I had a flash giveaway planned for today, but I shifted it to tomorrow (so stay tuned for that!) because I need to gripe a little bit and solicit some advice.
As you know by now, I’ve been working with Lucas and Cooper on reactivity.
They are affected by different stimuli, and they respond totally differently from each other. Lucas fixates on perceived threats. He stares down another dog/bicycle/whatever until he gets himself wound so tightly that he explodes. Cooper has no impulse control and flies off at first sight of something that might be threatening. For both of them, I’m working on the same thing: When you see something that scares you, look at me and you will get cheese and be safe.
And it’s been going phenomenally well.
But, for both, it was a work in progress.
All our work is being put to the ultimate test in our new home for three reasons:
- There are no sidewalks, so we have to walk in the street. Somehow this makes them feel less structured, and they wander away from me instead of sticking by my side. Not good. Not safe. I’m reinforcing “with me” like crazy.
- There are cats everywhere. Some seem like strays – raggedy, thin, cuts and bruises – while others seem like outdoor cats.
- And the biggest problem of them all: People let their dogs run loose.
The guy across the street lets his dog out the front door, and the dog just goes wherever he wants – which includes “going” wherever he wants – strolls around, then eventually heads home. You might have seen on Facebook last week that Cooper and I got charged down the street by a loose Chihuahua. Last night, while washing dishes, two spaniel-looking dogs wrestled and romped up and down the grassy median that runs through the middle of the neighborhood. Then, this morning, Cooper and I had to cross the street as two dogs burst out of a house (perhaps they had an invisible fence, but I don’t know and it’s not like those are reliable) as their person stood on the street putting things in his truck. He looked up and yelled, “Cut it out!” to his dogs, then across the street at me, “That looks like a good dog.” In my head: No thanks to you, buddy.
Our training is being put to the ultimate test.
Then, the other day, “So here’s something,” I texted John. “There is a man walking his dog with soda and flexi lead in one hand, baseball bat in the other.” And he wasn’t dressed for the park. His dog was little, a fluff ball, so maybe there have been altercations with some of the loose dogs?
I mean, I’d certainly prefer Patricia McConnell’s How to Stop an Approaching Dog in an Emergency technique (if you haven’t watched this video, please do). It’s one thing if I’m walking Emmett who doesn’t react to or get worked up about anything so I could focus my attention on the approaching dog, but if I have the other two…
John wants me to start carrying pepper spray, which I do have tucked away in my jewelry box… you know, where it can be most effective.
Anyway, I could go on, but this post is getting kinda long, and I’m sure you get the picture! I guess the only “solution” is to ramp up our training and figure out a strategy for deterring an oncoming dog.
But have you experienced anything like this? Are loose dogs around where you walk? Any tips or tricks? Commiseration?
How ’bout one of those citronella sprays? You can also toss treats in an approaching dog’s face to distract them while you make your getaway. I would also begin to take notice of your immediate neighbors’ routines and plan walks at times when it’s less likely that dogs will be out and about. Best of luck and I hope in the long run that this new challenge is overcome and Lucas & Cooper develop the skills to deal with off leash dogs.
I think citronella spray is going to be my go-to! I’m definitely ramping up the training, and I’m trying to look at this as an opportunity to really refine their reactions. Thanks so much for the suggestions!!
We have those issues where I am and last week, one escalated to the lab across the street running into my yard as I was walking Titan and went to attack. I didn’t have my breakstick that I usually walk with so I had to kick the dog twice to keep it from Titan. Animal Control is like non-existant here so we have to take matters into our own hands. I told the guy to keep his dog on a leash and so far he has, but that doesn’t account for us not being able to walk up or down the street because of other strays.
So sorry you have to deal with this. What is Animal Control like there? Is there a leash law? I know you don’t want to be the new kid on the block and start reporting these folks but could eliminate a potentially dangerous situation with your furbabies.
Yikes, Bren. What a mess! I haven’t had experience with AC yet, but I’ve heard that they’re like they are in a lot of places… understaffed, overworked, putting out fires. I hope your situation resolves itself, too. Titan deserves a safe place to walk!
We have a lot of dogs in our neighborhood. I have ever only seen 1 not on a leash. I have to admit that dog is very well trained – to the point of last week I was driving by and becuase a car was going to go by the owner had the dog stop and back up to be next to him. Great training…then a rabbit ran by, across the road behind me and next thing I know the guy is in the middle of the street making sure his dog does not react. Good thing he didn’t and they went along thier walk, but I have seen a “well trained” dog get hit by a car and die in front of me. This being an older dog that “always listened and never ran off”….but not that one time. I am forever traumatized and would never walk my dogs off leash. We even have rules about having the walk through garage door open to the back yard where the dogs are and when that can be open based on if there is any possibility at all the overhead door would be opened. A little overprotective…you bet. But overprotective and happy with my 3 dogs is better than heartbroken with only 2.
YEP! I’ve been called overprotective once or twice (or, like, a million times…) but I’d rather be overprotective and have everyone safe!!
Around here it’s mostly little dogs that are allowed to run loose. If you see anything bigger than 20 lb. it’s probably lost; but I’ve seen a number of little dogs roaming in the same area day after day. One loose min-pin made one of Hershey’s first walks with me a living hell. She was super excited to see this dog and wasn’t paying any attention to me and practically pulling my arm off. I tried to run the lil’ beast off but it kept following us. finally someone else distracted the little cur for me and we made our escape. Now I’m responsible for a little dog myself and that’s just what I’ll be, responsible. Graham already walks beautifully on a leash and only goes loose in the nice fenced yard he and Hershey share.
Bren: You’re not the only one. Animal Control is worthless here too!
That’s interesting, Erik. I wonder if little dog owners just expect their dogs to stay nearby? Or big dog owners are trying to be preventative? It sounds like you’re on the right path with your little one!!
The trainer we went to says to keep the leash behind you. For example, if the dog is on your right side then the leash goes behind you and in your left hand. If the dog tugs or is looking at another dog, use your body to tug the leash so the dog is paying attention to you. Be consistent and the dog learns to watch you or just look ahead with you in his peripheral vision, staying slightly behind you. His dogs are so well trained, it’s incredible. He has videos on Youtube, “peace love and pitbulls”
We failed. I don’t stick with anything though and you seem to be doing a good job with training.
That’s a good tip. I’ll definitely give it a try! I’m working on the “right” system for leash + can of cheese + bag of treats + citronella spray… and, of course, keys and cell phone! Oh, and the dog! 🙂
I always let my puppy run loose but only when it’s time for a walk.
She would run and left me behind for 3-5meters and no more.. I guess she’s scared to get lost? LOL
I only train her with hiding whenever she runs too far (about 10-20m back then), and when she started to search for me, I’ll show up. It’s been a behavior and now she never went too far anymore.
I suggest you to tell your neighbor to buy a Puppy Phone when it’s available. i’ll put the link up.
LOL! I never would have thought to train a dog for off-leash walking. That’s pretty cool.
Ugh. Sorry, Maggie, what a mess. And we can relate. We actually have a neighbor who let’s their dog run loose and the dog then comes into our yard where we walk Bella on a leash (it’s a big yard…) and attacks Bella in our. own. yard. Really frustrating.
I like Married With Dawgs ideas especially throwing treats – that’s a good way to distract the approaching dog. But honestly, when push comes to shove, you have to do what you have to to protect your dogs. And if the people who let their dogs run loose aren’t there to protect their’s, that’s not your problem.
I would try to carry citronella spray or a “Dog Dazer II” or even a can of that “Pet Corrector” compressed air stuff. None of it would really hurt the approaching dog but could deter them. Problem with all of it is it could also frighten your dogs…
Geez, I wish I had an answer for you. Do you have animal control and leash laws? If not, do you have parks where you could take the dogs instead of around the neighborhood? Good luck. Perhaps in time you will get to know your neighbors well enough to talk to them about your dogs and how their dog’s behavior is making it difficult for you?
OMG, Leslie. You’d think that you’d be safe in your own yard of all places. Sheesh!
I’ve gotten into the habit of taking a full treat bag, and I’m looking into getting citronella spray. I think the problem is that I’m the “odd man out” in that everyone just lets their dogs out. I think it’s not a big deal around here, so I’m not sure getting to know the neighbors would change anything. I’m sort of resolved to the idea that my focus is going to have to be on my dogs – their training and their safety! Of course, I don’t want them hurting another dog either…
This sounds awful; so sorry you are going through this. We have been having issues with 2 neighbors next door and it has become like a war. The thing I wish I could do differently is to become friends with them and more people on the block, so when we ask them to leash their dogs and explain the reasons why it won’t be a big deal. So maybe start with the hardest ones first and just become friendly, so they can sympathize with you?
Ugh. I know you’ve mentioned that a couple times on your (fabulous) blog. What a nightmare. So far I’ve only actually seen one other person when I’ve been out with the boys, but I’m going to make an effort to befriend whoever I can! My strategy is to use Emmett to do so… If I see people out and about, I’m going to take him to introduce myself because he’s so dang friendly, everyone has to love him! 🙂
I agree with my friends suggesting citronella spray. Pepper spray is painful and could backfire. It’s what the volunteers at our SPCA use during dog playdates.
I don’t suggest this lightly but if that many dogs are running around loose, you’re going to have to find a way to relax. Your tension could worsen Cooper and Lucas’s issues.
You might need to sit back and evaluate the actual risks in this new culture before you come up with your final plan. You’re not in Kansas (bloomington) anymore, Toto.
I’m going to give the citronella spray a whirl. That’s a great suggestion!
And you’re absolutely right: It’s a part of the culture here. I’m not going to make any headway talking about leash laws or calling animal control. My whole goal is to focus on training my guys and having a back-up plan (like the citronella spray) in case of emergency. Because the reality is that these dogs are all used to each other. I’ve never seen an altercation among the loose dogs around. MY dogs (or, at least, Lucas) would be the problem!!
We have the same issues here…no sidewalks, loose dogs, more stray cats than I can count. Welcome to the south.
Many of our regular walkers actually walk with some sort of “walking stick”. one guy uses what looks like a golf club with no head.
The only person brave enough to walk their small dog-also walks their boxer and almost always walks with two people. We’ve had a couple loose dogs so bad the police had to shut down the road until animal control could get there.
In summer it’s too hot to walk. By next month we’ll be having 100+ degree temps. In Winter-they are walked by the dog walker in the middle of the day when many of the loose dogs are sleeping under sheds and in dog houses and such at their homes. Oh, and we go hiking somewhere out of the neighborhood.
That explains baseball bat guy…
I’ve been trying to get up and walk them super early, though we may attempt late evenings, just to see which time of day we have the most luck. But I think I may have to throw in some mid-day walks… suck it up and do it in the heat of the day, just to have the roads to ourselves! Thanks for the commisery!!
It’s really difficult and I’ve found that trying to talk to some of these people just doesn’t work. I’ve become super vigilant on our walks and try to keep a lookout for approaching dogs, then I redirect my guys before we encounter them.
If Delilah is going to react, it’s because of the leash so when I have no other option, I drop the leash. So far it seems to work for her, of course I always chance that she will take off on me, but in my eyes it’s far better than having her bite another dog and dealing with all of that.
Redirect is my magic word! I think you’re right that talking to them won’t change anything because, really, I’m the only person who seems to have a problem with it! It’s just the way things are done around here. I haven’t tried dropping the leash yet, but it may come down to that… Only time will tell!