Help! new problem!

[Melissa S.]

OK...I have 2 dogs, and when I am by myself, I can only walk one at a time-obviously. My PBT Rosie, who just turned 1 year, has started this new thing when we go for a walk. She is typically very very sweet, and is well behaved. Lately, If we encounter another dog(s) on our walk, she immediately becomes on the defense and if the dogs approach us, she automatically thinks they want to fight-which has been the case most of the time. I do not know who lets their dogs out unsupervised, and if there are multiple dogs that approach us, it is difficult for me to break them up and try to leave. Rosie is VERY VERY strong, and wears a harness and short leash. I tell her "No" and she ussually obeys, unless there is another dog approaching. Can anyone give advice on what to do on our walks? My other dog isn't like this, and is very submissive and nervous when another dog approaches. Thanks in advance for anything helpful!

 

[Renee750il]

I'll have to do some thinking on this one. It sounds like the problem really lies with your irresponsible neighbors, but since Rosie's a Pit, she's going to get blamed for absolutely everything, even though she's the one on the leash, restrained like she's supposed to be.

What are the laws in your town regarding dogs being contained?

 

[tl_ashmore]

I've got the same problem. All dogs that are outside are supposed to have a collar and a leash. But, there is this one dog that I will use as an example. This dog lives two houses down from me, and every time I go to take Beulah for a walk, that dog will start barking and growling at Beulah, and run over in our yard. The dog is like a rat terrier or something. A little bitty thing. I know if Beulah ever got a hold of that dog, that dog would be no more, and it would most likely be mine and Beulah's fault. There are several dogs just on my street that are just running around. They all have collars on, so I know they aren't just strays. I was also very shocked to see a pit running loose the other day. No collar, no nothing. Beulah really hates it when another dog comes our way. She is VERY territorial. It's gotten to the point where I can't even take Beulah for a walk down the road.

 

[Melissa S.]

Glad to hear you are in the same boat, TL. 2 dogs that consistently run up growling and barking at us are both Chihuahas (sp?) I know that if they got too close, it would be verrry ugly. I am sure we have leash laws here, but that doesn't stop people. I hate to not be able to take her for walks, as she needs the exercise sooo bad.

 

[Renee750il]

You know, it might be time for a trip - in person - down to the animal control office or to whoever is in charge of leash law enforcement to have a sit down with someone. Get the problem on record so that if something unfortunate happens you've already made a record that you have your dog leashed and you've established the aggressors.

If - and only if - your dog is one of those that is a real baby doll with strangers, you might even consider taking him/her along with you to illustrate your point.

 

[Melissa S.]

Good advice Renee..I might just do that. The last few days have been worse, in the fact that now Rosie, because she had bad experiences with dogs on walks, is getting riled up even by dogs that we pass that ARE on leashes, and in our backyard when they even just walk by. Before now, she has maybe barked a few times, but has not tried to jerk my arm out of socket or charged the fence to interact with the other dogs. Anyone have training advice on how to help keep her calm on her walks when encountering another dog?

 

[tl_ashmore]

I wish I could help you out, but I am needing the same advice.