Lunging

[Billys mum]

Today whilst on the short walk to the park, Billy lunged aggressively towards a lady walking passed. There was no warning, no growling and she had almost gone passed us when he did it. This is the second time this has happened in 10 days. Billy is 3 years old. We have children who he adores and he loves to get fuss from adults at the park but only on his terms. If they approached them he would probably run off. He is a fearful dog and is not comfortable with new visitors to our house. But this lunging is a new thing and it has really worried me. I was so nervous walking back from the park, worried that it would happen again. I will contact a behaviourist tomorrow but does anyone have any advice or has experienced something similar.


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[lescef]

Hi. I think the usual solution is to teach an alternative behaviour. Firstly, give your dog more space to get past people even if it means crossing the road or diving up a drive so he can't practice the behaviour. 
Then teach an alternative behaviour.  It could be using a clicker so that he looks at you, a walking watch, or throw treats on the floor and say find it. Once he can do that start to do it when you see people from a distance and eventually move closer to the trigger - as long as he looks at you and is calm give a reward.
The sniffing for treats on the floor is good if you can't escape a tight situation!  Hope this helps.

[lilliegez]

hi my cocker is also nervous of strangers particularly if they go to touch her.  I now carry treats and if someone asks to stroke her I say she is worried of people she does know and can they drop her a treat on the ground instead of stroking her.  this way she gets something positive from the stranger but she isn't frightened by them.  I also got her a leash sleeve that says dog in training please do not disturb just to make people aware.  ive been looking for a dog class that focuses on socialisation rather than just obedience in my area but haven't had much luck.

[Patp]

Jinley hates anybody wearing red coats - she can spot them a mile off!!

[ejp]

Yes, I have a fear aggressive rescue girlie. This is something she does on occasion. I always make sure I am between her and the person we are meeting. I talk to her to try to keep her attention of the approaching person, and if they have a dog, it is even more important to maximise the space between us. Your behaviourist will help, as this is who advised me to make a barrier and increase the space where possible. Good luck.

[MIN]

we make Gemma sit up with " eyes on me" command  if someone with a dog is approaching. She will lunge and scream at them otherwise. Strange because when working she ignores them. With her I think its being confined to the lead