I have only been a dog owner for about 6 months now. We inherited a sweet 2 year old cattledog- who needs lots of exercise because she's bred to be herding cattle and patrolling the borders of the farm and whatnot.
I like to take her on jogs, or even just walks, but I don't really know the etiquette for when two dog-walkers pass. My dog wants to race toward the other dog. It seems kinda agressive really, I don't think she wants to attack, but she just strains to go toward the other dog. I really want to just keep going, especially if I am jogging, I am trying to keep my pace you know and actually get some exercise myself.
What is the best thing to do when you are walking your dog and she acts like a maniac at the passing of any other canine animal?
(I had a dog growing up but things were different back then- we'd just let her out of the yard every day to run around the block a few times and come back... I don't think we even owned a leash for her).
Thanks you guys this is really helpful. Obviously I have to be more intentional about training her to do what I want her to do. I realize that now! I know my husband will be against formal training but I will put the bug in his ear about that. In the meantime I can look into some of these other resources. I really appreciate your thoughts ladies!
She just needs to be taught what is expected of her. She also shouldn't be on a leash that she can "run ahead" if you are jogging or even walking fast. Too dangerous for both of you.
My dogs both did the sniff dance but they knew if I am moving they are moving. When I stopped and released them they knew they could sniff and stuff. By release I mean released from the heel command. Not off their leash. Passing dogs was a non event.
Stop, sit, heel. Do not allow the dog to have this action. This is what I was tought when we took my dog thru training. Sadly, my laberimer has too much anxiety to walk in public well, we simply run him out with a lazer pointer vs taking him for a walk.
Along with some training you might want to try a "gentle leader".
You really need to take her to training. They can teach you how to socialize her with other dogs and what to do with her when you encounter other animals and/or people.
My daughter took her dog to Petsmart for training, and then had Barkbusters come to her home, which worked out much better. There are a few ways to get dogs to behave around other animals and you have to find out which is the best way for your dog. My daughter practices constantly with her dog. She keeps treats in her pocket and has taught her dog to heal on command and rewards him with a treat. She practices over and over with him so he'll mind her when she's out.
Move away to the opposite side and put yourself in-between your dog and the stranger dog...while passing give her your verbal que that she is not engaging and then just don't.
I do not allow my dog to stop and get to know every dog we run across...just don't want to take the chance that the other dog might be mean.
stop. gain control of her, make her stand or sit near you. once she has calmed down and/or the other dog has passed continue.
When he first reacts give the command "Leave It" Firmly and if you have a choke chain, Jerk and release quickly on the chain. The goal isn't to choke him, it's to emulate Mom Dogs quick nips around the neck to let a dog know they are out of line. If that doesn't stop him, turn and go the other way until he settles. When he settles tell him "Good Dog!". Turn back towards the dog and repeat this whole process until he is okay with walking by the dog.
If you google "training dog to walk by other dogs" You'll also see a lot of good advice from sources like The ASPCA.
I agree with the mention of training, combined with a Gentle Leader. Our dog trainer recommended this collar and it really makes all the difference in the world. We have a 1-year-old German Shepherd who would go bonkers at the sight of another dog (not to mention, drag me around on a walk). With the Gentle Leader, she peacefully walks by dogs and other people. I really was skeptical a collar could make that much difference, but I feel like I want to run out and do an ad for this one! Read the reviews online and you'll see I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Teach her the command "Heel" and give it when you see another dog so that she won't strain at the leash.
Sounds like she needs some "heeling" training.
Don't feel badly - my 10 lb schnoodle was pulling me down the street there for awhile. She would get so excited that she would walk upright, on two legs, using the leash tension to help herself balance. :P
I bought this new harness that's rigged to make it uncomfortable for her to do that ("Walk in Sync"?). The company has a training video too. We didn't even need the video because in 2 days she was getting the right idea (though she didn't like it at first).
I might hunt around and look for training leashes/harnesses. A dog really needs to be taught not to pull.
Good luck.
I had a chow mix once, that I literally picked up off the street. He was friendly, and loving and grateful to have a home, but he had no manners. He wanted to run up to all manner of people and animals and love on them. Since he was obviously mostly chow, many humans were scared of him, and many animals got aggressive to him because of his in their face nature.
Best thing I did was take him to a dog obedience class. They taught me how to train him. Heel, sit, stay, all that good stuff. He became a wonderful, social, but well behaved pet. Oh, he would whine when forced to heel and sit when we encountered new people and animals, but he stayed put.
Try a class - they are super.
