[KaitKait52]

I was walking Raisin and Brady this afternoon as usual when a woman with two small dogs, (I dont know breeds terribly well but maybe Shih Tzu sized) was walking by us.

Both of my guys were interested but nothing more than that until one of the other dogs growled and tried to lunge ( we were on complete oppsosite sides of the street) So Brady and Raisin started getting excited and barked and jumped around a bit as I got them back under control. I did it fairly quickly and kept them moving.

I am just really frustrated that I didn't handle it better. I dont know what I could have done but I wish I was able to make them ignore the other dogs completely.

I am trying to learn and understand more as being a respsonsible owner. Does this make my dogs "DA"? I have always found when they are introduced responsibly to another dog they are fine. They just like to sniff and what not.

Any pointers? Thank you.

[debo-dumbo-ears]

Originally Posted by KaitKait52 I am trying to learn and understand more as being a respsonsible owner. Does this make my dogs "DA"? I have always found when they are introduced responsibly to another dog they are fine. They just like to sniff and what not. Any pointers? Thank you.

I think that behavior would be considered "dog reactive" rather than "dog agressive." Your dogs didn't react until the other dog acted.
Don't beat yourself up - you did fine. Just keep learning & working on behavior & focus.

[bahamutt99]

Why do you think that what your dogs did was bad, or that you handled it poorly? It sounds like you did just fine to me. A little bit of reactivity is normal for most dogs. It takes a lot of work -- or a totally mellow dog -- to get them completely passive in situations like that. Don't worry about it, and just keep up with their training.

[Michele]

You did fine Do you carry a break stick when you are walking your dogs?

[KaitKait52]

I always tend to be hard on myself because the dogs are a bit more well behaved with the husband.

They wouldnt have reacted at all if he was walking them I dont think.

I dont carry a break stick, but have been reading about it and thinking I should order one.

[monkeys23]

My dog gets really excited when she sees other dogs on walks (she thinks everyone on earth should be her friend and play with her, shes a GSD/Husky mix btw). I've been stopping, having her sit, and using treats while I say "focus" to get her to pay attention to me rather than the other dog or squirrel or whatever. Its helping slowly, but surely with her reactivity to other dogs/small critters.

So maybe working on getting them to focus on you, as well as being prepared with the breakstick and whatnot, will help you be prepared and all that good stuff while you're walking them both.

[tat2stuff]

your dogs are perfectly normal and you did what you should have done. Just tell them "leave it" , keep them moving and don't let them get into a frenzy over the other dogs.

My Bella is 7 mths old, she is fine with other dogs, is generally submissive with them and plays nicely with strange dogs, but if the another dog is barking, challenging or acting like a fool, she goes right into ready to rumble mode. I tell her leave it and redirect her attention from the other dog.

This is a normal reaction for this breed, just keep doing what you did, I would also order a few breaking sticks and learn to use them. Usually it's the ignorant irresponsible other dog owners leaving their dogs off leash etc. that will get your dog into trouble.

these guys offer a nice breaking stick at a great price, I usually keep one in my truck and another in the house, this way I always have access to one.

http://www.obriensk9supply.com/store...ategory_id=163

here's a thread on the proper use of a breaking stick

http://www.pitbull-chat.com/showthread.php?t=1513

[KaitKait52]

I think I will start carrying some treats with me on our walks! I know food is a definite weakness and hopefully can break their concentration.

I will also be ordering a break stick. I think one will be enough since my guys rarely go in the car and whatnot cause of motion sickness ( big tough pit bulls).

[littledozer24]

Sounds to me that you did all the right things.

I always take treats with me, whereever we go (I don't always use them). I figure that one never knows especially with a pup when a new situation is going to arise that may need some training. Also, I jog/walk with Lugz (5 month old red nose) 3 to 5 times a week and there are some dogs along the way (behind fences; but still) that tend to lunge at fence; jump at top of fence; bark and growl when we go by and Lugz tends to want to bark/growl back. I use the word "ignore" with him and sometimes lure with a treat and lots and lots of praise when he ignores. I don't use "leave it" because I do that when he tries to pick things up that he shouldn't.