My puppy Jessie is 13 weeks old. We are lucky to live in an area with lots of dogs and we go for a little walk every day, so she is meeting dogs of all shapes, sizes and temperaments. My issue is she goes bonkers when she sees another dog, jumping all over them and quite often annoying them. What is my aim here? Should I be trying to calm her down and stop her jumping up or letting her get on with it?? I try to take the lead from the owners, and if a dog growls or barks I try and lead her away, is this right? She got really over excited with a very placid German Shepherd yesterday, jumping on his head, the owner was understanding, but I felt bad! Any hints as what to do would be helpful as I am a first time puppy owner!
Its hard isn't it ? I remember when Sam was like this Some dogs are very food driven and so a few very tasty treats can work wonders, or for those who aren't , a favourite toy used as a distraction , especially one with a squeak I would work on recall at home , indoors is fine when the weather isn't so good . Please think about buying Pippas book , The Happy Puppy Handbook , from Amazon , it covers most puppy issues and will help you , they do improve, honestly
Hi there, Kate has already given some great advice, but in addition to that you might also find this article useful: 5 Rules For A Successful Labrador Puppy Recall. Best of luck with your lovely new puppy.
You need to encourage calmness around the other dogs as you don't want her leaping over other dogs - that's not greeting them nicely and some dogs will give her a telling off for bad manners or worse as she gets older. I've had a problem recently with Juno becoming too excited about greeting other dogs following a house move and new environment. We have a sit and click and treat for calmness and looking away from the other dogs and/or looking at me. Meet and greet should only be when you say it is OK, not every time you see another dog.
Thank you, that is really helpful! We will work on being calmer! We are working on recall, but this is coming far slower than anything else! I will also get the book. I have the Labrador Handbook, which has been really helpful!
