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

[Dory the Doted One]

Well. First things...if you see a small dog coming your way and his usual habit lately has been what you have described. I would anticipate the reaction and take measures striaght away by putting him into a sit stay. He would stay in this position, and as the other dog approached I would work on keeping his focus on you. If he is a good boy and maintains a level of calm you could let him check out the puppy. If not...he gets to sit stay until he can remain calm.

Not sure if I worded that very well. But basically, you want to take charge of him and the situation before it gets out of hand. The best way to do that is to put him into an obedience frame of mind, but doing some obedience exercise.

As he matures, and because a little more respective of all dogs you wont have to be quite so strict.

[megan_]

thanks - I'll give this a try tomorrow