I have just met a lady that I went to puppy classes with when we got Hattie, she rescued a whippet called Bert about a year ago that is also a little nervous of some dogs. I asked her would she like to go for a short walk with her dogs Lola and Bert and Charlie, she said she would love to as it would help both Charlie and Bert. How should I handle this so that it is successful and not stressful? Do I clicker treat? We are meeting at the bottom of her road so neutral territory, sho how should we proceed and end the walk? I really want this to be a lovely experience for Charlie as other than Hattie he doesn't get to walk with other dogs, he gets to meet and greet when out but that's it. Thank you as always x
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! It all depends how Charlie is with strange dogs. Is Lola a nice calm dog? Maybe you could first introduce him to her and take just those two for a walk.
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! Charlie can be a little nervous of 2 particular large male dogs and barks and goes pretty crazy on lead, but he is good when meeting all dogs when on a long line walk and really isn't too bothered. It's Bert my friends rescue and Lola that we will be walking with and yes they are both calm dogs.
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! I would start off with Charlie and just one other dog. You and the other lady will have a better chance of keeping things nice and relaxed.
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! I'm also trying something similar - obviously, have a slightly different problem with Choc Charlie. Choc Charlie hasn't had contact with other dogs for a couple of months now, and he is getting more and more frustrated at not being able to say hello to other dogs. We've found a calm, older, black lab who isn't that fussed by other dogs - that is, he is friendly enough, but just wants to get on with his walk. So we're going to try walking Charlie with him in the hope that it gives Charlie some doggy company, without turning into a play session. Step one was not walking Charlie with just one dog - it was just walking Charlie with me and the dog walker! Because we've never done this before, so was different, Charlie decided none of his previous training was applicable! We've got over this now. Next step will be for Charlie to meet the other dog, in the garden, and for us to try walk 5 minutes, less or not at all if he is too excited, and we'll build up from there. I will have my clicker and treats but I know from experience that I'm unlikely to be able to get Charlie's attention until he calms down.
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! [quote author=heidrun link=topic=3937.msg45461#msg45461 date=1389180116] I would start off with Charlie and just one other dog. You and the other lady will have a better chance of keeping things nice and relaxed. [/quote] Thanks Heidrun, will do Good luck Julie with your introduction too
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! Hi I find with my two nervous creatures the best thing to do is just get walking. Before we started walking with the rottweillers if we met them down the lane my two would panic and bark. Two lab pups barking like mad at two fully grown rottweillers is something to see !!! : As soon as we started to walk along with them mine calmed down and got more interested in walk stuff, smells etc. Once mine where old enough we started walking properly with the rots and my two have been in love with them ever since. The same principle has worked with mine and other dogs if we start walking along together they are fine. Perhaps if you meet somewhere neutral and rather than stop to introduce just get walking there won't be as much of a chance for nerves or boisterousness. It's probably not text book but it's worked for me. Jen
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! Enjoy your new dog pals Helen and Julie,let is know how your intros and walks go x
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! Jen, great advice thank you. We are going to meet at the end of her road and just keep going without any stopping or fuss and hopefully Charlie will relax I just hope she doesn't let me down as I haven't heard from her YET x
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! I hope it goes well Helen it's nice walking with another doggy person and good for the dogs. Let us know how you get on. Jen
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! Guess what, I WAS LET DOWN AGAIN. Don't owners want to help their dogs? This was supposed to be a mutually beneficial experience for both of our dogs. I just give up
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! My "friend" didn't both to contact me to confirm the arrangements as she promised and I just didn't want to chase her up Maybe I'm being mean perhaps she just didn't have time, never mind.
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! Thank you ladies. I just hoped we could help each other but it just seems owners would rather put up with situations than try to help their dogs. I have asked three dog owners that I know if they would like to do short walks together with their dogs as they have similar anxieties, they just don't want to. I just don't understand I'm going to start taking it personally
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! Ah that's a shame I hope it was just a hiccup and you can get together with the dogs after all.
Re: Meeting new dog friends - hopefully!! [quote author=bbrown link=topic=3937.msg45963#msg45963 date=1389393267] Ah that's a shame I hope it was just a hiccup and you can get together with the dogs after all. [/quote] I hope so Barbara
