sblock Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 I've been reading threads about reactive dogs and have gotten a lot of good advice. Here's my problem: I'm pretty sure Zorro's problem isn't fear. His behavior is more, well, belligerant. The other day, for example, DH was walking him and they stopped to chat with a guy who was walking a very friendly Newfie. Both seemed fine, sniffing and playing, when all of a sudden, Zorro barked and snarled at the dog. DH says the other dog did nothing to provoke this. I've seen ths behavior before, particularly when the other dog turns to walk away: Zorro will jump him. He does pretty well at doggie day care, although the staffers say he's sometimes "bossy" with the other dogs. How best to handle this? My solution has been to limit contact with other dogs during our walks (and I've gotten lots of good advice on how to do that here) but would like to teach him how to be a better citizen. Possible? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alchemist Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 How old is he? Has he been neutered? (Some doggie day care centers insist dogs be neutered, others don't, so I don't like to make any assumptions). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms.DaisyDuke Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 If he's bossy, I'd say more daycare and let him learn from other dogs what is acceptable and not acceptable behaviour. I am actually *this close* to adopting another bc and he's been at my house a few times already for overnights (a perk to being a long time volunteer for this rescue!). He is incredibly bossy with other dogs who are submissive/timid and gets really frustrated when my reactive dog tries to tell him off. There have been a few barking matches needless to say, no fights, thank goodness. The first thing I'm going to do is enroll him in daycare so that he can learn some manners. We are also incredibly vigilant and redirect him every time I think he's going to start something with Daisy. How old is Zorro and is he neutered? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammyd Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 I have seen something similar with Mia - who is also fear agressive and reactive But when she is calm meeting a dog if they pull away (or are pulled away but an owner) then she has a hissy fit I think it is attention seeking and not dealing with frustration very well Totaly agree with the more socialisation Also how about teaching a dog going away being a good thing?? If you can set up a few people with dogs, let them greet and then when the other dog is going to be taken away start rewarding your dog, so dog going away becomes a cue to look to you for a reward, a dog walking away is a good happy thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms.DaisyDuke Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 Also how about teaching a dog going away being a good thing?? If you can set up a few people with dogs, let them greet and then when the other dog is going to be taken away start rewarding your dog, so dog going away becomes a cue to look to you for a reward, a dog walking away is a good happy thing That is an excellent suggestion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblock Posted February 8, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 I agree--rewarding him when a dog walks away is a great idea. Zorro is 5 years old and neutered. We adopted him from a rescue last May. He goes to daycare about once a week and I think that has helped, but we still have a lot of work to do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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