Dealing With An Over Anxious Lab

I have been doing virtual lessons with the owner of two Fox Red Labradors. Their behaviour in the home was becoming difficult to manage. The dogs were barking and jumping around the house and were reactive to the neighbours dog. Through the virtual lessons, we have managed to change the situation at home, introducing more structure and boundaries.

I have now seen the dogs for a practical lesson. The owners wanted me to focus on Delilah. She is four years old and exhibiting very fearful and anxious behaviour. This is manifesting itself as aggression. During the lesson, she snapped at both her owners and at me. The owners are making this behaviour worse by over-compensating for Delilah. They talk to her and reassure her so much that they are killing her with kindness.

The older dog, Bea, obviously rules the roost. She is spoilt and pulls on the lead, which makes her even harder to walk for the owner, who has mobility issues. There is a lot of work to be done here and the dogs will need to be walked separately in order for the training to be effective.

Despite the challenges ahead, this was a positive lesson. The client is confident that with my help, they can restore harmony in their home and have some enjoyable times with their two dogs.

Posted: October 25, 2020