Zoee's being aggressive?

[Taz_Zoee]

Oh Sophie, I really need to meet up with you again soon.
Zoee is completely spastic when we even get near the dog park. I have thought about taking her out there but not going INTO the park. But she will go psycho and everyone will think I can't control my dog. The other day on our way out there others were coming toward us from the park and she began to spaz*. So I redirected her and we began to walk WAY around everyone else so she couldn't "see" them. But then a friend called to me so we went over to talk to him.
I have thought about trying the technique I have seen on here before. When she begins to act up turn around and walk the other way. I really need to work on desensitizing her to other dogs even being within eye sight of her. I think that's my first step.
I can take a different direction toward the dog park and not our usual path and work with her that way. I'd like to be able to walk her around the park without any problems before taking her inside. So that will be my goal over the next.....however long it takes, lol. Basic obed here at home and evenutally to the park area. Whew, it's nice to have a plan.
I just hope PT doesn't think I have a horrible dog and I can't control her.

I can't wait to meet up with you as soon as school is out Sophie.

*definition of spaz= she starts whining, the hair on her back goes up, she starts barking and pulling toward the other dog. Sometimes she even kicks her back feet, kicking up dirt and stuff.

[Giselle]

Oooh, I'd love to work with Zoee

She sounds like a classic overstimulated pup. Trust me, I can totally relate!!

Have you done clicker work with her? If not, get started with Doggie Zen (basically, clicking for eye-contact). That'll give you a strong foundation. I actually have a 4 day weekend this weekend, if you want to meet up. I could also bring Ivy as a demo dog =)

(PSST - how far are you from Martinez? Our classes are there, and we have a 1 hr free practice at the facility this Sunday, if that works for you)

ETA: I think Briones is near you. I've never been there, but my trainer tells me it's like a trail. I do bring Ivy to trails and that works really well for her because she has a job (always stick by me), so when we see other dogs, she'll sniff them for 3 seconds and then run back to me.

[Taz_Zoee]

I PM'd you Sophie!