Quote:
Originally Posted by ARCHIE  This is something I have been working on for years! Yes, years.
I even hired a trainer to help. The key is SEE THE OTHER DOG FIRST
but that dosent' always happen. Last night we rounded a corner and
came face to face with a pit puppy, maybe 7-8mos old. Buddy went crazy and one leg came out of his harness
It was embarassing to say the least. If I see the dog first I get his
attention with look at me and we get past but if he sees the other
dog first a steak would not stop him from attacking! It's really insane.
I tried treats but when he get's into that zone there's nothing I can do
but drag him down the street and curse under my breath.  |
That would have scared me too!
Do you use just verbal commands, or do you also use touch -- a shoulder touch or turning his head toward you?
Our walking paths are such that I always see the dog coming. I've tried walking confidently with a loose leash so as not to signal that there is any danger. I've tried putting Max in a sit and stay. He sits waiting to go off on the passing dog or person. I've tried treats to distract. He eats them and chokes while barking. I've even tried his favorite Texas Toothpick, a rare treat for him, and he ignores me and the chew.
Recently I started picking him up and holding him tightly against my chest while breathing deeply and slowly. We have had about an 85% success rate with that routine, but there are certain people and dogs he has to bark at wildly.
I am going to work on "look" (focusing on me) in the house first as suggested above.