Anticipating a correction...

[jocomoreno]

I have a dog that anticipates a correction from strangers who approach and reacts if the stranger attempts to touch or makes sudden movements. The dog has strong obedience and recall. I followed the foundation triangle and found that the dog has a history of being overcorrected by owner for growling, snarling at ppl, dogs, etc; lack of pack structure at the home, which is being fixed; no reactivity to pack members, and bad golden rules, owner is well intended though. Through much observation i noted that a reaction from the dog will likely go something like this:
-Dog leery of a stranger within 10 yard proximity
-Dog placed in sit command and does not react following greeting exercise. Dog does not react to having stranger walk circles around handler/dog.
-Dog released and will go up to stranger and say hi although a little unsure but no dominant aggressive display (-hackles,-tail high,-tension). Most strangers can pet dog.
If I have dog remain in sit-stay and have stranger walk up to dog and attempt to pet, dog will react by lunging and attempt to bite.
I have noted that if i repeat the praise "good girl" during the approach it eases her tension and the stranger can touch and pet although dog will go into avoidance rather than react aggressively; similar to the "easy" command.

So my plan of action is this: Muzzle dog, dog in sit-stay, have stranger approach and immediately give treat, rather than touch, in attempt to CC the dog, stranger leaves. Continue the process until the dog shows signs of relaxing and then gradually move to touching.

Im posting to get any feedback on how to change or improve this before i start. Also what are the thoughts on whether or not I correct at this point. The dog is done with phase 3 obedience and id be using a dogtra at level 29. If dog reacts, do I correct with the nick or simply place the dog back into the command.

Thanks!!

[Teresa]

Your plan sounds right on track to me. In order to DS/CC start working just below threshold ( approach with no pet) and make progress to petting as you have mentioned.
I would not correct with the remote but rather utilize the command sequence ("No" ---->repeat command+ correct with star mark ) and place the dog back into the command. If you are getting a reaction every time, you have not progressed slowly enough.
You could use the remote in the same fashion with proper warning if the star mark was not motivational enough.


It is not necessary for stranger to be the one giving the treat during this process. Owner can deliver treat just as the stranger is passing by.