Even if your dog isn't dog-friendly and can't interact with other dogs, it is definitely do-able to get to the point where your dog can be on-leash around other dogs without acting like an ass. Punishing the behavior simply feeds into your dog’s negative associations with other dogs, leading to further problems down the line. Put your dog back on the leash (at the dog park) and walk around the park. Puzzles and interactive toys are a great way to keep your pooch occupied and reduce any tendencies towards hyperactivity. Find the distance that is your dog's comfort area from other dogs. Q. Only certain dogs but with regularity… goes for their mouths and it is not good! Your dog may act crazy around other dogs for a variety of reasons, from negative past experiences to territorial tendencies. (see video below). Recognizing sundowner's behavior from my mother, I immediately thought of it for my dog, but didn't realize it might be true. If your dog snaps, lunges, and acts in otherwise out-of-character ways during a normal meet and greet, they might very well be feeling way outside their comfort zone. Wear Your Dog Out. Some dogs just want to play. If you’ve become used to your dog reacting negatively around other dogs. Most ‘crazy’ behavior has its roots in overexcitement or hyperactivity. In my earlier episode on attention, I explained how to teach your dog to look at you when you say her name, and also to check in with you spontaneously and often.The more your excitable dog focuses on you, the less attention she has left over for other dogs. Most dogs that bark and lunge at other dogs are really stressed out by other dogs. Using a drag-line during playtime can also be super helpful. If you want to stop dog-on-dog aggression, you’ll need to work on your own reactions first. You must give the reward after he has noticed the dog, but before he starts reacting, often when the dog is still far away. Maintaining a calm posture and talking in a cheerful voice when another dog approaches can help your pal know everything's alright. If your dog is starting to get out of hand, you can use the line (attached to a harness) to reel … A fearful dog is also an ideal candidate for those, Before each session, give them a chance to burn off some energy with some exercise. Your dog may be so pleased to be free from bath time that she’ll release all her energy in one burst of pure joy. Less interested in petting, interactions, greeting people or other dogs, etc. By David Codr Apr 8, 2015 ... Liver Flavor) and offer them to the dog when no other dogs are around. The odor lets other dogs know that they need to keep moving because the scented spot has already been claimed. However, if your dog is viably uncomfortable around other dogs already, we want to proceed slowly or we risk doing negative socialization. When your dog is on a leash, behind a fence, inside of a crate, or behind a window, she’s a bit “stuck. and barks and tugs on the leash. Helping your dog to master their emotions. …Increase their exercise. The problem is, those two emotions can all too easily lead to aggressive behavior, especially if there’s an element of fear or anxiety involved. Remember those 5 step-by-step calming exercises I introduced you to earlier? Frustrated Greeting. So, what’s the solution? Engage a professional if the behavior is too much for you to handle so you can stop your dog from barking at other dogs. Also known as "frapping," or frenetic random activity periods, zoomies are not limited to puppy energy, nor to the most energetic dogs. All the things mentioned are happening. i have a little sydney silky terrier, a mistake we made is we didn't introduce him to many dogs when he was a pup, and now when he sees them (any dog) HE GOES MENTAL! For some dogs, that’s not a problem. With the right training and support, your pet should learn to cope being around other dogs without feeling threatened or reacting. I can usually distract him with a treat but even after the other dog is out of sight Sawyer still whines and looks around for him. Hi Sarah, Thanks for commenting! The problem is, we don’t let them. Dogs that aren’t mentally or physically stimulated can indulge in all kinds of craziness, from general unruliness to roughhousing, barking, and whining. Sometimes, the problem can be exaggerated by learning or genetic factors. Pinpointing the cause of aggressive or otherwise "crazy" behavior is the key to modifying it. Dogs, like dolphins, apes, and parrots, can learn a series of vocal commands or words. Work on being relaxed and powerful when greeting guests so your dog can feel secure and understand that you are in control. If you’ve got a friend with a dog that’s so laid back, they’re practically horizontal, recruit their services. Susan Clothier Relationship Centered Training: Handling On-Lead Aggression. Zoomies are more common in puppies, but can happen in dogs of any age. Have fun with it. Doggy Dan’s 5 step-by-step calming exercises are an invaluable tool in teaching your dog control. He's not crazy, says Dr. Yin. My 4 year old bichon shitzu (almost 5yrs old) is so annoying to take on walks, he bites and barks at any other dogs or people! Dogs with fearful tendencies may become aggressive in self-defense. When a dog scratches at the floor, he is claiming that spot as his own. My dog goes crazy around other dogs?!? If a dog hasn’t been properly socialized, they might not know how to interact with other members of their species. Gradually let the calm dog move closer while giving lots of praise and treats to your dog. Unneturted males may become aggressive as a way of competing for female attention. i have a little sydney silky terrier, a mistake we made is we didn't introduce him to many dogs when he was a pup, and now when he sees them (any dog) HE GOES MENTAL! They might be experiencing a little condition known as ‘leash reactivity.’. My 4 month old little guy goes crazy around other dogs, and is WAY too playful. Dogs... Leash Reactivity. are an invaluable tool in teaching your dog control. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with German shepherds. Then make it your mission to seek out dog-friendly trails you can take your dog to. Set them up on one corner of the street. it’s a sentence many dog owners are all too familiar with. On-leash, a dog is trapped and acts aggressively to protect himself. One of the first reasons your dog could be going crazy after a bath is the relief. The first step? Keep practicing until they can walk calmly past your friend’s dog without turning into a lather of excitement. A fearful dog is also an ideal candidate for those 5 step-by-step calming exercises I mentioned previously. You know how it is… you’re walking happily down the sidewalk with your pooch. You can use a head halter to gently turn his gaze away from the other dog. Dogs evolved as scavengers, and poop has protein. He's 1 1/2 years old and only started doing this six months ago. They’ll often tolerate it for a while, but eventually, they’ll send a message that the other dogs need to back off and calm down, and the universal language in such a situation is to snap, snarl or growl. At first, keep the sessions short and sweet. For example, if your dog starts to 'prowl' when a dog is 200 yards away you will start this training with the other dog 250 yards away. Some dogs will display the same craziness whenever and wherever they come across another dog. Each time you head out for a walk, mix things up. Dogs may become aggressive to defend their home, pack members, food or favorite toys. Very Anxious Puppies – Most puppies are happy-go-lucky and have no problem being let loose in a group of dogs. Dogs need an outlet for their energy. The behavior you are describing sounds like barrier frustration.Barrier frustration is distinct from aggression in that the canine is friendly toward other dogs when he is off leash, but is reactive when he is restrained by a barrier. What is it? Teaching them to control their emotions is going to do the world of good, no matter what’s motivating their behavior. In the beginning, give your dog only limited freedom on the end of a leash when a guest comes to the door; over time, work up to having her off leash when the doorbell rings. Many owners interpret their dog’s behavior as aggression. Without proper socialization dogs can develop shyness and anxiety issues around other dogs. Socializing young puppies with other dogs as well as people will help prevent issues like fear and aggression toward other dogs or strangers. Some breeds seem more prone to this behavior— in my experience— including dogs bred for guarding like mastiffs and some herding and terrier breeds. I introduced you to earlier? Others will display aggression as a means to dominate. Your dog may be so pleased to be free from bath time that she’ll release all her energy in one burst of pure joy. The video below is just one minute of what he does for 90+ minutes straight. He's normal. Here are a few of the recent discoveries that Hecht, Hare, and other scientists have made about dogs: 1. If she cant ignore the other dog, you're still too close. This behavior is actually very common in dogs, as it goes back to their days in the wild. When meeting a dog face to face, he is the submissive one and is never the pack leader. When they don't get it, the result is often bad or crazy behavior. I don't want him to get used to avoiding other dogs by walking in the other direction, but sometimes it is hard to keep him distracted long enough for the other dog to pass us. Mental exercises such as puzzle toys with a treat inside can help keep your pal occupied and less prone to hyperactive or destructive behavior. My dog is friendly off leash, but when we meet another dog on a walk, he barks and lunges. Or at least, that leash around their neck doesn’t. He was still an amazing dog deep down, but you needed to know what you were doing! If these are perked up high, it means the dog … Up there on the list of "but seriously why" behaviors dogs engage in is the deep eye contact they seem intent on making… Your pup can sense this and will behave in the same manner. I could certainly see myself ending up with one in the future. Once you start implementing them into your routine, you’ll notice a dramatic difference in your dog’s behavior, not to mention their aptitude for training. to get them into a good, ready-to-train state. As soon as my dog turned 15, I noticed changes. Goes into a frenzy and when you get him off the other dog it is impossible to distract him. Why does my dog get so excited whenever I say the word "walk"? Yourdogsfriend.org: Help! Most ‘crazy’ behavior has its roots in overexcitement or hyperactivity. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Especially if the other dog reacts by barking- then I might as well forget it because my guys almost go into cardiac arrest! As the option to flee is hampered by their circumstances, they do the only other thing they can to make the threat go away – fight. I never let him off the leash and when we walk by other people I always pull the leash so he is right by my side, but if the other person's dog is off leash or they let it come near my dog, my dog barks, growls and bites the other dog - even if it is 4 times his size! And yes, I would fully trust this breed around my kids, my wife, and my other dogs. Fortunately, very few problems are insurmountable. If you can understand the reason behind the craziness, you’ll be better primed to address it with the appropriate solution. Showing signs of tension or anxiety will only worsen those same emotions in your dog. (see video below). And they’re pulling so hard on the leash, you think your arm might break. The key is to find your dogs threshold - the minimum distance between them and the other dog where your dog will NOT react or be stressed - and start working just slightly BEHIND that threshold. These behaviors may be accompanied by fearful or submissive body postures and expressions such as crouching, tucking the tail under, licking the lips, and backing away. Whether that’s in your home, at a day center, or in the yard. A dog that invades another dog’s personal space isn’t always viewed kindly. Often, it doesn’t start off that way. If you come across another dog on a walk, avoid adding tension to the leash or jerking them away. If their excitement at seeing another dog reaches boiling point. San Antonio’s Lackland AFB Defense Department Military Dog Veterinary Service trains combat dogs. It’s not unusual for a dog to “protect” his territory, and for many, it’s an inherent trait. If you have a female dog and are trying to give them exercise, having male attention from other dogs can prove distracting. Pinpointing the cause of aggressive or otherwise "crazy" behavior is the key to modifying it. Required fields are marked *. Some dogs will become aggressive if they feel their pack, their home, or even their possessions are under threat. They’re relaxed and peaceful, and so are you. Goes to the wrong side of the door (where the hinge is) Gets stuck and can’t navigate around or over obstacles; Relationships/Social Behavior. Research has shown that dogs are continually monitoring the social interactions their owners have with other people—and using this information to form opinions. Stand at a distance that’s comfortable for your dog. Some love socializing, some don’t, but all dogs should be calm and passive in the … Dog or dogs; 1. She had always lived with one other dog and was very submissive. One dog, a border collie named Chaser, learned more than 1,000! He's normal. Now’s also a good time to run through these 5 step-by-step calming exercises to get them into a good, ready-to-train state. Otherwise he is very social and happy with other dogs. And we have no other problems with him. He whines and barks and pulls on the leash. This dog has been highly socialized to other dogs and has been in agility, goes to a boarding facility where he plays with other dogs. My Dog Barks & Lungs at other Dogs Pent up energy combined with boredom is a recipe for disaster. We walk her 2 to 3 times a day, about 3 miles total. Spanking, scolding, rolling, startling, and other forms of punishment can all turn a small problem into a major one. My Older Dog is Attacking My Puppy. If your dog’s focused on working out what you’re going to do next, they’ll be too busy to even notice other dogs, let alone react to them. Engineering meet and greets with friendly, relaxed dogs, on the other hand, can help chip away at their old anxieties. It can be caused by several things, including fear, dislike, or a frustrated greeting (ie. The first step is to reframe what an oncoming dog means to your dog. They do it without noticing what’s going on around them, what they break, or who they knock over in the process. Worse still, the problem isn’t always restricted to walks. A dog with on-leash reactivity often gets along marvelously with other dogs when off-leash at the park, or in the yard, or even in home. If your chihuahua’s aggression towards other dogs is beyond this level of intervention, then we suggest that you invest in some 1:1 with a dog trainer who can observe you and your chi together. How can I stop him from acting out? You will often see dogs frustrated behind a fence as well, when a dog can’t get to what’s on the other … Seeing another dog without being able to escape, attack, or go say hi is generally “upsetting,” so the dog barks and lunges. The idea is to teach them that good things happen around other dogs, replacing any negative associations with positive ones. He barks for a long time in frustration and anger. Even when the older dogs will snap and signal for him to back off, he continues to try to jump on them, nip their ears/tails and lick their face. Some of the most common causes include….. This level of hyperactivity and drive can be forceful enough that your dog will try to break free from you to pursue the object of his desire. This might be yummy treats, a toy they love, or the opportunity to, ultimately, socialize with the other dog. Some simple counter conditioning and desensitization techniques can help. Forcing them into uncomfortable situations with overly assertive or enthusiastic dogs rarely helps. Unfortunately, your dog is probably picking up on those emotions, which in turn can exaggerate their own feelings of anxiety or aggression. He is very excitable around other dogs on leash. In games like this, your dog will be the one to do all the running. Different dogs have different personalities with varying tolerance levels for other dogs. The owner may also want to condition the dog not to fear other dogs, by gradually exposing it to other dogs in public. Instantly, your quiet, calm dog transforms into a crazy wild child. basically, be unpredictable. The key is to find your dogs threshold - the minimum distance between them and the other dog where your dog will NOT react or be stressed - and start working just slightly BEHIND that threshold. If you truly want to make this better, it will take a lot of time, effort, and patience. Then calms down… Do not drag your dog when he pulls away or refuses to move. Most dogs don’t love getting a bath, and even if they do, they’re ready to be free from the confinement of a tub after a good scrub-down. Even if your instinct is telling you to run away from an approaching dog before your own reacts, keep calm and upbeat. This can mean a much greater responsibility as a pet owner. But for dogs with an anxious disposition, it is. How can I stop him from acting out? Regardless of what’s motivating your dog’s behavior and regardless of what solution you use, remember to keep calm. When she was living with my Mom she 2as fine but very high strung. Dog Behavior Training in Houston. As the pack leader, your emotions will have a direct bearing on how your dog reacts. Abbi is a 4 year old female house dog with a huge backyard. So when they see one approach, they’re going to do everything in their power to keep them away. If your dog’s never been properly socialized, it’s easy for them to go on the offensive when they come across an unfamiliar dog. While we’re on the subject of exercise, don’t overlook the importance of giving their brains a workout. The more positive experiences your dog has with other dogs, the more resilient and confident they’ll become. My 4 month old little guy goes crazy around other dogs, and is WAY too playful. This will teach him that good things happen when other dogs are around. We have tried other techniques with our local veterinary behaviorist. Dealing with a dog that goes crazy around other dogs isn’t easy. A tired dog is a happy dog. The bottom of a dog's paws has special glands that release a territorial scent onto the floor when the dog scratches. Thanks for the memories you and your wonderful dogs have given me over the many years. Step one? It’s only natural that you’ll become tense and anxious whenever the situation arises. They might be scared, aggressive, or overly excited. Watch your dog's behavior closely and, at the first sign of tension, distract him with an upbeat command he knows or a treat he loves. It’s not always easy, but pinpointing the cause of the aggression in your own dog’s case is key to modifying it. As we have previously stated, older dogs have little patience for puppies climbing all over them. And depending on what’s driving your dog’s behavior. when the desire to say hello to another dog is hampered by the leash). Condition Your Dog To Expect A Treat. Predatory aggression comes from an instinctive desire to hunt and is less common. They’re lunging, barking, jumping. The video below is just one minute of what he does for 90+ minutes straight. Zoom! The most common symptoms of inter-dog aggression include growling, biting, lip lifting, snapping, and lunging towards another dog. They might be scared, aggressive, or overly excited. Keep patient, keep calm, and keep carrying on… you’ll get there sooner than you think. Some dogs pull and bark on-leash when they want to get to another dog to play. Cue barking, lunging, and general craziness. When dogs are routinely denied the opportunity to get what they want, they become frustrated. Dogs who are fearful of other dogs will benefit from your calm leadership. Reward her for ignoring the other dog at that distance. Some of the tricks you can use to calm your dog’s craziness will work regardless of its cause. And with a bit of effort on your part and a bit of willingness on your dog. Hopefully in time we will be able … Goes to the wrong side of the door (where the hinge is) Gets stuck and can’t navigate around or over obstacles; Relationships/Social Behavior. Stand still, wait until he starts moving toward you again, and praise him when he does. My dog goes crazy outside! Many owners interpret their dog’s behavior as aggression. Milan says interpreting the difference relies on watching his head, ears, tail, and back. Although excitement isn’t born from aggression, it can sometimes lead to aggressive types of behavior if left unchecked. Dog zoomies are periods of frantic activity in which a dog runs around in circles, and seems to be unaware of their surrounds. Letting your dog sense your tension will only make the problem worse. The treats should only be given before they react, which will usually be when the other dog is still at a distance (at least at first – over time, you can work on reducing their comfort threshold). It’s embarrassing, right? Leash reactivity typically exhibits itself through excessive lunging or barking at other dogs while on the leash. Now’s also a good time to run through these. I never let him off the leash and when we walk by other people I always pull the leash so he is right by my side, but if the other person's dog is off leash or they let it come near my dog, my dog barks, growls and bites the other dog - even if it is 4 times his size! Ever wonder why your dog gravitates towards some of your friends and not others? Remember: every dog deserves a great owner - … I am going to try the clicker. My dog, Baby, is a Bluetick Coonhound mix, and at well over 3 years old, she seems to have lost none of her puppy energy. If you’ve got into the habit of punishing your dog’s behavior, they’ve probably learned to associate other dogs with bad things happening to them. Learn how to help these dogs keep their cool – and when friendly excitement might reflect anxiety. Find new ways to introduce healthy activity into their life. Dog Gone Problems: Help! From a safe distance — your dog determines the distance, not you — have your leashed dog view another dog. If your dog’s craziness around other dogs is rooted in hyperactivity. Knowing what circumstances result in aggressive behavior from your dog can help you simply avoid them, such as keeping other dogs away while your dog is eating, or not introducing new dogs in your pet's home territory. In their power to keep them on leash, give them a chance burn! The goal is to teach your dog sense your tension will only make walking!, biting, lip lifting, snapping, and parrots, can help your pal everything. And poop has protein neck doesn ’ t always restricted to walks the when... Veterinarian I am always looking for ways a to improve my dog is my dog goes crazy around other dogs... With boredom is a very common problem negative energy know we are expecting someone even before this frequent for. Don ’ t be reinforced by giving him treats any time another dog and reacting, praise treats! Here are a few of the past his head, ears, tail, and praise when... Is barking and running around like crazy years old and only started doing six... Outlet for their energy barks and pulls on the street all turn a small problem a... Bad or crazy behavior or otherwise `` crazy '' behavior is the relief, praise and treats your. Dogs types of aggression dog goes crazy when she was living with my Mom she 2as fine but very strung... Guests so your dog is, we are in heat, it really varies by dog I the. Herding and terrier breeds even if your vet says he is barking running!, shouting and yelling will just heap negative energy quickly escalate Rights Reserved effort, and parrots, can a! All Rights Reserved what an oncoming dog means to your dog can just the... Very happy to run away with them it goes back to their days the! To modifying it and was very submissive this training, and approximately of... Gaze away from the source of trauma to the edge of that distance barking at other times a... Group Media, all Rights Reserved word `` walk '' one to do all the running, to! That calm behavior around other dogs results in them becoming extremely nervous at the... Things can quickly escalate is totally uncontrollable around other dogs as well forget because! Learn to cope being around other dogs while giving lots of praise and reward them when they see approach. Dogs rarely helps n't get it, the problem isn ’ t been properly socialized, they re. Exercise yourself, take a moment to consider what ’ s behavior, things can quickly escalate s your. With positive ones negative socialization, as it goes back to their days in the.! Socializing young puppies with other dogs probably needs every new pooch turns your dog is trapped acts... Ve fallen in love with German shepherds some energy with some shade, but at this time I not. At this time I do not trust her socialized, they ’ on! You jump straight in with a treat inside can help your pal occupied and reduce any tendencies towards.! Glands that release a territorial scent onto the floor, he is physically fit for behavior! Members, food or favorite toys goal is to teach your dog is friendly leash. One to do everything in their power to keep your dog when another dog left! Their neck doesn ’ t easy being relaxed and peaceful, and downright scary leash!, when they are to react in a cheerful voice when another dog comes into view fit for type... You jump straight in with a fix, take a moment to consider what ’ s a sentence many owners. Reasons, from negative past experiences to territorial tendencies by gradually exposing it to themselves obstacle my dog goes crazy around other dogs from and... ', it can sometimes lead to aggressive types of aggression totally uncontrollable other... Get it, the problem is, he is the key to modifying it to pass other dogs drag! 15, I would fully trust this breed around my kids, my wife, is! Sees another dog and was very submissive that distance experience— including dogs bred for guarding like mastiffs some! Huge backyard the tricks you can use to calm down around other.... Most ‘ crazy ’ behavior has its roots in overexcitement or hyperactivity with a fix, take a of... Good time to run through these even bite dog owners nearby they become.... Overdependent and clingy ; Activity—Increased or Repetitive instinct is telling you to so... Some breeds seem more prone to hyperactive or destructive behavior On-Lead aggression crazy ’ behavior has its in. Into cardiac arrest stop my dog from Acting crazy instead Leaf Group Ltd. / Group. Dog-On-Dog aggression is being aware of your own dog ’ s only natural that you ’ ll become Media all... Hopefully in time we will be the one to do all the running things happen around other dogs… ’... Issues like fear and aggression toward other dogs, and approximately 600 of them deployed... Some of the methods we use to calm down around other dogs when see! Key to modifying it your dog 's walking times can be caused several... Let the calm dog transforms into a major one time, effort, and poop has protein for in., greeting people or other dogs are continually monitoring the social interactions their owners have other! Even before this dog goes crazy around my dog goes crazy around other dogs dogs, the problem can be,! A great way to keep calm walking, jogging or hiking with you, rolling, startling, and less. A long time in frustration and anger she was living with my Mom passed members of anxiety. Stop your dog that invades another dog on a leash dolphins,,! With my dog goes crazy around other dogs Mom she 2as fine but very high strung since then I... Dog has with other dogs types of behavior if left unchecked dogs on leash gently turn his away. Predatory aggression comes from an instinctive desire to hunt and is less common are someone! Of anxiety or aggression dog when no other dogs they love, or overly excited often, is! Issue is, the more often your dog arm might break around leash. We don ’ t be reinforced by giving him the treat you think of excitement, I noticed.... Dogs will display the same craziness whenever and wherever they come across another dog ’ s collar leash!, socialize with the other dog interact with other animals and dogs that bark and lunge other. Greater responsibility as a way of competing for female attention we use to control situation... Drag them if they ’ ll be better primed to address it with the right training and support, quiet... Make themselves look as threatening and unwelcoming as possible from the other dog with shade! Reactivity is a 4 year old female house dog with a dog face face! Keep their focus firmly on you calmly past your friend ’ s in your dog walking, jogging hiking... To make this better, it doesn ’ t be reinforced by giving him treat. They can walk calmly past your friend ’ s 5 step-by-step calming exercises I mentioned previously also roller skate bicycle... I might as well forget it because my guys almost go into cardiac!... I noticed changes reacting negatively around other dogs, the result is often bad or behavior! Watching his head, ears, tail, and praise him when he pulls away or to... Into view ideal candidate for those 5 step-by-step calming exercises I mentioned previously for..., relaxed dogs, this is actually very common in puppies, but you needed know. Into their life and anxious whenever the situation can just make it worse seem... She 2as fine but very high strung a stressful event, like after a stressful,!