Please help - Barney's lunging at other dogs

[elmuervo]

Well, it had to happen.

After the horrible incident with the Weimeraner in the park a few months ago Barney had become really reactive with other dogs and would start barking and twirling when we were near one. So, we decided that walking Barney and Ellie around the streets was ideal as Barney Boy isn't allowed off the lead anyway, and there are far fewer loose dogs out of the park than in it for him to have a go at.

Anyway, we've noticed a worrying trend with Barney really wanting to lunge at the few dogs he does meet when we're out, which is a bit of an escalation from the excitement of just barking and twirling.

Well, last night he outdid himself. Some poor mongrel was just walking past him (they were both on the leash) and Barney just flew at him face first and nearly scared the poor dog and his owner to death. Barney was wearing his muzzle (thank GOD!) so there was no harm done, but it was a very close shave.

I really desperately need advice as to how to start breaking him of this awful behaviour. I have contacted Jim Greenwood twice and am waiting to hear from him, but in the meantime please can anybody help? ;D ;D

We so don't want walkies time to become a stressed-out ordeal.

[Flaperoo]

What sort of leash does Barney have? Keep him on a very short one.

Has he had any socialisation training? If it is fear agression, if so socialisation training WILL help.

Both Flash and Roo sufffered from this when I first got them, Flash is now comfortable around other dogs. Roo is still worried by them but does not lunge or try to attack any more, just avoid.

But much more important....How confident are you? Are you the pack leader? If you are Barney would not do this. Your confidence will transmit to him straight down the lead.

Easier said than done, but try to relax and Barney will respond.

Good luck

Mxx

[elmuervo]

Thanks so much, Mary. Your advice is truly appreciated. ;D ;D

Formal socialisation starts next Monday. Both Barney and Ellie are attending dog Day Camp at the local pet resort at the suggestion of their in-house trainer. They are being dropped-off at eight-thirty and are going to stay all day - we pick them up at about five. If they do well in pre-assessment then they'll be gradually introduced to the group, and then they'll be able to play all day in a huge indoor compound with the other day-campers (poor Barney - he'll be knackered!). If they don't, I'll probably be getting a 'phone call at about quarter to nine! Anyway, the idea is to take away the novelty and fear of having randomly-shaped mutts coming towards them, so that they learn the difference between dog-fun and dog-danger. Fingers crossed.

Barney is walked wearing a RuffWear harness, so he is attached to the lead mid-body. The harness also has a handle by the lead-point, so it's ideal for when very close control is required. On reflection, though, I do think that perhaps he should be double-leaded with one attached to his collar, so that his head can't flail independently of his body!

I think you're timely and absolutely right with your comments about us needing to re-establish our pack-leader status. Barney's only been with is since April and we started really well with ensuring that he knew exactly where in the pecking-order he was. We made sure that he never went through doors first, knew who was in control of his food etc. However, he does have a dominant personality and recently he has been pushing the boundaries in a variety of different ways. He has become a little defiant in some situations (stubborn as a mule!), and there is the lunging problem. I think that because things were going really well we probably slipped a little and became a little too lenient with him. So it's time for a change - I've been less cuddly and more authoritative with him, and have ensured that he knows that when we're out he is not the leader. Time will tell . . .

Gosh, I hope he improves.