By Guest
Date 17.11.05 20:59 UTC
can anyone offer any advice regarding my 2 year old border terrier dog?
In the house and in company of others he his the ideal family dog anyone could wish for .The problem is other dogs whatever their size he wants to attack them and on a few occasions he has actually bit them. He knows when he as done wrong because he cowers . Its getting to the point now that we don't want to take him for walks because he becomes very disabediant he pulls really hard on his lead he will not come back when you shout him (only when he sees another dog) he then trys to attack them it becomes very embarrassing and fustrating . When on his lead he just yaps and cries pulls really hard on his lead when again seeing other dogs ,we have even bought him a haulti but he still carrys on the same it makes no difference whats so ever he truley is horrendous he seems to be getting worse the older he his getting .In 2 years there is only 3 dogs that he he is friendly towards my mums jack russell, another bordrer terrirer who lives near by(a bitch) and a spinger spaniel who amazingly we met while out walking about 6 months ago.
Do you think it will be worthwhile to take him to a dog trainer?
we have tried several things but he is like a dog pocessed its such a shame because he is so friendly and loveable any other time .please help .
thankyou
I have a border terrier too and he's 3 and even now he will still bark at other dogs.
Please please don't let him off the lead if your recall is not 100% - even now Jack can be easily distracted off lead so I don't let him off unless I know there will be no other dogs around (ie on my own field).
If you are walking and can see other dogs approaching and the space is limited walk the other way.
If there is space shower him with treats (never go out without treats!!!), distract him from the other dogs as much as possible - hopefully he will learn in time that other dogs = happy thoughts, treats and fuss. After he's learnt this try to get him to sit whilst other dogs go past. Hopefully this should alleviate the pulling on the lead!
Definately consult a dog trainer - and go to a class - controlled socialisation with different dogs would be good.
Even today I had my back turned (picking up poo!) and was not aware of a dog approaching and Jack still barked!
Dog classes are great and will definately give him some stimulation!!
Sarah x