Another bad walk experience.

[ann g]

As I was walking Frodo today, someones small dog ran out of their garage, charged him and barked uncontrollably at him. This happens almost every day, we encounter loose dogs running around us. How on earth is Frodo suppose to have positive associations with other dogs when this keeps happening. I live in a military community and they don't enforce leash rules. I understand that most of the time these are smaller dogs but just the same they are making him more fearful. He has never bit anyone or another dog but I am worried that one day he will. Where will that leave him since he is the bigger dog and in most peoples minds, the mean German Shepherd. I bought a Halti headcollar that that seems to get him in control better but I am still scared every time we walk. PAST INFO- he was nipped at a few times as a puppy when he was being walked(by loose dogs) do you think these situations have caused permanent damage?

[DaneMama]

Can you get off of base to socialize him? If running into loose dogs is a normal thing and it's not a positive situation for him, I wouldn't do it anymore. And negative actions against him like a dog attack can definitley have negative effects on him.

[ann g]

Our neighborhood is not on post but about 8 miles away, there really is nowhere else around to walk him. The whole subdivision is like 1100 acres and I walk him all over. The dog park in town is small and I can't take him there anymore. I guess I'll have to find some rural ares with access to go to. If a dog got to close and he were to bite, would there be no fault to owners who are carelessy not monitoring their dogs? Not walking Frodo is definately not an option. He is such a wonderful walker, it is a shame that all these experiences have taken such a toll on his confidence.

[DaneMama]

It really is a shame. Are there no open spaces or national parks nearby?

He definitely needs to be exercised, but in a safe environment so he doesn't get worse. But if you don't work with him soon on it he will get worse.

[ann g]

Not that I know of, Im not completely familiar with this area yet. I just hate that he feels so threatened. He is so happy to go on walks, it kills me that one little dog can ruin his excitement. He's my best friend though so I'll keep on trying.

[SuriLove]

You can only do so much if another dog is off leash - the other dogs owners would be at fault.

I would knock on their door say a neighborly hello and explain your situation and if they would consider leashing thier dog so you can walk yours in the area, and that you are only looking out for the interest of both dogs.

[StdPoo Dad]

Do you have a Home Depot in the area? I take Seamus to Home Depot practically every day. They *love* him there! He's the Home Depot mascot. Some HD's though, may not be dog friendly. I guess it depends on the management. But I'd ask if there's one anywhere near. Lowe's is the same way.

Not that I know of, Im not completely familiar with this area yet. I just hate that he feels so threatened. He is so happy to go on walks, it kills me that one little dog can ruin his excitement. He's my best friend though so I'll keep on trying.

[g00dgirl]

Also, tractor supply stores or feed stores generally allow dogs. Is there a public park you can go to? Usually dogs are leashed when in the park (not the dog park). Maybe you can carry a spray bottle for the little yipper- I'd talk to the owner first though. Or carry treats that you can throw towards the dog to take it's attention off of your dog.
What about driving to another neighborhood or downtown area?

[Veronica]

My dog was also attacked and hasn't been the same towards other dogs. I would love a solution so I can walk him without fear.

[UnleashDogTraining]

It sounds like your dog is not that confident around other dogs, you mentioned him being attacked as a puppy. Tell us more about his behaviour, is he fearful of these dogs?

It sounds like you need to get familiar with counter-conditioning, your dog needs it. Its not that hard, look it up and start using it. It is important to remember to take baby steps when counter-conditioning, its faster when you do.

Also have you tried walking your dog off leash? dog on dog encounters are usually drastically improved with both dogs are off the leash. It relieves much of the tension the leash causes, I would definetly reccomend you try walking your dog on leash, or a 25 foot lead, or at the least, give your dogs TONS of slack when another dog approachs your dog, I would not reccomend the gentle leader for this, it seems as though, once a dog approachs, you tense up, and try to "control" your dog, which is causing much of your issue.

If this doesnt work, dont be afraid to carry an air horn on you, an air horn is an easy way to deter another dog from approaching yours, or to break up a dog fight once it starts. The airhorn may give you the confidence you need to walk around without fearing dogs approaching, because youll know if they get into a fight, you can break it up quickly, just point and shoot.

Good luck counter-conditiong, stay relaxed when other dogs approach, give your dog al the space it wants, and use an air horn if your afraid/need to build confidence.