tips on training reactivity with an older dog?
I have two chihuahuas (10 yo brother and sister) who have reactivity with other dogs and people. I live with my parents who aren’t the best dog owners in regards to training them. They let them in the backyard whenever they want to bark or have lots of energy, and yell at when the barking gets annoying.
I’ve been learning what I can because my mom will help and will follow what I show her. My brother offered help, but he’s a little incompetent and I know he won’t do a great job unless I basically micromanage him.
My male, Rudy, has it worst. he has a tendency to react and keep going even after he can’t see whoever it is, but this only really applies to when guests are over. he will literally sit in his cage upstairs and bark periodically. it’s extremely annoying, and sometimes triggers Sweetpea to bark well after she’s gone quiet. On the leash, he’s gotten better because i’ve been walking them daily on the side of the house, reinforcing value to their name, using a clicker when they look at me or disengage, and being consistent. He’s a lot better when it comes to responding to his name on leash and checks in frequently, though it’s mainly because he knows I have food and associates the clicker with food. this sort of results in him staring at me when i walk him.
He also has an issue with stealing his sisters food and staring her down while she eats, and since i’m not able to constantly watch them (and i know for a fact my parents aren’t), he either steals her food, licks her bowl when it’s empty, or otherwise just hovers while she eats to where she’s uncomfortable with his presence while eating.
Sweetpea is better in regards to disengaging faster, but often ignores me calling her name. i think it may be my tone, since she perks up if I say it higher pitched. she can be finicky about eating which i think is because of Rudy and general pickiness.
some important notes
- my parents were stupid and got a third dog (pomeranian) two years ago despite me doing everything possible to make them not do it. we had him for a few months and he fought repeatedly with Rudy. the third dog, named Seven, received 0 training aside from potty training and was rehomed after one fight popped Rudy’s eye out. Rudy is fine now and my dogs are never around other dogs, but i’m sure this is important. Sweetpea never fought, but she witnessed the fights.
- they’re scared of my dad because he plays too rough with them and often scared them as puppies
- Sweetpea and Rudy cry if separate (specifically if one is on a walk, at the vet, or outside barking at something). when in different areas of the house or outside not barking, they don’t care
- Sweetpea is EXTREMELY food motivated and eager to learn things. Rudy is food motivated, though less so. they have a habit of sniffing around the floor for crumbs and such; something i also want to fix
- Both are spayed and neutered
- my dad isn’t going to help at all, or if at all, very little. i’m honestly not going to even waste time trying with him outside of making him respect the dogs more and understand that yelling isn’t something they understand. they immediately run to their bed when he walks in a room and won’t eat food around him
- Rudy has minor resources guarding with high value things to him (high value treats and the toys he occasionally plays with)
- both have toys, but sort of ignore them after a few days. they have energy, so i’d really like if i could get them to actively play with them. neither care for chewing either unless it’s a long term treat chew