Socialisation issues

[paddizak]

We've recently started to experience some unacceptable behaviour from one of our hounds, Zak, when meeting other dogs out in public. He's previously met and got on well with a number of dogs, of various shapes and sizes, in enclosed areas (our home, or theirs) and been quite enthusiastic, but polite, meeting and greeting, then pretty much indifferent.
As we live in a very rural area, he has not had many opportunities to meet other dogs in the street etc. - the first few times we took him in public places, we put his muzzle on if a dog was approaching, but he never showed any aggressive tendencies , so we left the muzzle off, but still keep him on the lead if there are likely to be other dogs around (as we do with Paddy, even tho he's always 100% friendly - 'just in case' the other dogs are less so, or owners are nervous of big bouncy greyhounds!)
More recently, Zak has become a bit unpredicatable when passing dogs in the street - sometimes he is absolutely fine, other times he barks loudly at them and even snarls on occasions. This tendency seems to be getting more serious, and I'm not sure how to deal with it; at present I shorten his lead, put myself between him and the other dog, and try to reassure him before he starts to react. This has some success, but there are still times when he will bark quite fiercely - particularly if the other dog shows an interest in him.
Paddy, our other hound, shows none of this and always wants to go up and make friends, wagging his tail wildly and whining gently if not allowed to say hello!

I'd appreciate some ideas on what might be going on in Zak's mind, and how to try and turn this situation round.

Anthony

[Flaperoo]

How long have you had Zak? Is he neutered? If he had previously been ok, did anything happen that made him change?

Could it be fear? I have dog who was apparantly ok, but take him outside and he was very different. What is his tail position when this is happening?

Most importantly keep calm because any anxiety you might have will be transmitted down the lead in a nano second.

Zak sounds like a lovely dog, you just need to get to the bottom of what might be the cause of his anxiety.

Good luck

Mary X

[paddizak]

Hi mary

We've had Zak for about 6 months now. He's a lovely boy and vey affectionate and playful - increasingly so as he has settled down and gained confidence. He was neutered shortly before coming to us (but tends to be rather more 'boyish' and assertive than Paddy who has not been 'done'). I'm not aware of any particular issues which may have caused this change. He was a little wary of other dogs when we first met him (had a quick growl at Paddy first time they met), but the barking etc. has only really started in the last month or 6 weeks.

I do wonder if it could be fear, as he is fine in his own home, or other familiar houses / pubs, but gets so 'assertive' with other dogs out in the open. Some days he'll pass by without any reaction, but on other occasions as soon as he gets within 3 or 4 yards he will give two or 3 loud barks. Usually a firm hand on the lead and stern 'quiet', followed by some gentle reassurance will calm him down and avoid any real problem, but if the other dog shows an interest in him, or barks back he gets more vocal and may strain to get at them. This seems to happen with both dogs and bitches - at first I thought it was more with bigger dogs, but now I'm not so sure! I've not really noticed his tail, as I'm more concerned with making sure the other end is under control (plus keeping an eye on Paddy who's trying to pal up with the newcomer on my other side!), but will try and make a note of this next time it happens.
I guess part of the problem is that we live in quite a remote area, so don't come into contact with other dogs much when out on our regular walks, making it a bit of a novelty when it does happen (possibly adding to any anxiety)- usually when we've gone out to a local town, which is obviously another 'strange' situation.

Anthony

[Flaperoo]

Hi Anthony. How is Zak doing??

Mary X

[Lisa]

Can you check if the dogs he is reacting to are entire males? Ive actually seen it before with a pair of male dogs where the more laid back and accepting one was entire but the castrated one became aggresive as he recongnised the potential of other entire males to have a problem with his companion. Have you ever found that entire males have a problem with your entire male when the castrated one is around and witnessed it?

[grommit]

Hi,

Just wanted to tell you about our situation. We are having the same problem with Phil. He's neutered and we've had him and Paris for about 4 months now.

We had stopped walking with the muzzles as saw no need but have now had to muzzle for every walk. Phil snapped at a friendly lab that came over to him to say hello and has snapped at a small terrier so i feel we can no longer take any risks.

I really dislike walking them with their muzzles as i find less people stop to say hello, thinking you are walking 2 dangerous dogs Couldnt be further from the truth with our pair of softies! They adore people but have no dog manners.

I have been researching a few local dog training classes to try and help our 2, Not sure whether this might be an idea for your dog?

Anyway sorry for such a long post, just wanted to tell you about our situation and say you are not alone!

[Nettie]

Are your dogs being walked onlead and are the dogs he's snapped at been offlead? You often find that dogs onlead that are approached by offlead dogs tend to be more iffy than if they were offlead, the choice of 'flight' has been taken away since they are confined by the lead. Obviously if they are not safe off lead then your only option is to muzzle your onlead dog.

When street walking, before you start your walk decide on the length of lead you want to have, put the loop around your wrist on the side that the dog is not walking, hold the rest of the lead in your other hand at a length you want. Hold both your hands comfortably in front of you at about waist height, don't let him pull your hands from this position, set a pace that is comfortable for him to walk at as well as yourself and keep walking, only stop when you decide he can stop, not when he decides he wants to stop especially when you are street walking. If you shorten the lead when you see another dog then Zac is going to be alerted 'oi oi oi what's going on here then? He's shortened the lead, where's the other dog, must be trouble.' Try and stay relaxed and continue walking even if he's being gobby, just walk on by, don't break your stride, don't say anything, exude confidence.