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over excited by other dogs

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Wolfie
Novice

Mar 8, 2004, 12:32 PM

Post #1 of 9 (2463 views)
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over excited by other dogs	Can't Post

In a few weeks I am going to be adopting the family dog and he is a lovely creature, but because he has lived most of his life on a secluded farm he gets over excited when he sees other dogs. He pulls on the lead, whining and barking, desperate to go over and greet the other dog. This usually worries the owner of the other dog, so I don't want to let him get too close, especially because he just might start a fight.

Does anyone have any tips for controlling his over excited behaviour when he sees other dogs? I just want to distract him somehow or make him understand that other dogs aren't anything out of the ordinary.

Any tips are appreciated. Thank you!

always,

Wolfie

surchinmy
Ultra ALPHA

Mar 9, 2004, 1:12 AM

Post #2 of 9 (2457 views)
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Re: [Wolfie] over excited by other dogs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi ...

Much depends on how old your dog is and the nature of his reaction when he sees other dogs ...

The age, maturity & nature of reaction will determine the suitable "method" you ought to use to "socialise" your dog to other dogs and people generally ...

Research the internet and check the forum threads on ... socialisation of dog ... conditioning of dog ... dog training ...

And it will also be a good idea to get a good dog training book/manual ... check the threads, there are several suggested training books listed ...

All the best to you, your family and dog ...

Cheers Smile

Wolfie
Novice

Mar 9, 2004, 4:02 AM

Post #3 of 9 (2454 views)
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Re: [surchinmy] over excited by other dogs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for replying.

The dog is around 10 years old and he usually has a high pitched whiny bark when he sees other dogs. When the other dog comes close he will pull on the leash, trying to get to the other dog. His reaction isn't aggressive, more just over eager to say 'hello', but another dog might not like that attention.

I have had a look around on the Internet for tips on socialising dogs, but all I could find were ones referring to shy puppies which he clearly isn't. *laughs*

He is pretty well trained in all other areas, just needs to calm down around other dogs. Any tips or tricks are appreciated. Thanks.

always,

Wolfie

surchinmy
Ultra ALPHA

Mar 9, 2004, 8:14 AM

Post #4 of 9 (2445 views)
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Re: [Wolfie] over excited by other dogs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello ...

Okay ... a fairly senior doggie ... the one in your avatar? ... Good looking fella ... Smile

Think you are right ... if the dog is making short high pitch-like barks then it's most probably because he is curious and wants greet the other dogs ... and you are also right, if your dog approaches too enthusiastically ... it may put off the other dogs.

The basic approach to socialisation with a shy or over enthusiastic dog is reasonably similar ... the underlying idea is to get the dog used to being around other dogs & people ... And with the enthusiastic dog, you also want to get some basic training done ... to help you keep the dog under control when you need to ...

You may wish to adopt a double prong approach ...

(a) Start regular training sessions ... do the "recall, sit & stay" ... as the dog gets used to you ... move on to teaching & training "heel" ... ... Do this regularly ... just short sessions to begin with ... With a fully mature dog, it is good if you move immediately to build your bond with the dog ... Ground your "recall, sit, stay & heel" well ... these are the commands that will help you maintain control over the dog when other dogs approach ...

Check out this thread on condition & reconditioning a dog ... The basic method can be applied to many situations with the relevant modifications ...

www.puppy.com.my/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=108691;search_string=reconditioning;#108691

(b) If it is at all possible ... take your dog to "doggie" parties ... where you & dog gets to meet other people & their dogs in an environment where people and dogs are used to each other ... Alternatively, and even better, if you have a dog experienced friend with a steady, friendly and socialised dog, then set up meeting between the dogs ... and acclimatise your dog to the presence of another dog ... and let the other dog teach yours what is acceptable behaviour ...

And like I mentioned before ... if you are not familiar with basic training methods ... get a good training book/manual ... it will be well worth every penny ... Understanding the basics of training makes life much easier ...

Cheers Smile

(This post was edited by surchinmy on Mar 9, 2004, 9:07 AM)

Wolfie
Novice

Mar 9, 2004, 12:56 PM

Post #5 of 9 (2440 views)
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Re: [surchinmy] over excited by other dogs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank so much for your advice!

I think it is a great idea to re-enforce basic training with him. He already knows the basics, but I do believe it would be good for me to work through the basics with him just as a bonding exercise, as you said. It will help me to get to grips with actually controlling him as well, which is something I don't do often.

He will get the opportunity to greet other dogs, although not all of them are as eager to make friends as he is. There are plenty of people who walk their dogs by our house, so I will have to ask them if they would mind introducing their dog to mine.

Yes he is the dog in the picture and he is getting on in years; his handsome face has the most charming white whiskers now. It will be a pleasure to help him make friends with the locals, once I get the hang of it. Sly

Thanks again for all your advice, I will keep you posted on how we do.

always,

Wolfie

surchinmy
Ultra ALPHA

Mar 9, 2004, 8:57 PM

Post #6 of 9 (2434 views)
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Re: [Wolfie] over excited by other dogs [In reply to]	Can't Post

*deleted*

(This post was edited by surchinmy on Mar 9, 2004, 9:07 PM)

surchinmy
Ultra ALPHA

Mar 9, 2004, 8:57 PM

Post #7 of 9 (2434 views)
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Re: [Wolfie] over excited by other dogs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi ... again ...

If you plan to approach "strangers & strange dogs" to help you with your mature dog ... then maybe you'd like to give this article a read ...

http://www.mckaynine.co.za/on_lead_socialising.htm

I believe how you & your dog handle the first few encounters with other dogs will be of paramount importance ... The first few encounters will likely set the tone and tempo for other occassions ...

I would suggest that you do the following BEFORE attempting "on-leash socialisation" with other dogs ...

(a) Give your dog reasonable & sufficient time to settle into his new environment and new routine ... with you and your family ... An assured dog is a calmer dog ...

(b) Start your own training sessions in-house ... before venturing outside ... re-condition and re-ground all the basic commands ... the more obedient your dog is, the better your chance for successful on-leash socialisation ...

Keep training sessions short and upbeat ... Try always to end on a successful note ... Short but frequent sessions are best ... repition & consistency ... with praise & reward ... are keys to successful training ...

The training sessions will teach your dog about you and vice versa ...

In dog encounters, the owners play a very important and essential role ... a dog that has learnt to respect and accept leadership of it's owner is more likely to behave than one that has not ...

You might like to first try the re-conditioning method previous posted ... before your first encounter ...

If at all you error at all ... it's best to error on the conversative side ...

General Cautions:

*** Learn as much as you can about dog language & signals ... search internet ...

In encounters, you need to watch the dogs carefully ... if the dogs establish direct eye contact ... start moving your dogs away from each other ... don't wait for growls or snarling or raising of hackles ... When dogs (especially those who do not know each other) establish eye contact ... it's time to take evasive action ...

This is one time ... we must appreciate that ... dogs will be dogs ... and dogs are not humans ... a dog's perspective is not the same as ours ... their idea of individual space, acceptable and unacceptable behaviour is quite different from ours ...

*** Do not underestimate the speed or strength of your dog

We almost never hear people say: "The dog is biting me" ... Mostly we hear: "I have been bitten" ... Dogs are fast ...

So, you need to be on your toes, and move in anticipation (understanding dog signals will help with this) ... And dogs are strong, your fella looks quite substantial too ... Smile

*** Control & manage the first few encounters with known factors

Please if at all possible ... plan the first few encounters with dogs you know, and with friends who know dogs ... If you can, do encounters with experienced dog people & experienced dogs ... you maximise benefit while reducing risk of any untoward incidents ...

Plan & carry out the encounter in neutral territory.

*** Exercise the dog

Before each encounter ... maybe exercise your dog & tire him out first ... this can help take the edge of your dog ... making him calmer and more receptive to your lead and command ...

I do believe that what happens during the first few encounters is very important ... And for that reason, I would want to prepare myself and my dog as much as I can before attempting an encounter.

Cheers & ALL the best Smile

(This post was edited by surchinmy on Mar 9, 2004, 9:06 PM)

Wolfie
Novice

Mar 11, 2004, 12:28 PM

Post #8 of 9 (2418 views)
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Re: [surchinmy] over excited by other dogs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks again for all your advice.

I have been dutifully taking notes so I will be prepared when our dog arrives. You have really given me a lot to think about and some excellent suggestions.

His previous owner always used to yank really hard on his leash when he got over excited which I really hated and never did any good. I just know with the right preparation, practice, and patience we can become calm around other dogs.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. I will let you know how things go. I am already feeling like I am on the right track. Wink

always,

Wolfie

surchinmy
Ultra ALPHA

Mar 11, 2004, 7:39 PM

Post #9 of 9 (2413 views)
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Re: [Wolfie] over excited by other dogs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi ... you are most welcome ... And I respect very much your decision to give an older dog a home ...

All the Best ... Smile

(This post was edited by surchinmy on Mar 11, 2004, 7:52 PM)