Leash Reactive Dog?

[joni wamer]

 

Regarding working with a leash reactive dog, I do think that it is not something to be ignored but rather to be actively worked on in the socialization of your dog. My Corgi is very leash reactive when other dogs enter her physical space. We are working with training her to be distracted when other dogs are around and also exposing her to as many situations as possible where she has to deal with the issue. At the same time I firmly believe that is a two way street and other people need to respect another dog’s space just as they would respect another person’s space.

You would not walk up to someone in a park and get right in their face and yell at them. But to many “dog people” it is ok for their dog to get right in my dogs face and bark at her. When my dog reacts negatively it is in their mind my dogs fault. I hear that I should keep her home if she is not social.  Most “dog people” I know are respectful of every dogs space and thank me when I tell them not to get too close because she is leash reactive. I wish all of them were.

So it is important when dealing with a leash reactive dog to both take control of the situation in training and socializing your dog, and also asking others to respect.

 

kasjaws http://www.thatforumsite.com/viewtopic.php?f=241&t=1280

[Lisbeth Mønsted Larsen]

The most important thing to remember when you have an outspoken dog is that she may never like the presens of other dogs.It is lack of socialisation early on I have a greyhound who is like that he is not agressive in any way he just dislikes all other breeds than what he knows which is greyhounds and whippets other sighthounds he execpts but other breeds or mixes he does not he tells them of. Sometimes some people will ask if I am not in control which makes me angry because I work with all the time. He was five years old when I picked him up straight from the track. He had never been socialised with other breeds of dogs and it seemed to be too late he has improved emensly. but he will likely never accept other breeds execpt other sighthounds. I do not blame him it is just one of his quirks. However If you get a new pup make sure it is socialised with other breeds from the moment you get it never think they are too young or too small. Always ask other dog owners before you let your new pup meet other dogs as not all other dogs likes puppies. that is why puppy clases are important as all sorts of breeds may be present and thus your puppy will imprint on the various breeds and be much more relaxed around other dogs when he or she is fully grown.Thanks for sharing your experience. Remember you are not alone we all meet idiotic dog owners or should I say ignorant people who should not be allowed to own dogs since they show no respect or knowledge of actually having one.

[joni wamer]

Thanks for your reply. The confusing thing for us is it is NOT a lack of socialization early on. We got her at 10 weeks and followed all the rules. She met over 100 people and that many dogs by the time she was a year old. She went to puppy class, to obedience training, to puppy play sessions. Off leash she is never aggressive with any other dog. This only happens when she is on the leash. She loves all other breeds and plays great with everyone at the dog park or at doggie day care as long as she is "free" and not on a leash.

http://www.thatforumsite.com/viewtopic.php?f=241&t=1280

[Lisbeth Mønsted Larsen]

Then it is more a question of her feeling insecure when on leash which can be more difficult to work with. She feels trapped by the leash and limited by it so maybe that can be turned around if she learns to asociate the leash with say treats or toys which ever she likes the best take that out with the leash after a while she will not mind being restricted with the leash on or of. It is not as complicated as it sounds its trial and erro until you find the solution. As long as she asociates it with something very pleasent she will eventually love it. With my Tristan it is diffrent because he was never socialised with other breeds and makes a point of letting them know that he is not agressive either but he has chosen to chase them of with a few barks and growls. The life of a racing greyhound is regimented from day one and Tristan was raced until he was five years of age a longish racing career and hence his choices and actions. I know for a fact that he had a hard time of it with his last owner. I got him straight from track and kennels. He has improved since I got him and love being with my two other greyhounds and one whippet.So he is happy as can be.Just goes to show there is a lot more to our respective hounds and dogs than we see at face value.

[joni wamer]

Oh yes....there is a lot more to them. I respect you so much for taking in a racing greyhound. They are wonderful dogs and I hear couch potatoes in retirement! We are using treats to try to distract Aine and get her to associate it with good things. You are right that it takes a while! Thanks.

[Lisbeth Mønsted Larsen]

You are welcome and thanks for the compliments regarding my greyhounds yes plural as I have three ex-racers and one whippet. Two of my greyhounds are hands on rescues.The person who owned them before is a hoarder as well as a racing kennel/breeder of greyhounds she sees herself as a biggish trainer as well completely screwed up if you ask me I have reported her to the authorities for hoarding. The poor greyhounds live in squalid conditions and can sleep in their own muck these are the greyhounds that I have rescued. Now they live a life of luxuary with all the trimmings.They can sleep on the sofas my bed or one of more soft dog beds with blankets and other soft bedding in it. they have the run of the flat within reason. No crates or any other restrictions. I have four hungry lads to feed. You give your wee lass a big soft hug from us all. Lisbeth and the lads.