how to teach your dog to relax on lead after being bitten

[jujuli]

Today Charlie was being walked by my son on a quiet road/lane near us, and a small terrier who was not on a lead, or even very close to its owner, ran up to him then literally just started going for him.  Charlie didn't fight back but couldn't go anywhere because my son had him on the lead.  My son tried to get in between them but this dog just got Charlie on the nose and he ended up going home with a bleeding nose.  Charlie has always been a bit frightened of small dogs, particularly when he is on lead because he was nearly attacked a few times when he was younger (though never actually bitten) and now he always gives a little growl when he is on the lead and a dog gets too near to him.  I feel I am really going to need to build up charlie's confidence to be close to other dogs when he is on a lead now as obviously this incident will have reinforced his fears about little dogs.  I try not to let him greet any dogs on lead nowadays if I can possibly help it anyway.  If anyone has had any experiences of this or any advice I would really appreciate it.

[MaggieR]

Not had any experience sorry, but think you're right in trying to build his confidence back up again slowly. Am sure someone who's had experience of it will be on soon.  Gentle squidges to your boy tho - hope his nose is ok 

[jujuli]

Thank you.  I have bathed it but think it is a bit sore as he keeps wanting to sit on my lap which he doesnt normally do. But I am enjoying the extra cuddles.

[Rufus MacD]

Aw poor Charlie. Hope he recovers his confidence soon.

[stephremon]

others may say different but this is what I would do: each time you see another dog approaching - you have to be looking for them, get charlie to sit and 'watch' you holding a treat in your hand. talk to charlie in a neutral voice and stay calm, you can use a clicker if you wish and once the dog has passed click and treat or praise and treat. You can do this for any size dog so that he associates a dog walking past whilst he is on lead with a positive experiance - food.  Hope that helps

[jujuli]

Thank you for that, really helpful, have started giving this technique a try and think it will work.  Have to be very vigilant though. 

[Happygal]

sorry to hear of this awful experience and cuddles for Charlie, hoping his confidence improves

[bluegirl]

Think I need my eyes testing and quickly. Saw the thread title and thought it said "How to teach your dog to relax on the lead after being beaten ".

[stephremon]

please to hear you thnk Charlie is making progress and yes.. you have to be very vigilant... eyes in the back (and round the sides:P) of your head...

:S at bluegirls post  lol

[jujuli]

Think I need my eyes testing and quickly. Saw the thread title and thought it said "How to teach your dog to relax on the lead after being beaten ".

Oh dear, I do hope I didnt give you a fright 

[stephremon]

how is Charlie doing? x

[ollie nathan's mum]

P0oor Charlie, I have no advice sorry, but hope he recovers very soon.

[penguins87]

Hi I'm sorry to hear  about Charlie and for your son . It's not nice when you are acting responsibly and minding your own and this type of thing happens

My daughter had the same thing happen with one of my neighbours dogs it just attacked my girl and it frightened the life out of both of them . She is sixteen so not a child but felt awful she could not protect her dog .

We spoke with a local dog trainer and he suggested a couple of things that might help.
One was to always walk with a small can of pet corrector spray it gives my daughter more confidence and to be honest if she had one when the attack happened it could have just been enough to focus the other dog . The second thing was for a while always put yourself between anything at all and your dog while out walking so dogs bikes buggies etc . It will help build  confidence back up again knowing he has a buffer . Third was that it's perfectly acceptable to ask other owners with dogs off lead to re call their dogs away from yours until you and Charlie feel ok . 

Hope this helps but I'm sure more tips will come along some great people on here with lots of experience

Take care big kiss to Charlie

[jujuli]

Thank you for some great tips and for your concern  .  My son is also 16 and I think he felt, apart from being shaken up, he was quite cross afterwards because the owner obviously had no control of their dogs, (their other dog was running round a nearby field at the same time, not under any control).  Unfortunately, when he walked away he heard the dog yelp loudly and he thought the dog had been smacked  .  Charlies nose has healed up now thankfully and he is responding well to his training.  I havent tried to get him close enough to other dogs to worry him and am continually trying to gauge the best distance for him to feel ok with other dogs on lead.  He is fine with dogs off lead though.