Wednesday, July 29, 2009

What can I do to keep my otherwise good dog from going balistic when we meet other dogs on the trail?

2yr. old rescued dobie,shepard mix. Trys very hard to be good
Answers:
By ballistic I am assuming you mean wants to go play. First of all keep in mind that 2 is the crux of puppy and adult. In some ways it can be the worst few months. They have the size and strength of an adult, but the attitude of a puppy. He will start outgrowing this in a few months. to a degree.

If he is the only dog at home, he is just plain excited to see another dog. It is like an only child who gets to go play with other kids finally. just can't wait. But this is no excuse. There are a couple things to do:

1) Obedience training- As has been said before, this will teach him proper behavior, and with other dogs. My boxer mix was the same way. He could not keep his excitement under control when he first started. But you train him how he needs to behave, alone or with other dogs.
2) Dog Park- I do not know if your town has one, many do and many do not. These parks are a great place to socialize. Your dog will get lots of energy out, and play with another dog in a way only dogs running free can. This will quickly make them adapt to other animals
3) Petsmart- Just take your dog into a petsmart to hang out, or maybe outside one. Make him sit/stay while other dogs just pass on by. This will help him to learn that not every other dog is asking to play.
4) Gentle Leader- I know someone above mentioned it, but I do not know if you know what it is. It looks a little like a muzzle, but does not keep the mouth shut. It slides over the snout and clibs behind the head. The leash then clips below the chin. Whenever the dog tries to pull, it tilts the head to the side. It is not in a harsh or abrasive way, just hard to pull when every time you try it makes you look back. It worked WONDERS on my dog and his pulling. Give it a shot, well worth the costs (about 20-30 dollars)
5) Get another dog- if you were thinking of it. maybe try it. They will get used to other dogs around the house and playing, so seeing them out will not be new. Obviously not an option to all situations. worked well for us as well.
6) Get a specialized trainer- There are people who handle situations like this for a living. They will charge a premium, but it can whip a dog into shape. My sister hired one for her beagle with anxiety, and noticed almost immediate results. If nothing else, it will help convience you that you are taking just the right steps for your dog and his needs.

Good luck, a big rowdy dog can be a handful at the park. I know.
Is he an only dog? I would try to socialize him more with other dogs. My toy fox terrier seems to get a little more rowdy and barks and growls when were out of our house and walks trails and she does this at other dogs and people but when they get closer she stops and just sniffs them. I've never understood this, she's just an overly jealous dog since we've moved in another dog and cat. But I would try socializing your dog more, bringing them out more but keeping distance maybe.

And also letting your dog know that her behavior is not good. I had to do that for my dog for awhile on a few instances when it scared me even though she's such a tiny dog.
sounds like it's a puppy still. they won't know any better unless you tell it. try a harness instead of a collar then when it goes after the other dogs you have #1 more of a handle on your dog %26 #2 more control to pull it away. once you pull it away say No! in a stern voice. if it is trying to be good it will listen maybe not the first couple times but eventually. don't give up on your puppy. you rescued it so it is thankful and will figure out how to please you by doing this.
agressive ballistic? or playful ballistic?

I would strongly suggest taking him to Obedience lessons for proper socializtion.. Obedience isnt just about "sit" and "stay" its also basic mannars.. however it also helps because you can get him to SIT when you see an approaching dog - keep his attention on you until the dog passes..
also use a HALTI or GENTLE LEADER if he is a puller.
Take it to dog school and don't give up with it before two years pass.
Socializing is the best way to teach your dog to get on better with strange dogs he meets. I suggest enrolling in a training class. You get the perks of learning new things and your dog gets exposed to other people and dogs regularly for socialization.
You need to shift the dog's focus off the other dog(s) -- preferably onto you.

Start practicing a sit stay (right at your side) and a "watch". Teach the watch by using a treat (or toy, if your dog is very toy-motivated) -- show the dog the treat/toy, and then draw it up to your face, saying "watch" or "watch me!" as you do so. When the dog makes eye contact (at first, this will be because the treat/toy is up near your eyes), praise and reward with the treat/toy.

As the dog begins to get it, gradually lengthen the amount of time the dog needs to look at you before receiving the reward. Eventually, you will be able to eliminate the treat/toy entirely, and the dog should look up at you on command. Always praise, even if you don't have a reward!

If you practice this in a quiet place, you can start testing it out on the trail after the dog gets the hang of it. Whenever you see another dog approaching, make your dog sit, stay, and watch. Turn your back (and/or your dog's back) to the approaching dog to help keep the focus on you. If you are successful, and the dog passes without incident, use LOTS of praise!

When you begin trying this with distractions (i.e. out on the trail), you will likely need lots of treats/the favorite toy to keep the dog focused. The most important thing is that whatever "lure" you're using to keep the dog focused is more fun/interesting than the passing dog.

Now, I'm assuming that the dog is on-leash during this time. If your dog is generally loose and goes rushing at other dogs, you will need to do something to keep control. Work hard on your recall command (coming when called) or plan to use a leash/retractable lead until your dog is reliable.

Training is so hard to explain in text! Much easier to demonstrate in person -- I hope this makes sense. I agree that Obedience classes are an excellent idea. That way, the dog not only gets invaluable socialization, but the instructor can show you how to do this!

Good luck!
Learn HOW to walk your dog. Good lessons on this kind of behavior on Cesar Milan.
sometimes the restraint, keeping him back from other dogs makes them worse, keep on a lead, calm him down, go over meet and mix, keep talking quietly to him throughout the process.
My year old golden has that trouble, too! I've found a "gentle leader" collar helps a lot! That's a collar with a strap that goes over the dog's nose, and has the leash ring under her jaw. It takes a light correction pull to get her undivided attention! Dogs walk with a loose leash and pay attention to their master, without all the choking! Trust me, it works!
The Dog Whisperer. Make sure to put a harness over him and use one of those dog mask things to prevent your dog from biting. But, you have to be in control of the situation. Just keep on walking and make sure to pull your dog along with you. All I can say is watch the Dog Whisperer. He is a great man.
Keep at it. If the dog "tries hard to be good" then you have a good start. Make sure your dog understands that this behavior is unacceptable and then take tidbits from all the other answers and begin the socialization process. IF your dog is better with smaller dogs, start there. If bigger dogs, start there. Find a common area on the trail where dogs congregate and keep going back there on regular basis and you should be good to go.

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