How can I desensitize my dog from people, cats and other dogs in the city?

Question

I have a two year old female pitbull who now lives with me in a country setting, and I'm relocating to the city. She's not good at all with walking on a leash or being around other people or animals she doesn't know. This is a problem as I must walk her in public. I'm up for any advice to get past this problem, as well as any well-known trainers in NYC to help. Thanx!

Answer 1

double check and make sure pit bulls are allowed in the city...
but i know they will guard you well in the city, good luck sorry though no advise besides have your friends and neighbors stop by more often then introduce other animals before you move and give the poor dog a culture shock

Answer 2

I do not know much about pit bulls, however my dog Teddy and I moved from a country setting to Chicago about two years ago.

We used to live in a house with a 1/2 an acre Teddy could roam around on. We now live in a high rise and walk about 3 times a day.

Teddy was always friendly with other animals but was overstimulated once relocating to Chicago. It took him no less than 12 weeks to get used to the 1) cars 2) people 3) elevators 4) walking on a leash.

Slowly adjust your dog to going around town and keep her on a short leash until you are certain she will not do herself or anyone harm.

One thing that helped Teddy adjust was playing with other dogs (off leash) at a local dog park. Now that he has friends and is used the the city living he is much happier.

Good Luck with your move and your dog's adjustment to city living. It takes time and alot of extra time to get her adjusted properly, but is well work it in the end.

Jason
www.DogAdoptionGuide.com

Answer 3

If you have the time before you move, start the training now. Find a local trainer to help and start walking her in public on a leash. Never let her lead or drag on the leash. Never let her pass through a doorway or narrow passage way before you.
An adult dog must be taught through repetition. You can't socialize her the way you would a puppy. Getting control now will help once you get to NY. Then call around, even go and monitor a class or two at the Obedience Schools.

Answer 4

There can definately be insurance and other legal issues with some dog breeds in some cities, check before you go.

The question of desensatizing is still valid. First, make sure you have some time. This problem took you two years to build and it isn't going to disappear with one training session. just like any desensitization, it takes time to get your dog used to these things.

Start with the right equipment. I have trained large dogs on flat collars, martingales, head collars, slip collars, and pinch collars. each individual has a different temperment and different need. each kind of collar has advantages and is a tool to be used properly. I like a 9 foot, 3/4 inch, flat, nylon or leather leash. Avoid retractable leashes for this kind of training.

Begin with walking on leash. I would go with a formal 'heel' keeping the dog on your left side teaching them to sit when your stop moving. Practice in places that are quiet and distraction free. As you train teach your dog to attend to you, be unpredictable, and praise when they pay attention. Move gradually to environments with more distractions and noises.

When you dog behaves well on leash add people contact to your distractions. First, do this seperately from walking. Practice meeting and greeting a person on the street. If you dog knows how to heel, they should remain sitting while you greet the person. Then practice passing people gradually moving to passing people with other well behaved dogs.

the more distractions and people you add the harder it will get. try to make time to practice daily, enlist freinds to help and make sure they know what to do. I generally have people start by greeting me and ignoring the dog. As training progresses, I may have them talk to the dog, pet the dog, or even offer a treat. (Understand, I teach my dogs to take nothing from the ground or other people without my command.)

While this can be difficult training, it can also be fun, quality time with your dog and is worth every minute of effort.

Answer 5

When i went to nyc in september i saw like 2 pits at the dog park but maybe if you need to walk your dog get a harness and start walking her where you live now with it it will give you more control over her...the harness....... and maybe walk her in less busy areas or later when not as many people are around.

Answer 6

You are really going to have to be very careful walking her. I would probably use a good fitting prong collar and teach her simple commands to take her mind off of her wanting to be bad with other people and animals. Enroll her in an obedience class now and also after your move. Very important, CORRECT HER for her bad behavior.

Answer 7

Why not get on http://www.oprah.com
and see who Oprah uses to train pet OWNERS. Most of the time problem animals can be helped by their owners learning what that particular animal needs and wants.
You owe it to the dog to get some training for yourself and for her.
Pitbulls are wonderful pets, but I'd sure learn quickly what to do in your case or you'll be hit with lawsuits and maybe worse by city dwellers.

Answer 8

the purely ingredient i can say is that my canines learnt that my cat hates each little thing so they are not afraid, extra like they know their position. in case you study i'm positive there are strategies.

Answer 9

Just buy her a muzzle to wear,it would be cheaper then if she bit someone.she may get over it she may not but at least you tried and no one will get hurt.(pitbull owner,too)

Answer 10

take her on wakes with the leash on!!!
and maybe try to go to places she was not there yet
good luck