Dog socialisation help

bspoke

I have a two year old yorkshire terrier/shih tzu cross. He has never really socialised with any other dogs as there are very few around my area and non of my friends or families are dog lovers (shame on them)

Recently as I have being bringing him for his nightly walk we have come across a male shih tzu around the same as (and coincidentally the same name) who roams around the estate playing with some of the neighbourhood kids.

Each time both of them start off sniffing each other and then rear up to attack each other with my dog being the more aggressive of the two.

This evening the same thing happened except for Max somehow wriggled off his leash and started chasing the other dog with me intoe about five foot behind huffing and puffing.:o

I remember on an episode of 'its the dog or me' someone having the same kind of problem. The presenter/instructor gave them a technique to avoid this agressive behaviour when they meet another dog while out walking, unfortunately I cant for the life of me remember the technique and trusty google isnt proving particularily helpful.

Any advice appreciated

Thanks:D

Sigma Force

For now keep the dog on the lead his collar might not be on tight enough, you should be able to fit two fingers underneath it but not too loose. Is he neutered? My guess is the other dog isn't neutered esp. if he's let wander around. Avoid going too near the other dog I know it's hard if the other dog is free to roam around, if you can find his owners make a complaint.
When you do see him distract your dog, bring treats with you and teach him recall. Mabey someone else has some more/better suggestions.

bspoke

Yeah it ried the two finger trivk last night after he had calmed down and I have retightened the collar so hopefully there willl be no more escapes.

I was also reading somewhere that if another dog approaches not too tighten my grip on the leash as then my dog senses my anxiety and is essentially trying to protect my. Dont know how true it is but I will try it next time

My dog has only recently been neutered (two months ago) not sure about the other dig as I didnt get close enogh to look lol bit difficult when they are running away ten feet ahead of me.

EGAR

Hi,

your dog will sense your apprehension if you hold your breath, tighten your grip etc. He then thinks he has to react. Try to be as relaxed as possible, act as if nothing is out of the ordinary and continue your walk. If you have problems with wriggling out of the collar try a harness .

Sarah

bspoke

Thanks guys n gals. The next time come across the dog I will just continue on as if he is not there and see how it goes. His collar has now been tightened up using the two finger technique. If he escapes from it after that im off to buy him a harness

Ruu_Old

My wife asks if your dog is neutered? If not then its probably a territorial thing between the two males.

bspoke

Yup he has been neutered. Thats what I would have thought other than the fact I know he has had the op

Ruu_Old

If you know of any dog parks about, introduce him to another dog on neutral territory (somewhere he doesnt normally go)

bspoke

Yeah anytime we have had him out on neutral territory (malahide beach, phoenix park) he seems to be grand maybe it is just a case of him being overly territorial

luckat

One small tip: if your dog is running after something, or running away, run *in the opposite direction*, calling him as you go.

With any adult dog - like yours - this will normally result in the dog running after you.