I just thought this was interesting and thought I would put it out there.

You know, the other day Skye started to go after Buddy and I told a friend that it was almost like she wasn't recognizing what he was doing when suddenly appeared beside her.

She does have pannus, and I think her eyes are not what they should be.

Anyway - this is interesting. What do you think?

http://www.theotherendoftheleash.com/

I don't know, but when Bianca starts to react to another dog and I cover her eyes, she stops.

Yes, I had heard of the Univ. of Wisc. study, also. My husband has always suspected hildie has a vision problem. When he comes up the sidewalk towards our house she barks at him as she does at a stranger until he gets close enough for her to smell. Then she seems embarassed. She also barks at people in dark clothes and hoods more often than people in light clothes with their heads bare.

The question is, other than the general training we're doing now to address her reactivity, what else might be done if this were proven to be an issue?

Dark clothes, hoods, hats - I mentioned that in another place today. It is more difficult for any dog to read the face of the person wearing those things (making them unsure) and it would make sense that a dog with vision problems would have even a worse time of it.

I find this subject interesting (myopia or other vision disorders) because I have not thought that much about it in the past. It stands to reason that any animal could have vision problems the same as we do. I couldn't read anything without my glasses - what if our dog's vision was as poor?

Hildie's situation - I am sure she has a good bond and trust with you. Have you considered using a specific word or phrase, like "I have it" or "at ease" each time she shows this behavior with your husband. Do you think that could transfer to other people or situations when she is unsure?

It sounds like she is on her own until she can smell or get close enough to see. Perhaps if you used such a phrase (as soon as possible in the situation) telling her all is well could help with that.

And - have you ever taken her to a specialist to see what they think about her eyes?

Just thoughts. I hope other chime in on this with their thoughts also, in general and for Hildie. (I like that name by the way

I think this is an issue. I'm sure Max has poor vision. He would frequently bark at stb-ex until a word was spoken and he recognized the voice. Max has pannus, but I think this is a different issue.

I do agree, that we have to work on gaining our dog's trust, so that they trust our vision in these instances, and will satnd down when we give them the okay to do so. This is a matter of trust and respect, rather than just pure obedience, since it goes to the survival instinct of the dog.

I have had Havoc tested and he does have vision issues. I did it because he kept getting reactive at guys in hats and dropping bars in agility. He does have some problems with his eyes.

I appreciate hearing all the thoughts and ideas. Trust seems to have more than one dimension. Does Hildie trust me to take care of her? Yes. Will she go where I ask her to, even if she's unsure at first? Yes. She trusts me in these areas, but she seems not to trust that I can protect her from other people (especially ones that come to the house) and dogs. That gives me pause and makes me think about her experiences. When I mentioned Bonnie's suggestions to my husband today he wondered, aloud, whether I would ever really be able to change her behavior. I said I have to keep trying. I have just started working with a new trainer and we are trying to address some of these problems.

On a practical note, my vet did a basic eye exam when I mentioned to him, 2 1/2 years ago, that Hildie might have a vision issue. He said everything seemed normal. If I take her to a specialist and they determine that she does have a vision problem, will they be able to treat her? I'm not being flip when I say that I've never seen a dog with glasses. So couldn't I just go on the theory that she really isn't seeing as well as she might and try Bonnie's suggestion?

I'm not sure that Max will ever trust me enough in that situation, though he is TONS better now; in most situations, if I tell him it's okay while we are walking and he sees someone, he will listen. However, there are some times, which are unpredictable, where he will not defer. In those instances, sometimes I can see where it's understandable (truly questionable person), other times he appears to be overreacting. When it's someone that is questionable, I work on having him watch carefully without overreacting. I think it's unreasonable of me to expect him to not be aware if he feels there is truly a concern.

A vet eye exam is very different than an ophthalmologist exam - they can tell you more. But you are right, there really isn't anything they can do for nearsightedness, as far as I know. Which would mean that you could go on the theory that there is an issue, try Bonnie's suggestions, and go from there.

Thanks, MaxaLisa. I'm just getting started implementeing some of the suggestions offered by our trainer and can incorporate Bonnie's, too. I know this is all ongoing and we have a long road ahead. I did see progress once we started redirecting her from dogs approaching on the other side of the street. Whether I call her attention to the dog, or she spots it first, she quite willingly turns to me for the click and reward after she does see the other dog. We still don't pass next to a dog on our side of the street, but she has made a huge improvement and walks are pretty uneventful (in a negative way), just fun. She also passes most people on the sidewalk without difficulty, even joggers coming full-speed at us. It's just the occasional person out there, plus almost anyone who comes to the house, even if she knows them. The phenobarbital seems to have ratcheted up her anxiety and makes it difficult for her to calm herself, so I've ordered the thundershirt and will use that in training in the hopes of gettiing her to listen to me. (which she can't do when she's barking).

By the way, Bonnie, I'm glad you like her name. I may have mentioned this a few months ago in another post, but I discovered recently that the name Hildegarde means "battle stronghold." So, what's in a name? Perhaps I should have named her Petunia, instead.

I am off to an AAT visit, so I have just a moment, but wanted to pop in,

As far as vision issues, it may not be far off until we can see dogs with some type of correction, but I think maybe not glasses. Wouldn't rule it out though.

A dog could have vision problems that can be corrected, or at least helped. The thing to remember (at least about the behavioral/myopia connection) is that it would give us some insight into the behavioral problem.

Whether Hilde's issues are eye related or or not, you are on a good path to helping her. The positive training you are doing should help a great deal as you are already seeing.

As Lisa said about Max, some dogs may just never totally believe or understand that we have things handled - or maybe they are just control freaks. Said lovingly.

Sometimes having a reason behind the behavior just helps us have more patience - and that is always good.

Good luck!