Buffer zone.

[Meatos]

Last week, some guy on a motorcycle rode by me and Scarlett while we were on our walk. I saw him circle around, and ride back towards us. He stopped on the other side of the road and asked, "Is she scared of my bike?" I looked at Scarlett and she wasn't even paying attention to the fact that the guy was there. Stupidly, I said "She seems fine to me," without realising that what the guy was actually asking was if he could come pet Scarlett and if she would be scared of the bike. Of course, before I realise what's happening, he putts over on his bike and I instinctively pulled back on the leash (stupid, stupid, stupid me) and then Scarlett goes on the alert and starts barking at this dude. The guy said "I used to have a big black dane!" and then mercifully rode off without trying to engage her further.

I so know what I did wrong in that situation, but it did get me thinking about a pattern with Scarlett. She (or perhaps I) seems to have a "safe" zone of about ten feet. I've noticed that if we stand in one spot and talk to people who are about ten feet away, she's totally fine. I need to start using these situations so that instead of letting her sniff the ground or look around while I chat, I get her to sit beside me politely and become more part of the situation.

I still harbour a lot of anxieties as well and I know I need to get over them so that we can make some REAL progress. I need to remember to seize the moment because when the moment's gone, it's gone, and I know it's holding us back a bit.

Our trainer suggested the next step of our training which is for Guy and I to walk Scarlett together. One of us holds the leash while the other goes up to passersby and asks them to throw treats as they walk past Scarlett. I know we can use this ten foot "buffer zone" to our advantage, and slowly close the gap. Ten feet is actually pretty good! We'll try that and will keep you posted.

[isa aldawolfa]

Katie, just an idea here. but perhaps you can start helping her become more comfortable by you walking up to the person and guy having her on the leash. then call her over to you to meet the person, or both of you walk back to her.

Just an idea

[jeann1230]

I'll go out on a limp and ask you, are you sure it is Scarlett's buffer zone and not yours? Do an experiment for me. Go without Scarlett on the street and approach a person standing there (say on a bus stop) and stop as soon as you feel your comfort zone is at an end. See how far away you are.

Many things, as you know, travel straight down the leash.

Another approach is involving Scarlett in training exercises ignoring people all together. And just concentrating on each other. And so scooting closer and closer to other people.

Also I would try putting her in a down position and a stay. And stepping forward to greet people by yourself. And not involving her at all at first. Then later you can call her to you after you greeted the person, but really casual at first and no interaction between her and the person.

And then if that all works comes the normal meet and greet with treats. HTH

[Meatos]

I'll go out on a limp and ask you, are you sure it is Scarlett's buffer zone and not yours? Do an experiment for me. Go without Scarlett on the street and approach a person standing there (say on a bus stop) and stop as soon as you feel your comfort zone is at an end. See how far away you are.

Many things, as you know, travel straight down the leash.

Another approach is involving Scarlett in training exercises ignoring people all together. And just concentrating on each other. And so scooting closer and closer to other people.

Also I would try putting her in a down position and a stay. And stepping forward to greet people by yourself. And not involving her at all at first. Then later you can call her to you after you greeted the person, but really casual at first and no interaction between her and the person.

And then if that all works comes the normal meet and greet with treats. HTH

I wouldn't be surprised if it's my buffer zone. I am the most socially awkward person you will ever meet and I hate small talk. I've always known that Scarlett picks up on every little thing I think or feel and I both love and hate that about her! Haha.

We're working on some training exercises to help her ignore people, and I think we will be modifying these exercises a little bit. Thanks for your suggestions.