations to Sierra and a great pack leader! We are so proud of you! Keep it up!
Patricia (Rook and Cirrus's pack leader)
Yaay Maria and Sierra!
Way to represent the breed and those dedicated owners who stand with them!
Keep your chin up, you claim that backyard, and don't let her sucker you in with that irresistable, wrap-you-around-her-little-paw, ol' bulldog face!
*teehee*
I really wish Bandit would stop playing "mirror" and shooting my negative energies right back in my face but I guess it keeps me grounded and teaches me to let go. :)
Wow - thanks you guys! This community is such a blessing! Sierra has been getting over almost all of her indoor fears/phobias!! Of course, her overall confidence has to transfer over to strangers and children but I am taking her success one day at a time. I am tirelessly dedicated to rehabbing her...so much so that I will probably be adopting a new Pit Bull rescue to aid her emotional state (and save another life) in the near future.
In the meantime, I'll keep you posted...