Oh god. Help?

Doom has NEVER had a problem like this before, Bobsie has always been mildly reactive, more from curiosity than anything, I think, but I never put her in situations where its an issue.

Tonight when I was walking them around the apartment complex a guy came walking up with his little Yorkie mix type dog... I'm not sure exactly what it was, it was pretty dark. Doom started growling so I said "Leave it" and tightened my grip on his leash. He stopped growling for a second, sniffed the air and threw himself backward out of his collar. Totally slipped it and darted after the guy and the dog. I tried to chase after him (with Winnie strapped to my chest, mind you, ugh!) saying "Doom, sit! Leave it!" the whole time, finally the fourth time I said it he sat down, but kept growling. I put his collar back on him, told him to lay down (which he did, STILL growling and completely intent on the little dog in the guy's arms), and started apologizing profusely for my dog's behavior. Luckily he laughed it off and said it wasn't a big deal, and dogs always seem to react like that to Riley (His dog's name).

I'm worried this is going to become a habit and I really and honestly don't know what to do about it. With Bobsie we just keep her leashed and away from other dogs (she likes to get in their faces and it causes problems a lot of the time. Not every dog likes another dog in their face wagging and barking). They both know they're in trouble and they're laying by the balcony door and pouting.

Advice on what to do about Doom? That was the most random bout of reactivity I've ever seen. Usually he grumbles and leaves things alone. I don't know what to do, especially if we run across Riley again, and I'm sure we will, because we live in the same apartments.

Bump?

For one, with it being dark, he may not have been able to identify what he was chasing very well. As hard as it is, try not to tighten up on the leash. That only makes the dog feed on your nervousness.

Also, if it's a common reaction that the other dog gets, I suspect Riley is giving off some sort of signals that trigger it.

I would suggest reading Click to Calm by Emma Parsons.

It's nice that you got a warning that there is a issue.

First off the throwing himself out of his collar nonsense has got to be a non concern. Either get a backup collar like a choke chain 2 sizes too big to clip onto your leash with your normal collar or switch to something like a martingale.

My lab is slightly reactive with male dogs and SUPER reactive with other girls. For her I've been working on a competition heel which will keep her eyes glued on me. This works wonders for moving past something that I know gets a reaction from her so we can work without correction.

The owner said "dogs always seem to react like that to Riley". There are some dogs that just seem to give out an off vibe. This may indeed by the only dog Doom things is growl worthy.

I would take precautions, like a martingale collar. But try to stay relaxed around other dogs, he might never do this again.

DEKKA
I would take precautions, like a martingale collar.

What a Troll. A martingale collar. Fracture the dogs windpipe, why don't you. Cruel, Cruel TROLL.

Premier Dog Collar, Martingale Collars, Dog Training Collars and Leads

For BillG, the supposed "certified animal behaviorist" who apparently does not know what a martingale collar is or how it works

but hey he wants to keep playing!

And I also never said I was completely anti prong, just anti prong unless there is a **** good reason for one. (not I am too lazy to train my dog and want this tool to train it for me)

These are awesome

LarzPetGear.com - Dog Leashes, Collars and Harnesses. - Home

:rofl1::rofl1::rofl1:

Any form of correction or correction collar is considered corporal punishment. You of all people should know that. You are not only cruel, but a hypocrite as well.

Dear BillG,
I think you're the troll. Since you have nothing useful to add to this conversation, kindly stay out of my thread. I don't like drama. Thanks.
Typhanie.

Everyone else...
Favorite martingales?
Wasn't on most of yesterday, had the flu. I will order a copy of that book today, though. Thanks for all the advice.

Have you ever used a martingale collar?

A martingale collar isnt used for punishment as much as its used to keep a dog from slipping out of their collar

I would just see how he reacts next time typh but definatly get him a martingale if hes proved he will slip his collar.

He's slipped his collar a couple of times... Usually to go after a ball that wasn't his. *eyeroll*

Don't make yourself right. It chokes dogs worse than a choke chain. A pinch collar is kinder. You are a fool. Don't ast for support from people to justify your use of torture devices.

Premiers, never had one break on us still have the one we got when we adopted Scirocco 6 years ago.
They arent fancy but they hold up IME. We also throw ours in the washer.

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh thats why its against my adoption agreement to use a choke chain on my greyhound but a Martingale is required. Prongs are worse on a dog that does not need one.

A martingale is not a correction collar. A properly adjusted martingale will not choke the dog even when fully tightened. If a martingale is choking a dog, it's not adjusted properly.

I've only ever used Premier martingale collars. They only come in solid colours though, so if you want something a bit more fashionable, you'll have to look elsewhere... I know Collarmania makes martingales.

Other Collars/Leashes and Harness Products - Premier Pet Premiers website.