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Vanilla 1.1.4 is a product of Lussumo. More Information: Documentation, Community Support.

Training: Leash reactive

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    Hello, long time no post! My 14 month black lab, Polly, has developed a new behavioural issue lately. I've been sick for the last 3 months and haven't been able to walk Polly at all. For exercise, I've been sending her to doggy day care, which she naturally loves. However, now that I'm starting to feel better and ready to continue our regular walks, she has become very agressive towards other dogs when she is on leash. She lunges and starts barking wildly whenever she sees another dog, which she didn't do previously (although she always got excited). I know this is probably frustration because she can't greet the other dog properly (i.e., butt-sniff), but I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for dealing with this issue? I know she would never get into a fight with another dog since she plays beautifully with other dogs off-leash, but sometimes she scares the other dog owner and it is difficult to control her. I know doggy day care isn't really a substitute for proper walks, so her training has definitly fallen to the sideline lately. Thanks in advance for any advice!
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    If it were me and you were not going to allow the dogs to socially "meet" (sniff), I would distract her when another dog or person is approaching. Make her sit and have her back to them. Reward her with a cheerio or some small treat. I use Cheerios with mine when we are out and about for rewards. Since Miranda is out a lot for work, I keep a small pouch of them (they work on dogs as well as they do on babies!!). If I need to distract her, I simply distract her by making her sit, face me, keep a firm touch to her leash, and reward her. Of course, yall all know I am a big follower of Cesar Millan. I use sounds with my dogs to get them to listen to me, light touches to their sides or neck, if they seem ready to escalate. It works well usually.
    Polly is still young at 14 months old. She is curious about other dogs. It takes awhile for a Lab to mature. I WILL say that once you decide on a manner in which to train your Lab to do what you want them to do, you can expand on that. She is at a good age to train your own way.
    I am sure others have done other things to get their Labs to listen to them. Mine are just all food motivated, so the distraction and treat worked for me. You dont have to keep doing this....after awhile she wont be that excited when she sees other dogs. She might look to you each time for a treat, but she wont regress just because she doesnt get one each time. THAT is good news, huh?
 

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