10 Month Old "mock Charging" Little Dogs

[megan_]

I have a 10 month old mini schnauzer cross, who is a bit bigger than your normal mini, but he's still a small dog. He is very well socialised with dogs of all ages and sizes. Recently, if he sees a small dog approaching on our walk, he stops and drops (better than he ever has at training). When the small dog approaches he jumps at them. No growling or aggressive behavior, it seems to be playful.

Problem is that this scares a few of the littlies. He also doesn't like little dogs sniffing him - he turns and faces them, rather than letting them sniff his behind.

He doesn't do this with bigger dogs - he is very respectful.

I'm assuming that this is bad doggy manners and I should correct it (the drop and charge). I have tried to continue walking so that he'll stand, but he just digs in. I have also tried distracting him, but he's 100% focused on the incoming dog. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Megan

[megan_]

bump

[Miss Squish]

Hi Megan

I know exactly what you mean about the stalking & charging at other dogs as my Shar pei Asia does it sometimes too. She will drop & wait for the dog to get closer & then pounce.She doesnt do it enough to be a problem & very rarely when on lead but she does do it more often when off lead at the dog park for the SA DOL meets!

Maybe try asking in the training threads, Im sure someone will give you some advice there

[megan_]

Hi Megan

I know exactly what you mean about the stalking & charging at other dogs as my Shar pei Asia does it sometimes too. She will drop & wait for the dog to get closer & then pounce.She doesnt do it enough to be a problem & very rarely when on lead but she does do it more often when off lead at the dog park for the SA DOL meets!

Maybe try asking in the training threads, Im sure someone will give you some advice there

thanks

[poochmad]

Our 6 month old pup is what trainers call 'in your face', whereas he pounces on dogs and is overly enthusiastic. At training we were taught to teach the dog to wait to play. This involves having the dog sitting next to you, saying wait (and making it wait) and when calm, allow the dog to calmly approach the dog.

If your dog rushes at the dog, pull it back and walk the other way. Only when it calmly approaches the dog is it allowed to say hello.

The benefit of this, is that not all dogs are friendly and my dog could get bitten by a dog taking offense to his 'rowdy' behaviour. You could try this, as for me it works well.

Edited December 2, 2008 by poochmad