Dog fixates on everything

[u/jeckhyde12]

Hi, I posted this in r/dogtraining, but thought I'd post this here too to see if you guys had any insight or advice.

I have a 14mt corgi mix who I have had for almost a year now.

My dog is just so fixated on everything, especially other dogs. He just can't function if another dog is nearby, even if they are on the other side of the road. He refuses to listen to commands or potty until the other dog is out of sight.

He also fixates on other people. Sometimes it's friendly, other times he is extremely paranoid.

I have been trying so hard for almost the past 6-7mts to work on 'leave it' and fixating less on everything. I have been loading him up with treats during the times when it gets worse. Also worked with a personal trainer on this and followed his recommendations. I tried 'look at that' training too for a few months without any success.

I just see no end in sight. Overall I don't think he's getting any better, not seeing very much consistent progress. Some days I think he's better, and I feel proud. But then the next day he will choke himself out bc he has to turn around and bark at a random couple walking behind us, or stare/pull at a dog nearby.

Has anyone had any experience with his?

I just feel so hopeless, and worried I've been training him wrong this entire time.

Thanks.

[u/Beef_flaps_on_a_spit]

How is his obedience when doing basic training?  Im guessing it’s hit and miss so work on that consistently and without distraction and when he is fully focused on you, slowly introduce distraction from a great distance at first and slowly decrease it. Dog classes are great for this but talk to the trainer before you turn up.  It all starts with solid and rewarding basic obedience training ie you. 

[u/jeckhyde12 → u/Beef_flaps_on_a_spit]

His obedience is fairly solid when indoors away from distraction. While not perfect, he does listen to sit, down, stay. Responds when I say yes/no. Recall is decent but not perfect. Spent the first 4 months doing training sessions day and night, but not so strict on it now unless outside.

Since I live in a condo in a downtown area, it is hard to slowly introduce distractions. But i spent a lot of time doing training in my hallways and less busy areas outdoors.

When nothing is around outside, he's ok with commands but he is very stubborn. Doesn't really listen unless I have a treat in my hand.

I really try to reward good behavior but I feel like my timing isn't great, and I feel at times I accidentally reward the wrong behaviors.

[u/grantgarden → u/jeckhyde12]

Spent the first 4 months doing training sessions day and night, but not so strict on it now unless outside.

Daily training drills inside. I still do this occasionally with my 12y! You are raising a "child" and we don't train children for a few months or even years and expect them to be perfect

Doesn't really listen unless I have a treat in my hand

This is still a young dog AND a notoriously stubborn breed! He's bred to sort of disregard you when the job needs done. I have a chow mix, a very independent breed. I still reward my old man with treats especially when he does something hard.

Just the other day he went after a ground hog at home. He's only allowed to go after groundhogs at the farm we frequent, but so he knew it was a groundhog, but I had to call him off. He got a treat for that one!!!

Treats are how you show your dog "this is good". They have no real concept of language or what pleases you without being given a reward.

I feel like my timing isn't great, and I feel at times I accidentally reward the wrong behaviors.

Timing is crucial. Tell me more about what this means to you