Dogs gone crazy (on walks)

[Sugah]

So I'm having a problem with Moosh (1 1/2 yo Newf) and Molly (2 1/2 yo Irish Setter). I've started taking them for walks four times a day instead of using our backyard. While they love the walks, a behavioural issue has become apparent.

They both walk well most of the time. Moosh just ambles along behind and Molly walks on the other side. Very little pulling if any (and it's only Molly who pulls to sniff something).

But when we pass another dog, or they see one nearby, they go into total freak out mode. Molly instigates it - she's a high strung, energetic dog who doesn't hesitate to be vocal when she wants something.

So imagine us walking, one 120ish pound Newf and a 60 pound IS going wild, whining, barking, trying to yank towards some person walking a small dog (they're mostly small in our neighbourhood.) I yell my apologies and assure them they are really just SUPER friendly and want to play (neither have an aggressive bone in their bodies) but I'd be irked if I was on the other side of the road.

I've tried changing course when I spot another dog nearby. I've also tried to distract and just keep walking quickly by and not allow them the chance to get riled. But sometimes it just doesn't work.

I'm at a loss as to what to do. Separately, they have decent manners (although could be better) but together they lose all sense. And while I can deal with the pulling now strength wise, in a few more months that won't be possible.

Thoughts??

thanks.

 

[wrknnwf]

Some random thoughts...

Part of this is possibly immaturity on both dogs' parts and MAY tend to resolve itself, BUT, until you regain control, walk and train them separately. Otherwise, they are getting to "practice" their misbehavior regularly. We all know that practice makes perfect. And you or someone else may end up getting hurt. It's worth going the extra mile, so to speak.

Try a different collar or no pull harness. This won't prevent pulling or lunging, but WILL help you control it while you train.

Be certain to reward for correct behavior EVERY TIME. And lots of praise.

If you have doggie friends with well behaved dogs, ask them to help you practice proper greetings and such.

Enroll in a CGC (what's the Canadian equivalent?) class and do your homework religiously.

 

[chumleysma]

I have the same problem with my 2 1/2 yr. male Newf, though he does it only with certain dogs on our walks. I too have no idea how to fix this, so I contacted a training facility recommended by my vet. Imagine my surprise when the trainer told me they have classes designed specifically for my dog. He's now enrolled in reactive training starting next week. If I understood correctly, these reactive dogs are rewarded for showing even 5 seconds of restraint. They then work on building up to longer time periods. If they digress and go reactive, they're removed (I think), then try again. In her evaluation, she watched one of her reactive dogs with my dog, both handled on leash. It was like a barkfest, but my dog eventually got quiet and she had me praise him. If I learn any great tips, I'll be sure to pass them along. Also, I'm not sure how this applies to two dogs feeding off each other, but I could ask.

 

[wrknnwf]

Reactive classes are generally for more aggressive dogs, so I would watch and ask questions first to see if that is a reasonable option. It may or may not be. These classes are not for the wimpy handler. They can be intense, tension filled sessions in the beginning.

If your dogs are just wildly exuberant, regular obedience training with lots of successful practice sessions should help.

I'm not discrediting the reactive dog training. It is a wonderful option for certain dogs. Just check it out first.

 

[Murphy]

Ok.. I am not a trainer but believe in them as I had one help me with my Murph when he pulled me towards other dogs as a youngster. (youngster meaning 150lbs). Many have different view points and there is not a one fits all answer.. But the turning point for us was when the trainer taught me how to walk him on a prong collar. The difference was immediate and after he hated and avoided haltey type collars he would willingly walk into the prong for me to fasten. Never had a problem after. You will get some more educated answers here.. Just wanted to share what worked for us.

 

[mrs big dogs]

I trained mine to stop all activity at the word WAIT, and what I do is step aside if we are on the same side of the street and tell them to WAIT, it works well for me

 

[lmfoltyn]

The halty collar and the command WAIT worked wonders for Jake. He was a hellion to walk with, now no problem. It took a few weeks of everyday training though to get him used to it, now he will just sit by me and let other animals or people just pass us by. Good luck to you as it can be very trying at first!

 

[Sugah]

Thanks for the comments! Neither are aggressive, just exuberant. And honestly, Moosh is well behaved on her own - we do therapy work and she's pretty good at greeting in a mannerly way. But add Molly to the mix - reactive to everything - and it's a mess sometimes. I don't mean to blamer her (love her to bits) but she has always been a problem child. We went through training when I first got her as a puppy and even the trainer was at a loss. People can't even come into our home without her barking and whining and trying to run up and jump all over them. I'm the only person she won't jump on.
I guess it's back to obedience for her...
Just for your info - Moosh wears a face halter, which works until she tries to pull backward out of it. It's the only thing that works. I've tried a prong and it's like I'm just using a flat collar, and she still pulls against a harness. Molly wears a sensation-like harness.

@chumleysma If you're there, and can ask, I'd be interested what they say. But be sure to note neither are aggressive or dominant in any way.

 

[R Taft]

I am a bit of a combo trainer, no set way, just what fits the dogs..I love the word "wait" to be taught in training. It is so handy. But for it to happen you need to have a good reward history, even when they are misbehaving. You need to get their attention and when you get it reward. This starts in the areas where they are not distracted and you take them to areas where distraction is greater step by step. to the point where their name or the word "wait" or if you like the words "who's that" makes them automatically turn to you. Even before they think about it. I do this with all pups/dogs now. And the dogs get more orientated to you. It becomes all about you.
I like the front attaching harness if the dogs are likely to keep pulling, but I now also attach it to the flat collar as they have been known to pull to far to the side.
It is illegal to use the prong in Australia, hence it is not an option and we have had to find different ways.
I like teaching dogs one on one and if you have friends with dogs, use them in a safe environment to get htis all happening. When you can get it one on one, start doing both at a distance and get closer as you are getting it with both.

We do socialization classes here, which is some basic obedience, but teaching dogs to meet and greet stranger dogs appropriately and politely. We change dogs all the time, so that dogs do not get familiar with the group.

Walking dog meets dog and circle work is great for this. Avoiding often makes things worse, so train them whilst they are young, before the behavior sets

 

[RiverTheNewf]

I found that my two were feeding off each other two, so I worked on walking them each independently. It was much easier to work with them individually. There is no good way to correct 2 dogs because the timing is always off, in my opinion. I realized that Mal is the reactor, River just feeds off his energy. She doesn't react when I have her alone. I got some solid commands for River, and worked on re-direction and impulse control with Mal. Now I can walk them together but it's still easier to do it separately. Takes longer, but it works for me.

 

[CoCo2010]

we have a similar issue with our Newfy CoCo (22 month old). With all the other issues we have had with her Epilepsy we have sort of overlooked it..

Its now getting an issue to even meet any type of dogs when out walking. Coco will lunge quite aggresively, but if shes off lead she will go submissive immediately when we come across another dog..

We use a face halti type collar, which works great at controlling her head but she will turn and pull backwards and has come out of it a few times.

I try and correct as soon as she notices another dog but she can go from 0 to 10 in a second.

Not got any advice really, just very interested in what everyone else has to say.