His tail wags because he wants to play, but he is too hyper and scares other dogs. Its not aggression, thats not the problem. I want him to get along with other dogs and play so he gets comfortable around them and calm. Help?
2007-01-27 12:42:36 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I love the energy of this breed! Try introducing him to a pup, they too are hyper and playful. Just use his play time as a training tool, if he gets too excited discipline him the same way his mother would, by grabiing his muzzle firmly and pushing down. Pits are very playful & protective, so chose his friends wisely.
2007-01-27 12:55:00 · answer #1 · answered by Gianna M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Has your dog been neutered? Has he received obedience training? Usually, those two items will calm dogs. Keep in mind that a "trained" dog is not necessarily obedient. There is a huge difference. Even small puppies learn to "sit", but will he sit and stay, even if you walk away? Will he stay calm if you tell him when he's around other dogs? If so, this is an obedient dog that's received proper training.
My advice is to get obedience training and neuter him, if he's not already neutered. Plus, in most dog play groups, neutering is required. Once you have these done, start taking your dog for nice long walks. This will allow him to bond with you, socialize with people and be "around" other dogs. I put that the word "around" in quotes as it is NEVER a good idea for your dog, when he's on his leash, to interact with another dog (especially if that dog is also on a leash). Leash aggression is an issue, even for the calmest of dogs. But let him see other dogs, and give him the command to just sit by your side. This way he knows there's other dogs there, but he knows you're in charge and it's O.K. Keep in mind that obedience training is for both you and your dog - you receive training too, which is key.
Later, enroll your dog into a "doggie day care" setting - perhaps once a week (as they can be a bit costly) - where he can interact with other dogs. He'll learn to socialize more and over time this will calm him.
Hope this helps!
2007-01-27 12:55:41 · answer #2 · answered by doctoru2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's great to see a non-dog-aggressive Pit! Good PR for the breed.
Anyways, perhaps try taking him to local dog parks to get him used to playing nicely. Try really exercising him before you go so that he is somewhat tired out by the time he gets there and isn't at his full energy level. Look in your area for dog groups and classes. The shelter I work at offers classes/playdates for energetic dogs to run around with each other and to train their owners on how to manage their energy at home. Petcos and Petsmarts also have events around holidays at their stores that he might benefit from attending. Just going and seeing other animals on a regular basis in these public places should alleviate some of the hyperactivity when he sees them in the future.
Because he is a pit bull, however, always make sure that he is properly leashed and under your control. People that dislike pits can sometimes over-react to small things like jumping or barking loudly in public and further the breed's bad name
2007-01-27 13:04:35 · answer #3 · answered by dog7788 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How much regular exercise does he get? Pits are strong, smart dogs and need to be challenged both physically and mentally on a daily basis, or they can end up overly excited with no outlet for their energy. The best thing you can do is take him on a long (hour or so) walk every day, or play with him hard for an hour a day, or a mix of the two. That will help him release most of his energy and he'll be much calmer when greeting other dogs.
2007-01-27 12:52:08 · answer #4 · answered by lrachelle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will not fight with other dogs just because he is a pit bull. While pit bulls CAN be dog aggressive if not well socialized, a lot of them are just sweet happy go lucky dogs. But because he is a large powerful dog, just be cautious, and until he can play well with other dogs, don't leave him unsupervised around them. I think you should talk to an obedience trainer who can help you with this kind of situation. And this is a little bit far fetched. But have you watched the Dog Whisperer? His name is Cesar Millan, he works A LOT with pit bulls, and helping with behavioral problems like this. He teaches dogs how to properly interact with other dogs. You might want to look in to getting his book, or possibly sending in a video to see if he can come to your home and help you (he is a sucker for pit bulls). I hope this helps, and i hope your dog will be able to play with other dogs soon!
Dogs LIKE to play with other dogs. I think you should try to solve the problem before secluding him from other dogs forever.
2007-01-27 12:53:36 · answer #5 · answered by Stark 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a dog park nearby? Take him to a dog park where he can run freely with other excited dogs. If he is too excited for that then take baby steps. Walk him near other dogs and reward him lavishly when he behaves politely. When he gets too excited, don't let him play because this rewards him.
Good luck! The pit bulls at the dog park that my husky and I go to are the lives of the party so hopefully you'll make progress and yours will be too :)
P.S.- connect with other pit owners in your area. I've noticed at my dog park that pit bulls REALLY enjoy each other's company.
2007-01-27 12:52:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him for long long walks so he is tired down a bit. And just because his tail wags doesn't mean he is happy.
2007-01-27 12:51:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why does he have to play with other dogs? Why don't you play with him instead. I don't let my dogs play with dogs outside of the family. Why risk it? Take him somewhere fenced in and play ball or Frisbee or hide n seek with him.
2007-01-27 12:53:24 · answer #8 · answered by manetna2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give him 1 vitiman b12 tablet(for people) from local pharmacy 1/2 hr before he's arround other dogs this will calm him down.
2007-01-27 12:54:45 · answer #9 · answered by rose01 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
give him some whisky, that will calm him down!
2007-01-27 16:34:20 · answer #10 · answered by dodgetruckpimp 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋