It is normal for dogs to respond to other dogs when crossing paths out walking.
Reactions vary from indifference, calm observance, some excitement, to an uncontrollable change in the dog’s behaviour.
In that highly emotional state, it is difficult for a dog to control itself or respond to the owner or handler.
Dogs are emotional creatures that live in the moment. Temperaments vary, the same as people.
As dog ‘parents’ it is up to us to try to understand your dog’s emotions and build a good bond.
Sometimes behaviours are genetic, some pedigree dogs that are bred to preserve ‘the look’ can be inbred or bred from close relatives.
They may have pronounced inherited behaviour patterns that can be difficult to manage or deal with, like excessive nervous energy, jumpiness and obsessive behaviours.
When getting a pedigree puppy, look carefully at the Certificate of Registration and Pedigree. These certificates name the sire, dame, grandparents and great grandparents.
Strong or over reaction can also be the result of previous negative experiences.
In either case behaviour can be modified with teaching, time and consistency.
Some dogs respond differently to just being on a lead, they are connected to the person and can be more protective, they also pick-up on lead tension – aim for a loose lead.
Most dogs can learn and understand 50 – 100 words.
The famous ‘Chaser’, a female border collie (the book by John W Pilley), knew the names of more than one thousand toys and could retrieve any one of them when asked.
Teaching your dog begins at home with minimal distractions, for at least ten minutes a day.
Training ought to be enjoyable, deepening the bond and should produce positive results.
If you do not know where to start, seek guidance from an experienced dog handler.
Dogs understand in black and white, no grey areas like: sometimes, maybe, later, soon.
We want to give a clear yes or no, acceptable and unacceptable. Some sensitive dogs may respond to a “ah-ah” or more pronounced “no,” others may need a more assertive correction (not punishment) like a leash tug and release or blocking by standing close and in front of the dog.
In the next issue I will suggest progressive training techniques for dog reactive dogs.
