Ozzy is a 2 year old collie, an unwanted farm dog adopted from the shelter 8 months ago.
He isn’t aggressive, just excitable and distracted. The type to explode off the couch if he thinks something is happening, usually knocking things over, but also a big lazy cuddler.
He does the collie stare when people and dogs are walking towards us but we’ve been making good progress using ‘look at this’ and treats. Sometimes he just stands and stares at ‘nothing’ and doesn’t respond. He whines in the house when he can hear dogs barking. I spend a lot of time rewarding him for eye contact when I say his name. Can’t let him off the lead or he would run straight to another dog, especially if they’re playing and running. He loves other dogs and just wants to greet and play.
I’m feeling overwhelmed, like I’m not getting anywhere. I’ve been trying loose leash walking to stop him from pulling straight ahead, but as soon as he’s rewarded he’s off out front again. His walks are constant training and it’s very tiring. I don’t feel 100% in control. He has some separation anxiety too but we’re making good progress with regular practice. He is on fluoxetine.
Should I be worrying about walking distance at all or should I just be doing leash/attention training sessions?
submitted by /u/Fluffstarmoon
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