Need Help Please With My Leonberger.....

[scruffbag]

I have 2 Leonbergers, one who is 5 and the youngest is 20 months. Everything is fabulous, apart from when we dog walk on leads. The 20 month old, barks at other dogs and just wants to go over and play. I want to stop this barking, as it can look like aggressive behaviour, even though it is not. They are extremely soft and well behaved in all other areas. I would really appreciate your help, as you have been so helpful in the past, all of you doggy experts out there!! Many thanks

[woofgang]

Find a suitable behaviourist and get proper advice.

[johnny37]

This seems to be a common problem. When another dog displays this habit I normally just stand my ground with my dog. Ask the owner if you can let them socialise for a while, let them have a sniff but totally ignore them. Talk to the owner but dont even look at the dogs. When he is quiet praise him vigorously. If he starts again, do it again. Try and do it with every dog you meet. With luck after a while he will get the idea. Try not to transfer your negative body language through the lead. The dog can sense it

[woofgang]

johnny, the problem with this is that it can be very frightening for other dogs and owners. I agree that the leonburger needs to learn to meet and pass other dogs without making a fuss but this should be done with dogs who are used to doing this and not with any dog that scruffbag meets. Find a behaviourist scruffbag!

[ladybirder]

First of all you need to find out why your dog is displaying this behaviour, not why you think it is. A good behaviourist will tell you whether the reason is fear or dominance or whatever and then teach you and your dog how to deal with it. I'm sure you can appreciate that a big dog like yours can frighten the living daylights out of a small or timid dog. Please get professional help scruffbag.