I have had my rescue cross lurcher for about 6 weeks now. He is fantastic with the children and family but a little nervous with other adults. I do know he was mistreated as a pup. He is about a yr old. He loves to play with other dogs and is usually very good natured but if he is on the lead he is very aggressive to other dogs. Even the ones he plays with off lead. He is brilliant off lead and always comes back when called. He also growls at men who approach him but is ok if he approaches them first. Apart from this he follows me constantly around the house and seems a little submissive but does normally have a lovely nature.
2006-11-21 09:07:30 · 19 answers · asked by Julia R 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I think u should take him to some obedience classes , but make sure he is around other dogs while learning
see if that makes a difference
2006-11-21 09:12:32 · answer #1 · answered by kmmswimma 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When on a lead, his ability for fight or flight is resticted and he becomes anxious. Exercises that reinforce his perception of you as leader of his pack will put his mind at ease because then you will be in charge of such decisions. A good obedience program may help with this. If you can become his top dog, he will be secure and comfortable in many situations that now disturb him. The shelter or program where you got him may have good advice. They are bound to have run into this before. Check also on any breed info for breed traits that may give you insight. What ever you do, do not appear to approve of aggression by soothing or comforting actions. Take him away for a time out. the less response the better until you get help with what's going on.
2006-11-21 17:17:52 · answer #2 · answered by character 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He sounds like a reactive dog. For whatever reason, dogs on leash are frustrated in their efforts to meet/get to other dogs on leash. I work almost exclusively with these type dogs. The three D's; distraction, duration and distance. You need to anticipate the situation that will lead to reactivity; as much as possible, there are surprise run-ins. Then you distract the dog away, by going in another direction, using a food lure, or hiding behind some obstruction. Duration; keep the inter action at a minimum and move you dog off with a pleasing, to him, tone of voice lure. Distance; desensitize you dog by incrementally varying the distance between you and the objects of reaction. Mix and match all three methodologies as the situation warrants.
PS. SPCA's have classes in this problem area.
2006-11-21 17:29:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's probably agressive while on the lead to show the other dogs that even though he's restrained he's still in charge. It's the 'get them before they get me' thinking, same as abused children do. You need to be the leader. Keep him right by your side, do not allow him to pull you or on the leash, and firmly tell him "no" when he gets agressive towards other dogs. I'd only allow him to be on the lead with other dogs till he can stop being agressive. I think it's great that you've taken in a previously abused dog. We adopted our puppy too and she has the abused characteristics too... it just takes lots of time and lots of love, and it might not seem like it, but it takes firm rules... show him that you are the boss and he'll know that you'll protect him.
2006-11-21 17:16:26 · answer #4 · answered by starsmoak 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
your dog is afraid that if he was attacked by another dog because he is on the lead he will not be able to defend himself or run away. Perfectly natural, if you had you hands tied you might worry that you too would not be able to defend your self. Life is primarily about survival. Take him to training classes he will quickly calm down on the lead when approached by other dogs. Classes are about £5 each and take about 1 hour once a week try it it will improve your out time withyour dog.
2006-11-21 18:44:30 · answer #5 · answered by patrick m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you need professional help with this one, some times the previous treatment can play a roll in this. Try to reward him "only" if he shows the type of manners you want him to have. But serousily get a trainer, there may be other reasons. some dogs will be agreesive if thier not altered, and sometimes thier just think thier top dog.
2006-11-21 17:22:12 · answer #6 · answered by julie k 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you know the answer to this but needed reassurance. When taking a rescue dog, there is a lot of work needed. Most rescues will explain this and emphasize this issue. You have a lot of work ahead of you to get your dog social among everyone and everything. There is hope, if you can prove to your dog that you are the Alfa dog and you are in control, you will be able to teach your dog to get over his issues. It will take time and consistancy. Expect a minimum of one years training, maybe longer.
2006-11-21 17:21:28 · answer #7 · answered by Yutow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be that its in him for being mistreated, you dont really know what the first owner did to him because dogs dont forget, but having a loving owner like you, in time he might grow out of it. with growling at men he seems to be protecting you and making sure they dont come near or he'll bite you need that kind of dog nowadays, he's showing his love.
you did'nt say what he is crossed with. if it seems to be getting you down why dont you go to a pet shop for there's a spray what you can buy. you just spray over their head and the hissing noise distracts them in what they are doing. it cost £10 pounds but its worth it, i have one and it works brilliantly.
2006-11-22 12:27:44 · answer #8 · answered by loppy loo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He feels trapped when on a lead or is being protective. try turning and walking in the other direction when he reacts to other dogs then turning back when he is calmer, I saw this work on tv. Mabye he was attacked by another dog while on the lead.
2006-11-21 17:15:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
comes down to one of two things.
1, not very well socialised
2, just over excited and just wants to play (strange but true)
may Dal was EXACTLY the same.
socialisation classes will help you, tho your dog for the first few times will be best if put in a muzzle.
good luck hon.
xxx
2006-11-22 04:22:02 · answer #10 · answered by sasha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋