Behavior Mod for Doktor Dog "Dok"

Ok, so as it goes, we have had some behavior (dog aggression) issues with Doktor Dog sense he was attacked by a couple of dogs when we lived in Los Angeles.... well, it has kind of come to a head, and has not been a very fun experience.  We finally got in touch with a behavior specialist... who also happens to be a vet, and now begins the long road to recovery for the Doktor!  So, I'm going to be blogging about his progress so that I can keep tabs on what I am doing.

First off, Dok is a very insecure dog, and shows signs on a regular basis.  He is the dog that is always trying to get your attention by leaning into you, by forcing his head under your hands and arms, by licking you constantly.  So, first step, try and help him become more confidant.  I'm working with him several times daily for short periods of time.  This morning we worked on "look at me", which he obviously knows, but now we are trying to get him to do it in a relaxed fashion.  Dok is very submissive to me, so for him to look at me with out his ears back is difficult.  Its difficult for me too, as I want desperately for him to have more confidence.  So, this mornings session was only 5 min, and in that time I WAS able to get him to look at me with his ears forward and his mouth closed.  I was not able to do it while he was sitting however.  So currently I'm going to take what I can get.  I'm hoping by the end of today I can get him to be more reliable with this, but it may take more time, and that is ok.  We ended on a good note today, with Dok looking at me, mouth closed and ears relaxed.  I must say, this is going to be difficult work, but in the end it will be so worth it!  I'm off to work now, giving him a Kong filled with mashed banana, peanut butter and a tiny bit of cheese, all mushed together and frozen.  Hoping this will help with some of the boredom while I'm at work.

In the picture, Dok has his ears back, very un-relaxed... this is what I'm trying to get him away from.  It will take some time.