Hi Again After more advice, Poppy Collie x Lab 10 months old has improved on the lead so much lately not perfect but better..problem is she is so nosy she can spot people and other dogs way before I do this is when it all goes wrong she waits for them to come close and then leaps at them expecting them to rush over and pet her, dogs as well, obviously not everyone wants to say hello, I have tried the sit command and wait until they pass by, sometimes we cross over to avoid..she actually jumps in the air, very intimidating for people and dogs alike and people on bikes how can we overcome this? any tips greatly received..off the lead she is so much better, but as she is in her first season at the moment she is always on her lead, people must think I am a very bad owner and as she is very strong I do find it difficult to control her, but I don't want to avoid every person and dog in my neighbourhood. Thanks all
Re: Meeting and Greeting People and Dogs whilst outside and on the Lead.. Hi Lois I have just seen your post I only joined the forum on Friday. I have 2 Labradors who are now 2 1/2. I have had problems with them when meeting people and other dogs on walks. They don't want to go to the person/ dog but they bark and like your dog the longer they watch them coming the more ready they are when we meet. I tried numerous things but the one that works is salmon dog treats. They stink ! When I see something approaching I get one in each hand and get their attention. It has taken perseverance but now when they see someone coming they look for the treat in my hand sometimes we keep walking sometimes make them sit. With one dog I think I would get them to sit at first and try to keep them looking at me by sticking treat under nose. If they react though they don't get treat obviously. We meet a lady walking who has a dog who reacts similar to yours and she started doing the same thing as me and he is much better. Still launches towards us occasionally but deffinately improving. It's just a suggestion it worked for me . Remember the smellier the treat the better ! Jen
Re: Meeting and Greeting People and Dogs whilst outside and on the Lead.. Hello Lois, from a fellow lunging toward people/dogs on lead sufferer! Charlie doesn't always do this, I reckon we are down to about 25% of the time now - but this final bit is hard to crack. Oddly, he is better behaved off lead. On lead, We do sit and "look at me" for very high value treats, and are improving all the time - it is working. Charlie often does zebeedee impressions too, all 4 paws off the ground! He is very, very, bouncy! He gets no treats, and doesn't get to say hello at all, unless he is behaving (or the other owner allows their dog to drag them over - I back away and try to stop Charlie being rewarded for lunging in this way. Not always easy). I've totally stopped worrying about what other people think now, I've been given all sorts of advice - been told I'll make him nervous of other dogs, that he is lonely and just needs a friend :, blah, blah. I just stick with the programme and keep trying.
Re: Meeting and Greeting People and Dogs whilst outside and on the Lead.. Hi again Lois Just thought have you tried a halti. I would highly reccomened them especially for strong dogs or 2 in my case. I had a gundog trainer to my 2 when they were 8 months for tips and advice and they reccomened halti I started with a halti but because they tighten and slacken and the way Scott likes to walk, slightly ahead of scout, it rode up under his eye and rubbed a bald patch. My friend had gentle leaders on her rotties they don't move as much I tried them much better. I think they must be more comfortable for the dogs as well as they rarely rub at them whereas with the halti I'd get head butted in the back of the knee every so often while they rubbed it not easy walking. She will calm down eventually just persevere Jen
Re: Meeting and Greeting People and Dogs whilst outside and on the Lead.. So Riley was so keen to make new friends he's always pulled hard towards other dogs. We worked really hard on our heelwork especially around people and dogs - classes were invaluable for this as the other dogs and people were also concentrating so they were a good middle ground between no distractions and other dogs off lead romping around. The other thing we did was try and manage the distance which it sounds like you're doing as well. I tried to take advantage of dogs walking on the other side of the road or much further up the lane to get Riley to walk to heel calmly. It was easier for Riley to focus if the dogs were far away and we would gradually work closer. It was key to prevent him self rewarding so on his lead he stayed unless he'd stayed calm. It's definitely taken patience and perseverance....no quick fix for us I'm afraid
