I need a hug so bad...

[slleipnir]

the guy is obviously a fool. some dogs' jaws are strong enough to break bones in half can't really see why this guy would try to provoke a dog

He trains them the way police officers train their dogs to protect...he uses a sleeve or body suit.

Also..they say never to tighten up on the leash when walking by something you don't want her to tense up over. I guess by tightening the leash, it tells them "be careful!" so they'll get more nervous...it would be like walking with your mom, then she grabs your arm and pulls you really close. You would feel nervous for her suddenly pulling you close? Maybe there is danger? That being said..I still do it even if I don't mean to

Josie and Zeke (and the cats) all live with me, together. They all get along. Josie is sometimes annoyed by Zeke..and they don't play a lot either.

Thanks for the advice

[K9soul]

Also..they say never to tighten up on the leash when walking by something you don't want her to tense up over.

I agree with that. Tash has a thing about lunging at kids if they run/ride bikes/skateboards etc right by her. I try to just keep her out of those situations, i.e. walk her at night, walk her when kids are in school, or go a different way if I see kids ahead. Tightening the leash really brings out the "must fight" instinct in the dog. I try to keep treats on me (cheese or hotdogs) and have her sit and focus on me for a treat if someone walks right by her while she nervous. This prevents that tight leash problem that only seems to make things worse. Of course if it's really a touchy situation and you have to keep her held tightly to you, sometimes that happens, and it has happened to me. I try to really avoid that though since it really isn't a good situation, you want her experiences to be happy and calm as possible.

[Glacier]

Also..they say never to tighten up on the leash when walking by something you don't want her to tense up over.

That's a really hard thing not to do, but it is true. I've noticed with Kayleigh that if I tense up, she reacts more. She follows my lead. A few weeks ago, we ran into a guy with an off-leash JRT, which to Kayleigh is a snack. Fortunately he had good verbal control on the dog and I managed to just keep walking. Kayleigh was interested but she didn't freak out. For her that's great progress!

[finn's mom]

Also..they say never to tighten up on the leash when walking by something you don't want her to tense up over.

As K9soul and Glacier have already agreed about this, I will, too. It is a hard habit to break, but, it has definitely helped with Finn. If I act nervous, so does he. I, too, try to keep treats with me. But, usually I just walk the opposite direction from whatever it is that's distracting.

[carole]

HUGS Audrey, first of all we all completely understand the love you have for Josie, most of us fit into the same category, I love my cats so much as well, and I have two children, they are just part of my family period, don't be too discouraged by what has happened recently, maybe it won't take too long to turn things around again, just be patient, and good luck to you,some great advice has been offered by those who have a lot of experience and I am sure it will help you, in the meantime take care and we are all here for you to listen and offer support.

[Thandi]

Glacier said it all (as usual!) My late Rhodie was dog and child aggressive, especially in her last 5 or so years, and also very much a one-person dog (me, of course!) She lived a very happy 11.5 years, had great walks, but was never, ever allowed near other dogs or young children. I was even careful with her around teenagers, just in case. It was never a problem and she was absolutely loved, spoiled and had a great life. So will you and your furkid.

[wolfie]

*hugs*

I'm sorry they made you feel bad. I know you work so hard with Josie. I think the best solution is to not get her involved in situations that could make her agressive. Instead play at home, go for walks when there's no one around, like you are doing. I agree, that it is not a good idea to get her provoked.

You are a great owner to Josie. She is lucky to have you, and you're lucky to have her.