I'm glad Dutch is okay after this incident. I agree with Ann, more desensitization to other dogs. Also, work inside your house on things like "watch me" and basic obedience. Then work outside on these commands when there are not dogs around.
For instance, stop walking, have Dutch sit, then walk in front of Dutch so that you are facing her. Tell her to "watch me" so that she is focused on you. If she is food motivated, give her a tiny treat when she does these things. My boys are not food motivated outdoors, so we use praise.
Max gets excited when he sees other dogs. I make him sit and tell him to "settle down." We sit and wait until the other dog is no longer a distraction. Sometimes we duck behind parked cars or some other obstacle that blocks the view.
In general, I remind myself that I can't tune out or let my mind wonder when I am walking the dogs. I keep a firm grip on their leashes because I never know when the UPS man or a motorcycle will sneak up on us. These are big triggers for my boys.
If I let my mind wonder, then my dogs are not in tune with me.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy  |