Anxiety When We See Dogs Out On Walks

[nanna]

Hi,

I have an 11-month female kelpie cross and I'm having some issues with her reaction to dogs while out on walks. I know that many of these issues have been covered in previous posts, but I'd really appreciate some specific advice as I'm a little confused by the apparent inconsistency in her reactions. Apologies for the lengthy post, but I wanted to describe her reactions in different situations.

If we see another dog from the distance my dog will go on 'alert' and focus on the other dog. Her reaction depends on the distance apart and the direction the other dog is walking. If it's walking away from us, then she'll just kind of focus on it and maybe have a little whine. But if it's walking on the other side of our park (say 15-50m away and not walking toward us) she'll start jumping around/lunging at the end of the lead, whining, barking (and occasionally growling). I try to say 'come on' in an upbeat voice and/or offer her a squeaky toy and keep walking. But it is difficult (if not impossible) to regain her attention (with food or toys) - the only thing that kind of works is to start jogging or skipping.

If she actually meets another dog while on a walk then she doesn't seem to display any aggression toward them. As we approach the dog she'll generally get a bit lower to the ground, but still tend to pull toward the dog. When the dogs meet she tends to have a polite sniff and then may dart around a bit (perhaps a bit of nerves, or excitement??). As we walk away from the dog she will usually jump around for a bit, but will regain focus pretty quickly.

The times we've walked with her off-lead and she's seen another dog, she's tended to bolt towards it and then freeze about 5m away (not usually with any barking/growling). If the other dog starts to run toward her then she runs away. We can call her back and she'll run toward us, and then may turn around and run toward the other dog again. If she comes face to face with another dog when off-lead then she'll tend to have a sniff and then run back and forth a few times.

She has a couple of doggie pals that she plays with occassionally (she loves playing chasey/wrestling games) and we've gone to the dog club a few times for some off-lead running/socialisation where she has interacted with no problems (apart from being excited and pulling like crazy on the lead when we get there).

Other info - At the moment I'm walking her on a Sporn harness and take a clicker and treats with me, and I reward her when she 'checks-in' with me, or if she responds when I ask her to 'watch'. Not sure if it's relevant but she was a rescue that we got at about 16 weeks. We were going to obedience classes but she was getting worse (barking, whining, lunging when she couldn't get to other dogs in the class), so have stopped for the time being.

My thinking is that she actually wants to meet and play with the other dogs we see on our walk but is a bit nervous and unsure about how to do it, and gets especially frustrated/excited/anxious when she's on the lead. I'd be interested to hear what others think (although I appreciate that it is difficult to assess based on the limited info) and I'd especially appreciate any advice on how to deal with the situation and regain her focus.

Thanks! :p

[Kharn]

Hi nanna,

I can't say I have any advice, but I'm interested to hear what other people might say as this sounds like my two puppies. All I can say is that we have been persevering with dog school even though its sometimes difficult. I have to admit, after 8 weeks of classes, the eldest has certainly improved allot, though we still have a way to go.

So bumping for my own interest too! :wink:

[dee lee]

woohoo!! Anyone out there??

LOL, More bumping for MY interest too!!

Nanna, My 10m staffy x (prob w kelpie-so maybe its a breed thing?) does this too. God its a pain isnt it? plays havoc with loose lead walking- EVERY dog is way more interesting than the sound of "heel" and well worth the swearing from me after pulling my arm off. Off lead she is majorly social- LOOOVES other dogs (so much that she wants to eat some- but thats another story) and will not recall if a dog is in sight. Im wondering if its a bonding thing, ie other dogs are way more rewarding then me- even when im armed with salami! Anyone have hints on how to turn these dogs around?

Dee

Edited October 23, 2007 by deelee2

[Jennifer]

Ive had a similar problem with my dog. Firstly I bought a pinch colar which allowed me contol on the walk. When i mastered the walk, we moved on to longer walks to burn him out before i set up a meerting with another dog. Before I left the house i made sure i put him in a calm submissive state. I took him in one hand and got my friend to walk with me and pass his dog to me. So we are both moving forward together. If my dog looked at the other dog i'd correct with no and tug his pinch colar. My partner and I practice this every day and have been for approx 6 motnhs.

My dog was attacked as a puppy and suffered fear agression as a result. All I can say is a dog can change but its not a quick thing. The biggest probem is having the patience to wait for results. I have suprised myself that what i have been doing has worked. There is still work to be done but he is now at a level were he can be walked with a strange dog without reacting.

Reading ceasar millans book and watching him on t.v saved my dog. I was the biggest critic but i eat my words it has worked. If you want me to share what I did in detail just let me know and ill post what i done and how long it took for each stage.

[mutchumbo]

I try to say 'come on' in an upbeat voice and/or offer her a squeaky toy and keep walking.

I can see what you're trying to do here, however, your dog may perceive this as praise and reward for this behaviour.

Redirecting her attention without any praise would be more suited, then once the dog's in a more calm state introduce the reward. If you reward calm behaviour when around other animals and correct her when anxious/over the top.

Your dog is reaching an age where she should 'mature' so this would be best dealt with ASAP.

[SkySoaringMagpie]

I have successfully dealt with this one, and much as I dislike Cesar Millan, I can see why Jennifer had success with his techniques in this situation.

If a dog is doing this, it may be because somehow or another you have given it the impression that it will be handling interactions with strange dogs and making decisions about what to do. Whereas the handler should have the situation under control, and the dog convinced that the situation is under control.

It's a mix of body language and overall leadership training, and it's probably worth reading some dog behaviour books. However, some things I do in addition to what the others suggested:

- My dogs don't get to initiate play with dogs they meet on walks. I do let them play sometimes, but only if I have okayed it. As far as possible, other dogs don't get to get in their faces either, although not even the most assertive owner can stop some idiot who is determined to share their "friendly" dog with the world.

- My dogs are never off-leash because their recall is not bomb-proof. Because their recall is not bomb-proof, I cannot control the situation if I let them off. The more times they get to ignore me, the more likely it is my dog will take over managing interactions with other dogs.

- I make sure my body language conveys leadership, and that I am between my dog and the source of the distraction. Key message: "I have this under control and you can trust me, follow me"

- I don't allow flipping around on the end of the lead (it's bad for your shoulder anyway!). I am not someone who thinks dogs should walk at heel on a neighborhood walk, but the minute they show signs of over-reacting to another dog, they are brought in close.

- Don't accidentally lift your dog up into an aggressive posture with its collar or lead when trying to get it to settle down.

- If I see I am going to be sharing a very narrow walkway with a strange dog and its owner, and I can see it's going to be a challenge, I either put my dog in a sit and wait, or I take another route.

[moon]

Ive had a similar problem with my dog. Firstly I bought a pinch colar which allowed me contol on the walk. When i mastered the walk, we moved on to longer walks to burn him out before i set up a meerting with another dog. Before I left the house i made sure i put him in a calm submissive state. I took him in one hand and got my friend to walk with me and pass his dog to me. So we are both moving forward together. If my dog looked at the other dog i'd correct with no and tug his pinch colar. My partner and I practice this every day and have been for approx 6 motnhs.

My dog was attacked as a puppy and suffered fear agression as a result. All I can say is a dog can change but its not a quick thing. The biggest probem is having the patience to wait for results. I have suprised myself that what i have been doing has worked. There is still work to be done but he is now at a level were he can be walked with a strange dog without reacting.

Reading ceasar millans book and watching him on t.v saved my dog. I was the biggest critic but i eat my words it has worked. If you want me to share what I did in detail just let me know and ill post what i done and how long it took for each stage.

Hello, it would be great if you can pm or post what you have done and how long it took for each stage. I have just finished watching Cesar milans DVD on aggression, and it was really good. Are there any books by Cesar Millan that are good in advising how to deal with aggressive dogs?

[kateykateykatey]

- Don't accidentally lift your dog up into an aggressive posture with its collar or lead when trying to get it to settle down.

Seems obvious but this was something I've never thought of, and have probably done.

[Kharn]

Well there has been some great advice, but I have to say I am already doing most of what has been suggested! I hope nanna can use some of the ideas posted.

I think I just need to persevere. My 13 month old has improved noticeably, but its the 8 month old puppy thats the major problem for me, especially because she's bigger. Maybe she is just a bit young?

Cheers everyone.