Bad on a leash

[tugbt]

I have a male who will be 3 in January. I love him to pieces and he is wonderful around two legged animals, however he is horrible around other 4 legged animals. I have an older Lhasa female and a 6 mos old female boxer who he gets along with wonderfully. He does have a few friends he enjoys being around. I know as a dog, he is not supposed to like every dog he meets, I don't like everyone I meet but I know how to control my emotions.

My problem is taking him for walks and places where other dogs may be. He has been through much training and failed his CGC because he cannot loose leash walk (still on the gentle leader). I have been working on this though. When he gets upset, it is like he loses all control. On our walks, when I see a dog up the street coming our way, I always put Tugg in a sit stay and he does perfect until the dog is within 20 feet of us. I have tried stuffing him with treats while looking at me to distract him and he just refuses to focus. I believe I am truly alpha as he sits before going out and has some of the best manners of any dog I know!! Is it okay to have a dog who is content with being a homebody? I have a large backyard that he runs like mad in. I would love to be able to continue running with him but not with the way things stand. What are your thoughts???

Thanks
Chris

 

[boxer]

It is better for both you and your dog if you continue to socialise him. Keeping him confined to the backyard may sound OK now, but the less he sees of the world the more exciting and stressing he's likely to find it. You might then end up with a dog that gets over excited by visitors and/or become rather territorial. Besides which, one of the joys of having a dog is being able to take it out with you. IMO it's worth continuing to work with him.

If the treats don't cut it for keeping his attention around other dogs, how about trying a toy or a game instead? Successful reward-based training is all about finding what will work for your individual dog. And if treats aren't enough to keep his attention when he sees another dog, possibly a game or some training commands will be.

Another technique you could try is to calmly walk him toward other dogs, keeping yourself between them and him. As soon as he starts to lunge toward the other dog, you come to an immediate halt and start walking the other way. That should give him the message that if he pulls and lunges, he doesn't get to go anywhere near the other dog.

Basically, what you're trying to achieve is for him to keep his attention on you rather than the other dog. Any meeting/greeting takes place only on your terms, and not on walks. If you can do that, then you're in a position to reward him for ignoring the other dog. That in turn enables the dog to realise what behaviour you want from him, and to behave accordingly. All very difficult if you can't keep his attention in the first place, I realise.

Have you tried group obedience classes? Or alternatively, getting someone else you know with a dog to work with you (practicing NOT meeting LOL)?

 

[lexintitus]

Definitely continue to walk him using the gentle leader. I can relate to your situation. Lexi can get the same way. However, I've found that if we go walking at night, she's much calmer. There's not as many people/dogs around for her to get distracted. Also because it's just the end of the day. That's when we do most of our leash training with her. Sometimes when there's another dog walking, I put her in a sit-stay position and as the dog gets nearer, I stand with one leg on either side of her and just hold her there. Just that tactile stim. cues her to stay seated... but you can see her tail wagging a mile a minute. Hope that helps. Let us know how you get on.

 

[marvie]

interesting i will have to try those techniques too... my lylah hasnt really been in public with me now for about4 months because she growls and barks and lunges at other people or dogs who get close to us... people or dogs cant get close to our fence or house either if she is out... she is fine with them though once they come in the house... i am lost on what to do.. so i know how you feel.... good luck