Dog Gets Over Excited ... Wants To Play

[boomster]

My 2 year old Labrador dog gets extremely excitedwhen he sees another dog. The dog doesn't even have to be walking past him, he even attempts to pull towards the other side of the road.
It's the same in the park, he can be walking nicely to heel, but on spotting another canine (even up to 100m away), he's off faster than you can say, "Hussain Bolt" to meet his target. There is absolutely no aggression, he simply wants to play. We have an older Lab that's quite the opposite - docile and preferring his own company. We walk with friends and their dogs and he is much better, but can still dash off on a whim. However, he'll be mostly walked by me or my adult son (or both)and his behaviour is still the same. Some "doggie" people have suggested carrying a strong diversion such as a high value treat or a plastic 'shaky' bottle with pebbles; I have tried, but none of these can distract him enough.
I wondered if any other dog lover had met with a similar problem and if so, how they had solved it. Cheers and Happy New Year!
and pulls on lead when he sees another dog

[Purple_Popple]

You will need to work more on his lead skills, on the lead and dont let him pull you about, walking to heal, and also when off the lead work on recall. Perseverance, you are letting him do what he wants, instead of taking control and being firmer with your dog. Take his favourite squeaky toy with you and if this scenario happens you will need to use this toy as a distraction and simply turn around and walk away from the problem.
Keep doing this, and take some treats with you so can have his full attention and when he does right lots of praise! Is he still intact - as in has he still got his testicles ? If he has then get him castrated, this should calm him down.

[pastafreak]

I'm the last person to give advice re training or disciplin. But-does your dog actualluy get enough play time with other dogs? Particularly if your other lab is docile? Maybe the 2 year old simply needs to use up some pent up energy. Maybe join an agility class with him. I have a friend with a 2 year old Lab-he's the same as yours...virtually throws himself at both other dogs and people-not a bad bone in him...he's a bit dim but fun. lol

[flump1]

Training and more training ! Sounds like you are on the right track, just up it and as Purple_Popple said, work on recall. You really do need to engage him so take something he likes ( used to chop up cheap sausages ) and if you persist he should calm down. He will probably always want to play, nothing the matter with that, so long as you are in control. Good luck . xx

[pastafreak]

*actually*

[seadogg]

Agree with you Pasta but something like a Gentle Leader collar would help the training and save the strain on arms and shoulders. I know someone who developed Repetititive Strain Injury from a dog lie that.

[boomster]

Thanks to all you guys for your prompt helpful replies, I hope you don't mind if I just address you all collectively and make the one reply to you all.
I'm actually implementing most of what you suggested; he has weekly agility class; 3 to 4 long walks a day religiously whatever the weather conditions, the first one to a huge park where off lead he retrieves a ball or a dummy and add to that fetches back a frisbee (in fact I have two on the go, one for each dog). What't that old saying? If you're not fit then neither is your dog! Lol :)
I'm working harder on socializing skills; I think that therein lies the stubborn root of the problem I have here. Here's where I'm coming from; he's 80% fine with other dogs at the agility class (even newcomers) and I'm visibly wilting to succumbing to the prospect of a "Cesar" type pack of about 40 (fellow?) canines to run and play and generally intergrate with, but in the real world that's simply just 'pie in the sky' ... Hey, wait half a sec - now there's an idea!*

* Jic you wondering, I was thinking of a real big beef pie popping out from behind the clouds would be a superb distraction, but potentially an even more perilous one! ;)

[lankeela]

What you really need is a basic training class, where he can be taught to work amongst other dogs in a calmer environment. Agility is fine for getting rid of energy but by its very nature is exciting and gives him the 'go ahead' to run off. What needs to be done is close heel work amongst other dogs, sit and down stays and recall training. Until he is ok at this its counterproductive to let him off the lead as he will see this as a reward even if he is being naughty.

[jules77]

I agree that he needs to go to training classes where he can be trained with the distractions of other dogs. But would ask that you dont let him off the lead until he has a solid recall as not all dogs are friendly. I carry a pet protector spray to keep dogs away from mine as my male doesnt like dogs charging up to him and his 'ladies'. Good luck.