Meeting other dogs

[spotit3]

A few weeks ago a few ABers were very helpful in telling me how to stop my dog pulling on the lead. She is now great at walking so thanks a lot. My only problem now is when she meets other dogs she goes mad to get over to them. This is in a friendly way, not aggressively. Not all dog owners appreciate this and I can understand that. Today for example a man was training two of his dogs to retrieve and when I was passing Bonnie nearly pulled me off my feet to get to them. It is actually getting embarrassing and I almost try to hide if I see another dog approaching. Has anyone any ideas how I can get her out of this behaviour? Any help would be much appreciated.

[tastymorsel]

Can you post the answers for lead pulling solving please.thank you

[bednobs]

HI SPOTIT how did you manage to get her walking to heel in the end? can you make her focus on you/a toy? do you have any voice control over her? could you, for example, make her sit when you come across a distraction?

I have to say in a few years of training my dog, it's the one thing i can't seem to change in him

[Kassee]

maybe some doggy treats in your pocket - tempt her with them - holding them by her nose until she has bypassed the other dogs - then reward her.

[bednobs]

http://www.theanswerb...uestion1042114-2.html

[seadogg]

I guess she is quite young. What you need is either a head collar or a training harness (kinder). The idea behind them is to control the dog more effectively than by just having a lead and collar. A head collar pulled the dogs nose round the way you want and the rest of the dog follows it. A good pet shop will show you the kit and advise. Once you have the leverage you can work towards controlling her by a sharp command. I am sure you will get plenty more good advice here. Good luck.

[tastymorsel]

Thanks Bednobs

[ladybirder]

Don't try and hide from other dogs as this is the worst thing you can do. She has to get used to other dogs and learn her manners. The more she mixes with other dogs the better she will be as she gets used to them. Do you let her off the lead at all? I find dogs are better mannered with each other when they are off the lead as neither feels at a disadvantage. And of course if she is off the lead and can run around with the other dogs she is making friends and getting much more exercise than would otherwise be the case. She will calm down don't worry. Well done so far by the way:-)

[bednobs]

also, i really reckon dogs can feel the owners tension through the lead. So you see a distraction and tighten up on the lead, and she knows!
I also agree off the lead seems much more civilised and relaxed. You don't live near me do you? my husband was out doing some training with our dogs earlier!

[ladybirder]

Agree bednobs. You see people out with dogs and the minute they clock another dog coming towards them a look of sheer panic comes over them and they pick the dog up or grad it away. Grrh the ruddy dog is never going to learn to mix, poor thing.

[spotit3]

Thanks everyone. I do let her off the lead when in a safe environment and she definitely gets plenty of exercise. She is good at sitting and staying at other times but meeting other dogs just seems to lose all control.In a lot of places you are nt allowed to let dogs off leads but. I try to tempt her with food treats but she just ignores same. other people do really get annoyed when she pulls towards their dogs who are walking quietly and totally ignoring Bonnie. Wish I knew how they do it! Tastymorsel and Bednobs, I kept treats in my hand giving her one every now and again and also a slight tug upwards on lead when she pulled and after about a week she had stopped pulling except as I say when meeting other dogs.

[Purple_Popple]

Once you approach other dogs and feel her starting to strain/pull on the lead you must pull her to heel, (it appears as though you are not strong enough to control her pulling?) turn around and walk in the opposite direction, once she ceases to pull, turn around and continue to walk in the original direction she will soon learn that pulling on the lead will not get a desired result. This is not an overnight solution and may take many, many tries before she gets the hint. You must be consistent. I do recommend the use of a 'Halti' head leash, I have used this on other dogs of mine with much success. Good luck.

[ladybirder]

PP, surely that method is used only when the dog is being aggressive and this is not the case here.

[spotit3]

Thanks Purple_Popple, I bought a Halti head collar in h smallest size but she was able to pull it so that she actually had part of it in her mouth.

[Purple_Popple]

Not at all, the problem is pulling and straining on the leash. I didnt mention aggression.

[Purple_Popple]

Most owners give up though and a 'head strong' dog always gets its way. You must be strong enough in the first place to control the dog that pulls on the leash.

[spotit3]

Just realised as well, Purple_Popple, if I turn aroun as you suggested, I would actually be following the other dog then, which is definitely a complete nightmare as I have discovered when I have sometimes been behind another walker!

[Purple_Popple]

Oh and dont forget to praise her and/or with a tasty treat once she is under control on the lead and NOT pulling.

[Purple_Popple]

Well when all is said and done you have to be in control at the end of the day, dont let her get away with any pulling at all, I fear though that I get the impression you are not strong enough to get control of her ? Is she fully grown / is she a large dog ?

[Carakeel]

ladybirder, I'm afraid you are wrong. Halties are not designed for aggressive dogs. They are designed to gently control a dogs head without jerking it and are very effective. A lot of Irish Wolfhound owners use them, simply because if one of our breed suddenly decides to yank on the lead, you stand little chance of controlling them. Most wolfies don't need them after a short while as it teaches the dog gently that where you go, his/her head goes. You need to make sure that the strap that goes around the back of the ears is not too loose, as otherwise the halti cannot do its job. You seem to be doing very well with your dog. So, I am sure you will soon have her fully under control spotit3.

[ladybirder]

Carakeel I have no idea what you are talking about. I never even mentioned Halties. I didn't say Bonnie was aggressive, in fact she isn't. Help me here please I'm struggling to understand.