Teddy
Weekly dog behavior
- Teddy, 5-yr neutered Australian Cattle Dog, home since 8/17/26 after his owner died; loving, calm at vet. Incidents: lunge at granddaughter 8/22; dog fights 8/28, 10/3; 10/10 leash lunges and rushed-van bite to Granite; 10/17 bedtime/food tension. 10/19 shadow walks went well; plan: manage to protect Granite.
· Workshop Session, Teddy
Workshop write-up – 10/20/2026
Arrival & history
Teddy greeted me outside, on a leash held by his mom, while I gathered my training pack out of the truck. I ignored him and lightly chatted with her. When we were ready, we went inside and sat down.
Anne Marie gave me the full history up till now. Every dog he has met and every dog he has had reactions to. This included the attack that ended with a bite wound on Granite.
Comment: I met Granite too; what a blessing. She is such a sweet soul and deserves to spend the rest of her days in peace and the center of attention. Anne Marie will have all the time in the world to work with Teddy later; the short-term goal should be managing Teddy so Granite can get her dying wish.
Teddy was cautious of me but curious. He sniffed me. A few times I caught him staring at me with a bit of a hard eye. This may be just who he is, and that is just his "cattle dog" herding stare. I didn't want to risk anything, so I made sure to look away and avoid making direct eye contact or turning toward him.
During his history, I learned that he has successfully met another cattle dog his age, and they had a very good time together, including playing outside on the fenced property.
Barking & arousal
Teddy warmed up to me quickly. He was mostly focused on Anne Marie even when resting near the table. When the seated conversation and history taking was coming to a close, or she got up to make copies, he would alert and bark. It's a very loud, annoying bark that definitely would trigger the human response of yelling "no" or trying to make the barking stop.
His barking, though, was coming from the sudden spike in arousal and excitement. I noticed he calmed quickly when Anne Marie acknowledged him with a gentle, calm tone: "You're okay," and reassuringly petting on his neck and shoulders.
Comment: I recommend avoiding petting a dog's head or stroking down the back, as this can often encourage more arousal. For reassurance, it's best to massage and pet in circles on the shoulders, neck, and chest.
Halter
Anne Marie has been using a halter to walk him. I think that it's appropriate to use a halter given her weaker strength and his heavy build, but it's also not necessary. Notes about halter use:
– The halter is on a very sensitive part of the dog's body, and there are lots of nerve endings; this means we need to be mindful of the tension we apply to the halter/leash.
– Keep your hands gentle and use more guiding and steering pressure.
– Avoid sharp pops or yanks on the leash/halter.
– Halters are not a tool meant for "training" or "correction". They are a management & safety tool designed for leverage and are best used when a dog is more powerful than the handler.
– Ideally, we teach Teddy to put his own nose in the halter. We don't move the halter towards him and push it on his nose. This requires some time spent helping Teddy build a positive association with the halter, as well as teaching him he has choice (don't tell him it's only perceived choice) and he gets the opportunity to put it on.
From my understanding of the current situation, the halter is not a mandatory tool, and Anne Marie can and is comfortable walking him with his collar most places. The fear is only if he lunges at another dog, and our goal is to help him become more predictable around other dogs, so in the end the halter may not be needed. However, I think it's an important tool to keep in the toolbox for when it's needed.
Later in the session, we worked on a lesson that used the halter and will help him learn to put his own nose in the halter willingly.
Clicker & markers
Anne Marie was wearing a clicker, but she quickly admitted and demonstrated that she did not understand how to use the tool. She was attempting to use it as an audible interrupter or an attention getter. However, it was not effective for either.
During the lesson with the halter, I demonstrated what the clicker is used for and how to use it appropriately. It was apparent that using the clicker would be too cumbersome, so we compromised by using a verbal marker, "yep," in place of the click.
Notes about audible markers (also known as a bridge or a capture cue):
– Click and "yep" mean the same thing. The benefit of the clicker is that it is a salient sound; it's super fast and crystal clear. The sharpness of the clicker allows for more precise learning. "Yep" in its place is absolutely acceptable, but you might find it a little sloppier, and it might take a little longer to communicate the skill.
– The marker MUST be followed by a reinforcement (a desirable outcome Teddy wants). To keep it simple, we'll use food as the reinforcement, but we can discuss other options later.
– Click or "yep" and treat. Say it out loud if it helps, or just in your head: "yep and then treat." This "and" in the middle creates a brief pause between the "yep" and "treat." This is the cadence we are shooting for.
– "Yep" (or click) can be thought of like the trigger on a camera; it's intended to capture the exact moment the dog does the desired behavior.
I'm glad we were able to ditch the clicker today and noticed that the added tool was getting in the way of Anne Marie actively working with Teddy.
Leash handling
I wanted to see how Anne Marie handled Teddy on a leash. I absolutely love her relaxed hands on the leash, allowing comfortable slack for Teddy. She didn't try to oversteer or direct him. Sniffing and moving or walking where Teddy felt most comfortable was allowed.
Anne Marie demonstrated strong awareness of Teddy's innate needs, like sniffing and his drive to chase squirrels. She mentioned that it might not be fair to walk him by the place where the squirrels live when he is normally allowed to chase them – I agree!
Early in the session, Anne Marie also mentioned that she would feed him in new environments when he was behaving on leash. I love this and want to make sure we encourage it.
She also attempted to follow/shadow a random dog when out in town. This is a great exercise to do when the moment is right. Teddy did well and ignored the dog.
This sparked a really important lesson/rule in dog guardianship.
NEVER LET DOGS GREET ON LEASH!
When out and about on leash, try to avoid getting too close to other dogs. Try to give space.
Should Teddy find himself on leash and have the unfortunate experience of a dog guardian who doesn't care, and they don't have a recall on their dog but have let their dog off leash. Now their loose dog is running towards Teddy. You have a couple of options:
1. Yell at the owner, "My dog has a contagious disease!" This statement usually gets the dog's guardian in gear. The blame shifts from you to them not taking responsibility for their dog's health.
2. Carry citronella spray (this stuff) when in town; have it ready. I like this over the air horn because it won't affect your dog. Step in front of your dog and spray the oncoming dog. It won't hurt the other dog, but it will stop them.
3. Drop the leash and try not to panic. Let dogs do what dogs do. I suggest you keep walking away and calmly call Teddy to join you. (In this case, you might have your air horn ready in your hand.) Don't hover over the dogs; be nonchalant and try not to show any worry. The dogs will feed off this, and many fights on trails or in public start with stressed-out humans hovering over the dogs or using tight leashes (when dogs greet on leash).
Reactivity & health
I am not worried that Teddy needs to be put into a bunch of situations with other dogs. He clearly can get along with dogs. He is triggered into a reaction only by dogs who are themselves defensive, reactive, or rude towards him.
Teddy could use to learn problem-solving and conflict resolution. So that when he is in a situation with another dog who challenges him, he might have the skills to resolve it differently. Walking away or confidently defusing it. My goal, and the goal of this behavior program, is to help Teddy turn on his thinking brain.
I also want to mention possible concerns about Teddy's physical health and consider incorporating more Canine Fitness exercises and physical therapy into his routines. I have some reason to believe that Teddy's reactions towards dogs could be stemming from underlying pain and become defensive when in situations where he might get bumped, space is tight, or a dog is being pushy or physical with him.
Sleeping setup
Before I left, I helped Anne Marie rearrange the sleeping setup so it would be more fluid and easier on Granite, who deserves nothing more than to live in ease, not worry about Teddy.
Teddy's bed and kennel/fence were directly next to each other, and Granite would hop onto the bed. We flipped him over to the other side of the bed, further from her final evening resting spot and also more out of the way for evening potty breaks.
Muzzle
During my session with them, I recorded hopefully enough information to order a muzzle for Teddy.
We discussed muzzle training as a way to safely reintroduce Teddy to other dogs off-leash, or as a tool for when he is around other dogs, like during a pack walk at campouts.
Anne Marie was a little concerned that he would be at a disadvantage if a fight broke out, but the truth is that might be a good thing, and at the end of the day he can't be blamed because he was the muzzled dog. The fault lands more on the other dog.
Outlook & next steps
I am confident that Teddy is in a very good place with Anne Marie. She initially talked about rehoming him, but I think Teddy and Anne Marie can do the work and build a beautiful, trusting relationship.
Next steps: We are going to do a 6-week course to break down these skills into actionable lessons she can practice each week. Anne Marie would like to do lessons in public places, and I think that is a good suggestion. We also want to incorporate the neighbor dogs into some lessons so we can begin rebuilding Teddy's relationship with one of them after a bad encounter the last time they met.
· Teddy
Acupressure, Farmstand shadow walking, and grandchild petting
– Acupressure: Teddy let the lady work on him for about 10 minutes, then walked away. Granite got the treat.
– Farmstand: While waiting for the guardian's daughter at the Farmstand, Teddy hung out quietly on leash by the guardian. A lady with a terrier walked by, and they followed respectfully behind her (shadow walking is a great way to help dogs with reactivity to other dogs). She stopped and they chatted. Teddy realized he was not being pushed to greet the other dog, and they stayed slightly away. He ignored the dog and sat down.
– Second shadow walk: They followed another dog from behind, keeping their distance. The guardian kept saying "leave it," and they walked back around the block.
– Grandchild: The 8-year-old grandchild petted Teddy and all was OK.
· Teddy
Lunged/growled at Granite at bedtime; competition over sausages
Teddy lunged and growled at Granite while she was going to bed. The same day, there was competition between the dogs over sausages.
· Teddy, Intake
Teddy – Intake (received 10/12/2026)
Basics
– Breed: Australian Cattle Dog
– Age: 5 years
– Sex: Male, neutered
– Acquired: 8/17/2026 (about 6 weeks with guardian at intake)
Personality (as described by guardian)
At first he clung to her and still does a little, but he is gaining confidence. He is a truly huggable, loving dog with her. For the first 2 days he howled after losing the home he had just been in. His original owner died of ALS; the owner held on until his other older red cattle dog died first, then passed a week later. The neighbor stepped in to care for Teddy, switching him from pizza, hot dogs and hamburgers to dog food, but could never walk him. He was 86 lbs when the neighbor took him and is now 72 lbs. He is very loving with her and often jealous of her red cattle dog, Granite. She thinks he is afraid of losing her the way he lost his old owner and the neighbor.
Guardian's favorite quality: His gentle love for her.
Likes
– Running freely around the property. As of about 3 days before intake, he feels free to go off and explore on his own.
– Chasing squirrels and circling trees looking for them.
– Lying on the sofa or his dog bed.
– Riding in the van; he is comfortable there.
– Small hot dog pieces, used to reward him for leaving the older dog alone while she gets into her bed, one dog at a time. Same for loading into the van: he is tied to the mirror and told to wait until the older female is safely in first, so he doesn't pound on her.
Health & Vet
– Clinic: Alpine Veterinary Clinic – Dr. Foss
– Phone: (541) 386-6658
– Address: 300 Franktin Road, Hood River, OR
– Vet release: Agreed. KAS may call the vet to confirm health records or in an emergency; guardian is responsible for any resulting fees.
– Current vaccinations: Rabies
– Pre-existing concerns: From extreme anxiety after his owner's death and a flea infestation, he chewed his shins. They were treated with antibiotics (started by the neighbor and continued by guardian) and are healed, but still sore. He cannot sit properly due to lingering pain in his shins.
– Last vet visit (10/11/2026): Went along with the other dog, who had gotten into mouse poison. Went well; no fear at the vet. He met the staff, was weighed, and his food was reviewed. Shots, microchip, etc. are on hold until neutering.
– Medications: None
– Allergies: None
Diet & Feeding
– Purina One (recommended by vet), 2 cups morning and evening
– Meals in a food bowl
History
– Breeder: Boondock Bandits (WA)
– Cared for about 3 weeks by the previous owner's neighbor before guardian acquired him on 8/17/2026
– Life-altering events: His owner and the owner's other dog died around the same time. About two weeks after guardian got him, two loose dogs got in his face while he sat quietly on leash beside her. They growled, he growled back, and a dog fight followed. He is now very reactive to other dogs.
Bite History
– Dogs: Yes. Bit Granite (guardian's older cattle dog) while getting into the van, causing punctures on her neck.
– Humans: No known bites. One possible incident: when the neighbor brought him down from Snohomish, her 5-year-old grandson moved quickly and Teddy drew a pin-prick of blood on the child's leg.
Reactions
– Other dogs: Reactive; chases and lunges. Uncomfortable with any dog other than Granite. OK with one other dog (written as "my newborn dog"); they ignore each other on walks.
– Wheeled vehicles: Doesn't seem to be a problem (new to him).
– Noises: Guardian uses a marine horn if he goes after another dog and a fight starts.
– Strangers: Shy and can be cautious, but no problems meeting people so far.
– Known humans: Loves guardian and her daughter. The 11-year-old granddaughter is shy of him but pets him; when they first met she moved quickly and he reacted to her. The 8-year-old grandson is very shy of him.
Handling & Care
– Handling: Guardian can touch him anywhere, and likely a friend can too. His shins were very sore at first but are now healed.
– Grooming: Loves being brushed and rubbed with a towel. No groomer used.
– Alone time: Not tried yet; excellent in the van.
– Crate/confinement: Unsure about a crate, but good in his pen.
– Sleeping: Dog bed in an enclosed pen in guardian's bedroom.
– Leash: Early on he played well with a friend's two playful females, especially the one his age. Since the attack he has lost trust in all other dogs. He can never be off leash or go to a dog park, and on trails he must stay leashed and keep a wide berth from other dogs. Guardian would love pack walks to build his confidence, so he learns to walk with another dog ahead of him or beside him at a comfortable distance without hurting it.
Daily Routine & Enrichment
– Routine: Morning walk around the property, then breakfast. Rest and digest, then a longer walk along the ditch or a van ride into town (both dogs love it). Sometimes a light hike on the Oak Ridge trail to sniff, always on leash.
– Exercise: Two walks a day, plus lots of walking up and down the hill on the property (mailboxes, garbage, etc.).
– Chewing: Not at the moment; the dogs would need to be separated for chews. Each dog gets dried sweet potato. Guardian leaves the older dog with a bone and takes Teddy walking alone to build his confidence. He gets small treats for coming when called.
– Digging: Sometimes digs at animal holes. Learned from the other dog to eat deer poop.
– Foraging: Chases deer and squirrels.
– Sniffing: Only in the last few days has he started exploring the property on his own.
– Mental exercise: Nothing formal. At 5 pm they practice 2 tricks: give paw, and hand signal + wait.
Training & Equipment
– Previous training: Currently working with Haley Ulery (6 years at Alpine Vet with Dr. Foss; just finished K9 school). Guardian has dog experience from breeders and classes in Europe, and as a teen took the family's German Shorthaired Pointer to many classes in the US.
– Potty training: No
– Known cues: Give paw; hand signal + "Wait." Can't sit properly.
– Exposure: Guests (dogs and/or humans) visiting; going to friends' or family's homes. Very happy visiting her daughter's place (no dog there now).
– Equipment: Harness, martingale collar, clicker, long training lead, Gentle Leader-style head collar. Keeps him from pulling and makes him easier to control when he lunges at a dog.
Behavior Concern #1: Reactive to other dogs
– Antecedent: On walks, when he sees another dog
– Behavior: Lunges; eyes bulge; intensely focused
– Consequence: With the head collar on, guardian tightens her grip and says "Leave it!" calmly and firmly
– Frequency: Almost every day. "Very scary."
– Recovery: 1–5 minutes
Behavior Concern #2: Lunging / reactivity toward dogs
– Antecedent: Other dogs, male or female. At first he played nicely with female guest dogs and even a couple of guest males. Then loose dogs got in his face while he sat quietly beside her, and his fear of other dogs started there.
– Behavior: Tense, stressed, focused, eyes bulging
– Consequence: Guardian calms and controls him as best she can with "Leave it." She now avoids other dogs and keeps her distance.
– Frequency: When walking him at the Marina
– Recovery: 1–5 minutes
· Teddy
Bit Granite's neck while jumping into the van
Teddy bit Granite on the neck when jumping into the van, leaving puncture wounds. The guardian was rushed and frantic, trying to get Granite to the vet clinic because Granite had gotten into mouse poison.
Vet visit (Alpine Veterinary Clinic – Dr. Foss)
Teddy went along to Granite's emergency vet visit. It went well for him, with no fear at the vet. He met the staff, was weighed, and his food was reviewed. His shots, microchip, etc. are on hold until neutering.
Note: The intake form lists this vet visit as 10/11/2026.
· Teddy
Lunged twice at neighbor's other dog (on leash)
Approximate date: about a week after the 10/3 Ditch incident.
The neighbor's other dog was minding her own business, busy running in the forest, when Teddy attacked, lunging at her twice. Teddy was on leash at this point because of the previous incident.
· Teddy
Dog fight on the Ditch walk with neighbor's dogs
Teddy was off leash walking on the Ditch with the neighbor's two dogs. A fight broke out between Teddy and one of the dogs. The other dog kept to himself, sniffing and ignoring Teddy. The guardian broke up the fight with the air horn. It sounds like the dogs were okay after that, but this isn't confirmed.
· Teddy
Played well with 2 female guest dogs
Teddy was good with 2 female dogs (possibly cattle dogs) visiting his home/property. He played really well with one of them. This was the first time his guardian has seen him genuinely play, offering play bows and all.
· Teddy
Astoria trip – dog fight with loose Labradoodles
Teddy was good with people and noises in Astoria. Two loose Labradoodles (the same two he met earlier at his house on 8/19) got in his face and growled. He growled back and a fight broke out. His guardian stopped the fight with the marine horn she carries for this purpose.
· Teddy
Lunged at granddaughter – no bite
Teddy lunged at the guardian's granddaughter. No bite.
· Teddy
2 guest Labradoodles visited
Two guest Labradoodles came over. All was OK between the dogs. The guest dogs were not allowed in the house.
· Teddy
Teddy joined his current guardian
Teddy came home with his current guardian after about 3 weeks in the care of his previous owner's neighbor. For the first 2 days he howled, grieving the home he had just lost.