How often do you have the good intention of taking your eager dog out for a nice, long walk? Mentally you prepare yourself for the anticipation of you both enjoying the company of one another while getting some much needed exercise. Your dog is allowed to romp and explore while you acquire fresh air and a certain amount of freedom. It should be a win-win situation.
Regrettably, your plan is knocked askew and turns into a disaster when another animal approaches! Clearly someone else had the same idea as you today!
Your dog is not used to the situation and acts aggressively. Both dogs bark and snarl. It is a very intimidating scenario and, if not defused, both you and your pet could be injured. So much for all that potential relaxation and pleasure!
However, there are ways to alleviate the tempers and train your dog to be at ease with other animals. Neutralizing this type of a reaction is important if ever you hope to get your currently unpredictable “best friend” into a room or on a sidewalk with another dog.
On the next page we'll show you some excellent tips on how to socialize your temperamental pooch!
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Jerry Calvey
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As a trainer, working with behavior modification in K9’s. Its really more of the owner than it is the dog! Most of the time, the owner is stressed the moment the leash is hooked on. Negativity sets in, what’s gonna happen today, joggers coming from this side, kids at the bus stop. Dont get me wrong, its good to plan, but you need to slowly introduce them to Reactive situations, if avoidance is the #1 plan, behavior will never change. Then the owner complains about having a stubborn dog, when they cannot avoid a situation. They have a death grip on the leash & then a tight leash to add. The dog is happy, Yeah! We’re going for a walk, not let’s see who I can bark, growl & lunge at today. I ask my clients to do a daily diary, how far away did the dog, start focusing? What was his behavior, ears foward, staring, licking his lips, yawning, did he show any avoidance behavior, (looking away, sniffing, looking at you etc. What were u doing & what was your reaction. Many will not do it, it’s too much work! & that also goes for obedience training. Thanx for your time! Jerry