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Author Topic: Agressive on the Lead  (Read 798 times)

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Offline JerryBerry

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Agressive on the Lead
« on: October 09, 2010, 01:15:04 PM »
If you came to our home, or met Jerry whilst he was running around in the woods off lead you would find him to be the loveliest natured dog imaginable.  He is fantastic with our three children and holds our middle daughter who has Down's Syndrome in especially high regard. In short he's been the perfect pooch.....exept that of late whenever he meets another dog whilst he is on the lead he snarles, barks, growls and pulls towards them quite agressively. Obviously he comes across dogs when he is off the lead and never reacts in this way, however there are times that he has to be on the lead and this is becoming a problem.  :-\   Any ideas on why? or any tips as to what could help would be great. Thanks!
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Offline Sarah1985

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Re: Agressive on the Lead
« Reply #1 on: October 09, 2010, 02:26:23 PM »
Does he have any doggy friends who hes particualrly fond of? It might be an idea to arrange to meet for a onlead dog walk and see if hes as bad with a dog he knows and likes.

Normally dogs are more reacive on leads if they feel threatened and they can get away. Was there a particular incident that set him off or has hee always been like this?

Id think about getting in touch with a good behaviourist. Its difficult to advise without having witnessed the behaviour.
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Offline mooching

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Re: Agressive on the Lead
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2010, 02:37:10 PM »
How old is he? Has he had any more "funny turns" like the one he had in July?
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Offline Karma

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Re: Agressive on the Lead
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2010, 02:39:55 PM »

Dogs are generally far more reactive on lead - there are only a handful of dogs I will let Honey greet if she is on-lead, as she is virtually guaranteed to "have a go" at another dog if they are meeting on lead...

Being on lead takes away the "flight" option in "fight or flight" and forces dogs to meet in a more confrontational manner (ie head to head, approaching in a straight line) and if the dog pulls on the lead, can pull the face which can make it look aggressive....

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Offline JerryBerry

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Re: Agressive on the Lead
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2010, 05:05:14 PM »
Mooching he's 2yrs 6months. No, no more funny turns and all tests came back normal, the vet mentioned something about "gundog fatigue"???....a sudden drop in blood sugar. This actually would have made sense as he hadnt eaten that morning (he was given a meal but didnt eat it). We always make sure he eats something now and carry a snack just incase.

Yes, I think what set it off was a run in with a particularaly nasty terrier...same one that bit my eldest daughter if anyone remember that post? I think its since then that he's been more troublesome on the lead.

Karma that makes perfect sense, thank you. Have just walked him and tried a high value treat on the end of his nose and the "leave" command - that seemed to help.
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