I have a two and half year old Chocolate Lab. OFF the lead, he is quite brilliant. Very friendly with ALL dogs, and his recall is good. However, when he is ON the lead, he is a nightmare with other, unknown dogs. Lunging and barking at them until they are past. I have tried everything that I, and several "trainers" know. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.
The only advice I would give is as always, go back to the basics. Train from a distance, from one dog only. And it will take weeks before you can start getting closer. In the mean time, try to go to places where there are no other dogs
Thank's for that Leomag, but I have been back to basics so many times. It has been suggested that he may be " protecting " me. Any thoughts on this?
Leash reactivity can be very frustrating. My 3 year old is very leash reactive but is awesome playing off leash with other dogs with no problems. Mason’s leash reactivity is due to fear as he has had a few bad episodes from other dogs going after him while on leash. I have done alot of leash work and it has gotten better but takes work and time. I use Lots of treats, I make sure that I have his focus on me when other dogs are approaching and use the leave it command. Sometimes, I Just turn around and avoid other dogs if necessary. There are lots of articles and videos on line to help with leash reactivity. It gets better if you work at it. Good luck!
Thank you Mason's Mum, you are describing my problem exactly, but I cannot put my finger on the cause. He is getting better, but I have always used the "NO" command. I think I will try a different one, ( OFF or LEAVE ) and see if that makes a difference. Do you think that there is any credence in the " protection" theory? Thank's again.
It could be the protection theory or other reasons but regardless of why training will help. Take tasty treats on your walk and treat alot when you see other dogs. Also, give yourself distance from oncoming dogs to make your dog more comfortable & try to keep your dogs focus on you. It will get better but takes time and training. Good luck!
Read up on B.A.T and try that. I started BAT and about 3 months ago while at the same time as much as possible eliminating seeing dogs other than the ones I 'set up' (or later organised play dates with) and it is definitely working. He could be a frustrated greeter or he could be resource guarding you. My bet is frustrated greeter but either way BAT and avoiding having him 'practice' his current behaviour will help. The longer you let it go the harder it will be to fix.
BAT is a book written by Grisha Stewart. In the first edition she described LAT. In the second edition she has dropped that name, but still uses it as one of the procedures. So BAT is a number of things to do designed counter condition the reactive dog. There is a chapter on lead technique, which will be useful, in part, for the problem in this thread.
