Why is my dog unpredictable around other dogs?

by Linda
(Hamilton Ontario Canada)

Got her as an older dog, age 5, at first she barked at everything and all dogs, would snap and growl at most dogs if they got nose to nose. Now she is selective...some dogs she adores immediately on first meeting, others she still does the same thing as before. She is fearless around all other dogs also. I want to take her to the dog park, but am concerned about her behaviour.

She was also very timid around people, ducked her head when they tried to reach out, so I stopped it. She is also very "skittish" around noises or someone walking close to her.

Rescue Remedy helps, but I don't want to use it all the time.
thanks

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Feb 23, 2012
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Unpredictable dogs
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

Thank u. I also looked up on web to read about it. I also remember some Victoria Stillwell shows on Animal Planet that talked about certain collars that are out there that work on the same effect. She recommended them to participants in her shows for anxiety. She has a website that might direct u to the name of the collars that u could research.

I foster when I can & I have a group of people that will help socialize with habits ur 5 yr old has. Even 2 or 3 friends that may come to ur house & sit on ur floor & let ur dog approach on his or her own pace. Have them start by just handing the dog a treat no touching. Work touching in the 3rd or 4th time. Remember if ur pup does not like the hand coming above their head scratch their chin. We sit & play cards.

Use hotdog cut a slice & cut into 4 or 6 pcs. It is not quantity of treat but quality. This will not correct all the issues but it is a start moving forward to a more socialized & confident dog. Good luck

Feb 23, 2012
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Rescue remedy
by: Linda

It is a homeopathic [actually a Bach Flower mixture that is for calming, originally for highly stressed situations in humans, but also works on pets. You give 2 to 4 drops on a treat or a piece of food. It doesnt make them sleep nessicarily but is an excellent calmer. Some vets have it for sale in their offices here in Ontario.

Feb 21, 2012
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Building Comfort Levels
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

What is Rescue Remedy? Soom times what helps is when the other dog is in the room treat urs 1st then the other dog so they look at each other as good things. This also helps when u bring a new dog into ur house. A rule of thumb is always treat, feed & pet first the dog that was their 1st. They have senority.

If at the park u ask people to help the dog become comfortable I'm sure they will. Sometimes dogs do not like a hand coming toward their head from up high so have folks try to get down to the dogs level & scratch their neck by going under the chin.

Try while starting out that the dogs u introduce are the same size or smaller to build up the comfort level & try for dogs more in the companion family then in the terrier family to build their trust of letting another dog get into their space. Good luck.

Feb 21, 2012
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behavior on the leash
by: Iris Miller

I learned from reading a lot of training info. that my dog is picking up my energy and fearful signals,even by the tension on the leash, and by being connected to me on the leash my dog is also being more protective of me, because I am not showing continual confidence and assertiveness while walking him, and when approaching people or other dogs. I was not always conscious of my own fear (that Tuffy picks up on right away) of other dogs attacking my dog, or my dog frightening a person, especially when they are jogging and he goes berserk. I have to remain alert, pulling the leash close and make my dog sit immediately to disperse that energy.We need to be constantly aware of our own feelings and attitudes because our dogs are super sensitive to that energy. Our dogs know when we are not leading and feel the need to take charge. we need to continually self train to be the boss.
hugs and love from Iris and Tuffy

Feb 21, 2012
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Wary of people until she knows them
by: Connie

My Coton is 6 months old and will avoid people if possible, but will accept dogs more easily. I find that an extending leash is useful, because it allows me to give her some freedom to choose her own path, yet when I deem necessary, I can ensure that she doesn't just avoid all people she passes. When using a fixed short leash, we end up almost dragging her past which can result in excess adrenalne and she poos herself.
Also, we attend weekly obedience classess, that have more structure than some of the puppy classes available.
Hope this helps

Feb 20, 2012
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Freak on a leash
by: Kirby's Mom

My dog is the same way on the leash. I was also worried about taking him to the dog park, but to my surprise, he's a total angel at the dog park. He also gets along with dogs really well indoors. It's something about the leash that makes him go buck wild. Seeing new dogs pretty much makes him spazz. He's usually OK with dogs once he's met them, but he'll still bark at them sometimes. I can't always get him past the initial freak-out. Once I tell him it's OK, he's usually OK. I just have to say something like, "That's Oreo, Kirby. You know her. Be nice." I don't know why that helps him, but it does. Now, getting him to not freak out with squirrels and bunnies, pretty much impossible.. :D

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