By: Jeff G

Jeff G — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:26:25 +0000

Get a good halter, a German made Sporn as I did after lack of success with Gentle Leader over the nose (he pulls it off repeatedly) or the chest halter, he still pulled like an ox, me trailing behind, etc.
Get him into doggy day care and he will naturally assimilate with other dogs who teach each other quickly the “rules” of the pack”, if he is very socially inept, some dogs will prob dislike him BUT the staff normally puts dogs of like temperment and sizes in with like dogs, so chances are: he’ll learn to get along, to make at least one friend, to avoid dogs he doesn’t like or are bullies (mine did) and learns most of all, best of all, WHO he is in the scheme of doggydom. Dogs are SO social, why do you think yours who seems to believe he is your “pal” suddenly bolts to get to other dogs, it is because he wants to do what comes naturally, meet and greet. Dogs who fear are those who get bit. Or who bite. Period. Fear is ignorance so he must NOT have been socialized young. He wants to BE a dog among his OWN kind so he repeats this scenario and fails cause he is socially inept. It is also as you see, potentially dangerous for him as well. He needs some doggy interaction and training.
Training. YOU are leader. Hierarchy YOU up high in bed on couch, NOT HIM. He understands and respects hierarchy, the wolves down to the dogs, hierarchy is everything. HiM behind YOU when leaving or going OUT the DOG not him first, leaders face dangers FIRST, not the weak, not the child, but the leader OUT the DOOR and IN the DOOR first, leaders LEAD. Dogs are simple not complex, keep commands simple, show love but lead and keep the hierarchy uppermost in your mind, don’t get lax and training is for the life of the dog, they always challenge rule and law, in the dog/wolf world, challenge means “You are leader NOW but I could be” so they test. Don’t give him an inch when it comes to hierarchy, keep it clear and simple. Don’t get lax.
INVITE him occasionally to the bed and it’s DOWN when you are tired of it, he should immediately go down. SIT STAY in any situation where he is not responding, at the park whatever, use sit stay and keep him focused on sitting until you give the “come” command or whatever YOU want. IT is NOT what HE WANTS. He wants a LEADER OR he seeks to become ONE. YOU don’t want a dog to lead YOU.
So at the park or wherever: He may learn a hard and deadly lesson from a really nasty dog who will NOT back down and you are there, standing helplessly watching the attack while that dog’s owner may be hundreds of yards away or not even present. Dogs do kill one another, it isn’t uncommon.
SO gain control even with distractions (other dogs) which you learn in training, be confident, keep a tight rein on him until he can learn to play occasionally and at YOUR discretion with one or two dogs at the park. Nice to be like the others grouped and laughing with their happy dogs (wouldn’t that be nice that HE fit in so YOU can feel ok about him for a change?) but until he is trained and socialized, you cannot do this. He needs to know who is LEADER and when you or others are done and don’t want to play, that he will “Come” and leave when you do. Other dogs will befriend him and recognize him at the park and play in the future, first he needs that training and socialization to know his place and not to fear his own kind.
So gain control over the situation and him. It will make both of you happy. Good luck.
Do check out the Sporn, it really worked on our headstrong monster lab and we actually enjoy walks again.

By: Dayna

Dayna — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:43:09 +0000

jeff g is right

By: Jesse C

Jesse C — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:10:19 +0000

try a gentle leader collar or haltie , its like a halter on a horse and gives you great control. you can get them at petco or any other pet supply store

By: Dusty B

Dusty B — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:16:52 +0000

I dont think he spends to much time with other dogs. you should try and take him to a dog park and just let him play and get used to them. He is a big dog. he can take care of him self. But just keep an eye on his behavior and they way the other react

By: Julie B

Julie B — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:16:50 +0000

get a harness for your dog that when he tugs it tightens and he can’t mve or get a shock collar but one that if he runs away and he dosnt come back after you call his name it will shock hi
ps it will just give him a little shock to get his attention

Comments on: How Can I Control My Dog When He Sees Another Dog?

By: Jeff G

By: Dayna

By: Jesse C

By: Dusty B

By: Julie B