As a young pup, Lucky was not socialized in active areas. To make matters worse, we live in the hills where I swear only 5 cars pass our house daily. When we finally began taking him to dog parks and trails, it was too late. He would salivate heavily, breath quicker (to the point of breathlessness/snorting), tuck his tail and get a wild eyed look while wandering aimlessly about. If there are cars, it's even worse. He'll strain at his leash and began backwards sneezing while tugging this way and that.
Despite this, Lucky is very well trained and behaved. He knows many tricks and has long since mastered the basic five with minimal distractions (I work with him in the front yard. Though there are no cars here, there are many dog walkers). We also started him on backyard agility equipment, and he's a natural at the sport. This is why I'm asking for your help. I *really* want to try agility classes with Lucky, but our only obstacle is getting him to at least stay calm in high stress/distraction areas.
Though he LOVES meat, he refuses to eat/drink while in public. Once he hears the cars zooming by or watches the feet of strangers walk around him, he just blanks out and doesn't respond to your voice or your treats. He shivers and tugs at the lead searching for someplace quiet. We still try to "cure" his anxiety by frequently going to the dog park/trails/downtown/visiting people's houses/etc, but it doesn't seem to be improving. I'm stuck in a rut, because I simply can not divert his attention. Can anyone help?
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However, I was kind of asking how I can reverse his anxiety in public. He's alright at home with visitors, but he blanks out and just goes nuts in public. We took him out to visit my relative who lives in a very active neighborhood (lots of cars and people), and he was actually doing better! He didn't whine as much and he drooled a little less, haha.
That reminds me, do you think eating a mint or chewing gum would help ease his worries? I remember that in the show ring, you're often recommended to eat a few mints before you enter the ring because the dog can sense your tension. I forgot about the Alpha thing...Thanks for reminding me!
I think that Crikits ideas are good! I could ask my animal classes teacher if she has any suggestions, if you want. I think she told us (my class) about one of her dogs that behaved in this manner. Let me know if you want me to ask her!! Thanks for sharing the pictures! Is he a shih tzu pekegnese mix?-or a Shih tzu?
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