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comment by coalsenats
coalsenats  ·  2411 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Dog Owners of Hubski: Indoor Exercise Advice?

What a handsome dog! As others have said, he's not an indoor dog. I don't know how much time or money you can afford to give to Cooper, but here are some (tired) thoughts I would tell a new dog owner. Physical exercise is bare minimum, but just a walk through the barking dog gauntlet is probably going to create more issues than it will help. Giving Cooper some kind of outlet for mental stimulation is gonna tire him out and satisfy him much more than playing ball in the yard or going for a walk/jog.

Obedience training is really fun for a dog if you employ reward-based methods. It also will satisfy his desire to learn and accomplish something. (I'm going off typical Terrier mindset, but your dog will have his own ticks of course). As you get to know Cooper and learn his favorite treats, toys, etc., you can use that to your benefit by exchanging his favorite things with the behavior you want from him. I like to think of basic manners like Sit, Down, Stay, or walking nicely at your side as all tricks you have taught him. First in the home, then at a park with a little more distractions, and eventually through the gauntlet.

Can't recommend enough getting in contact with some kind of trainer or behaviorist that: a) uses reward-based/marker/clicker training, and b) you can establish a good rapport with. I'm not a zealot for NO prongs, NO aversives, but in my experience setting up the training in a way the dog thinks he's playing you and getting everything he wants makes the behaviors so much stronger. They want to stare at you walking by your side in the crazy human world.

Also, he looks like he would be fantastic at some dog sports like Barn Hunt, Rally, Agility, etc. Maybe look around your area for some cheap classes, or a daycare you trust!

edit*

Fun obedience training will also jumpstart Cooper bonding with you, and trusting you. That will go a longgg way with his reactivity at your neighbor, other dogs, or anything.





flac  ·  2410 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Been doing a whole lot of obedience training with him, and he has been quite quick on the uptake! He's already solid on sit and stay, and is getting better at listening for commands during our short walks.

We have a trainer nearby that uses clicker training, which is what we've also been teaching him with. Will hopefully get in to have him meet the dog in a few weeks or a month, depending on funds and his waiting list.