From: mlhb@mammoth.dr.att.com (Sky Warrior)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: hates skateboards and rollerblades
Date: 28 Jul 92 20:33:19 GMT
Distribution: na

In article <1992Jul28.032900.16711@spartan.ac.BrockU.CA>, amorgan@spartan.ac.BrockU.CA (Andy Morgan) writes:
|> Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
|> Subject: barks at skateboards and roller blades
|> Distribution: world
|> Organization: Brock University, St. Catharines Ontario
|> 
|> This is my first ever posting and I hope it goes well.  We, my wife and
|> I have an English bull terrier named Buster.  Buster seems to like
|> everyone and is  very good with other dogs.  He is one year old
|> and is full of energy and spirit.  The problem we are having
|> is that he seems to go insane when one of the children on the street
|> passes us on our walk or goes by the house on a skateboard or rollerblades.
|> I know he is only mad at the skateboard because on previous meetings
|> with the child, he is his happy self as long as no skateboard is present.
|> 
|> When I say he goes insane I mean his hair on his back stands straight
|> up and he barks and pulls trying to get at the skateboard.  My worst
|> experience to date is when a 8 year old boy around the block approached
|> Buster on his skateboard before I had time to warn him of and Buster
|> went into his act.  Needless to say the young man was scared of and
|> remarked to his friend, "that dog used to be so nice, now he is an
|> attack dog".  
|> 
|> Any suggestions would help before my pal Buster losses all his pals
|> on the street.
|> 

Sounds like Buster needs to be desensitized towards skateboards/rollerblades.  My
suggestion would be to first show Buster the items and correct him if he
misbehaves.  I would them stage what is called a "set up".  Find a child or adult
who is willing to skate in front of Buster.  Before the child does so, put Buster
on a choke chain and lead.  *Sit Buster down and tap your finger between his eyes
to get his attention.  Say something like: Buster, skip the skateboard or you're
scrambled.  (Some sort of warning in alliteration)  Dogs pick up on like sounds. 
Have the kid roll past him (not too close -- you don't want him hurt).  The
moment Buster makes his move, snap the choke with a loud "No!" and repeat the
warning.  This correction must be very swift*  Repeat the actions between the *
for as long as it takes.  When Buster stops this behavior, then praise him.

Note:  This method for setup is described in "People, Pooches, and Problems" by
Job Michael Evans who co-authored "How to be your Dog's Best Friend" with the
Monks of New Skete.  (He was a Monk).  I highly recommend this book for anyone
whose dog has behavioral problems.

DISCLAIMER:  This advice is given in good faith and the writer cannot be held
responsible for possible injury.
-- 
-----------------------------                                              
SKY WARRIOR aka MLH Bonham  | "Good tea.  Nice House." -- Lt. Worf
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