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Jeltz
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30-04-2015, 12:04 AM

Misty very jumpy

Misty is a Lab X Cocker, she basically looks like a miniature Lab and will be 2 in August. She came into season a week ago and I'll be having her speyed late August/early September.

Since my Chocolate Lab died last month she has been a bit jumpy when out and about, I think she feels a little exposed without a bigger pack member along side.

Since she came into season that has gotten a lot worse with her jumping at nothing and making a break for it if there is a noise such as a bird flying out of a tree. She would be off lead a lot of time during our walks but being in season she's on a flexi and harness and we are walking at unpopular times to avoid other dogs as best we can.

I suspect that the limitations on freedom from being on a lead, albeit and extendible one, could be a factor. As could the emotional/hormonal shift caused by being in season.

However I'm also concerned that its neither and that its the loss of the other dog who although soft as anything noticeably took on a protective role when we got Misty.

There has been quite a bit of nervousness of other dogs and my instinct is that I need to do more socialising work combined with obedience once her season has finished.

Advice and thoughts would be much appreciated.
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Meg
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30-04-2015, 09:44 AM
Hi Nic some bitches are naturally jumpy and clingy when in season so I wouldn't give too much credence to it.

If Misty is not used to being on the lead that could make her a bit more jumpy because of the removal of her flight response.

More socialising is a good idea anyway once her season is over, if she has a leaning towards obedience or agility all the better
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Dibbythedog
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30-04-2015, 09:57 AM
Sorry for your loss.

You've summed up why Misty is acting like this very well. The loss of lab is profound for both of you plus she is in season so that must make her feel worse. I would say that all the reasons you give combine to influence her behaviour.

Do you think it would help if you didnt walk her or kept to a short walk round the block until she has finished her season?
With some dogs that are nervous or reactive , its a relief not to have to face the stress of walks.

I think you need to go at Mistys pace with socialising. Make sure she isnt over whelmed by meeting too many dogs at one time and make it very rewarding for her when she meets another dog. keep meetings brief to start with.
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brenda1
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30-04-2015, 10:47 AM
To be perfectly honest she shouldn't really be out and about when in season. Anything could happen, which is why she is jumpy, she can sense things you can't. Best to do more with her at home to make her more aware of you being her world and to get over the loss of her buddy.
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Jeltz
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30-04-2015, 02:15 PM
Thanks for the replies.

She can't not be out and about, we have open allotment style gardens in a terrace and she comes to work with me so I have to take her out at lunch time to a green space for a wee.

If a loose intact male comes up I'm perfectly capable of picking her up and holding her out of the way while the owner retrieves him.

She's used to being an active well walked dog and I think that it would probably be more stressful for her to be confined.

She's also well used to being on lead I always expect dogs to have more of a reactive behaviour while on lead due to possibly feeling less able to escape so that's why I thought it may be a factor.

I think we carry on as best we can through her season then try to work out what's best after. There is a behaviourist and trainer with an excellent reputation at the kennels we use if she's still as jumpy afterwards.
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Dibbythedog
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30-04-2015, 03:23 PM
I think you have a good understanding of Misty's needs so theres not much more I can add except to say good luck and let us know how she's gets on .
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Jeltz
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30-04-2015, 03:47 PM
I shall, and everyone's input is very helpful and reassuring.

I'd not even considered a reward based situation when socialising until you mentioned it
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Jeltz
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11-05-2015, 11:11 PM
Sorry to be a little graphic but the 23rd of April was the 1st day I saw any discharge and today was the 1st day without.

Progressively she's seeming a little less jumpy so it seems at least some of her nervousness was down to the season. I'll give it another week and then how she is around other dogs.
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