dog goes nuts seeing other dogs

[mistysmom]

Hi all,

I have a wonderful 8 month old collie who heels BEAUTIFULLY (you'd never even know she was there) on walks until she sees another dog! Actually, it seems to be only larger dogs and dogs who act aggressively. She will walk calmly by small or calm dogs, but when any dog (especially large ones) barks or does anything like that when they walk by, she goes NUTS! She also goes nuts when we walk by dogs in their back yard fences who are barking and carrying on behind the fence.

She has been well-socialized, and even has several doggie friends, though all of them are small dogs.

I've tried treats, trying to get her to do obedience (sit-stay, etc), and of course saying 'NO', etc.

Since she is a large dog herself, this is very difficult.

Has anyone successfully dealt with this before? Will She grow out of it?

Thanks!

[Global Paw]

Probably the breed...I would reccomend that you invest some money into getting a remote controlled shock collar, or an ordinary choke chain if you want her to be on a leash.

The shock collar works very well with issues such as yours. But, if you don't feel comfortable with this tool, I would put your dog through several 'training' sessions, where you purposly expose your dog to her 'triggers', the point being to correct her right away, and many times.

[dogx3]

Sometimes our dogs react to slight changes or shifts in our body. One possible cause for your dog's reaction to larger dogs may be that she is sensing something from you. Often times we unknowingly tense up or tighten up on the leash if we see a large dog heading our way. I do it. What could be happening is that your dog now feels that she must protect you from this large dog as you have somehow signaled to her though very subtlely that you are unsure about the dog approaching. Her only defensive option is to bark and tell this "potential threat" that they are to stay away. I'm only suggesting here as I have not seen your dog in "action." But just to be sure pay close attention to your own reaction, however small or slight, to a large dog approaching. The same protective reaction does not occur with small dogs because there does not seem to be any cause for alarm just because they are small.

[Lilly'smom]

Sounds like she is scared, I would take her to some group obedience lessons.
Make sure the trainer puts you in a class with some bigger breeds, that way the trainer can help you help her and she gets socialized with bigger dogs.

[Carrie]

I'm against shock collars for almost every situation. I believe any dog can be trained with traditional methods if the trainer knows what they're doing. Mistakes are too easy to make using them. You can inadvertantly punish your dog when it's just about to obey. The timing must be precise. They are dangerous in the wrong hands. You can make your dog terribly neurotic. Some of them, I've heard misfire. I strongly am against them.

With this situation, your dog is still young. She needs practice in situations such as a class where the dogs are similar in age. Has she been to puppy kindergarten? You could practice getting her attention around her doggie friends at home first. Have her heel, sit, stay, watch while the other dog is nearby....that is, if she's ready for that much of a distraction. You need to introduce distractions slowly.

She needs to learn to focus on you. You can practice this at home without distractions. Teach her to watch. Hold a treat up in front of your face and say, "watch." When she makes eye contact with you, treat and praise. If you're using clicker training, click and treat. Teach that disciplined watch and eye contact with you. This will come in handy when she is tempted to divert her attention. She must not be allowed to go berserk when you're asking her to heel. What kind of collar are you using? What other obedience training is she receiving? This discipline is something I strongly believe in. Without it, you and your dog will be flailing and out of control. Most dog owners make the mistake of forgetting to praise lavishly when their dog does something right. When she settles for even a few seconds, she needs to know what she has done right. Emphasise what she does right, rather than what she does wrong.

If she's food drivin, use tiny treats, mozzerella cheese or homemade liver treats. (I can give you recipies if you like) Don't use run of the mill biscuits or kibble. Really motivate your dog to do what you're asking. Be sure and don't give the treat while she's going berserk. But the minute she gets calmed down, treat and praise.

I hope this helps a little.

Carrie