[designsbyisis]

It's taken a week to get Dexter to walk more than 20 yds !! He really needs alot of cajouling - however my son & I managed to get him to walk a bit today instead of being carried. However, what should I do about big dogs ?

We walked past one which was huge and it looked like the owner had a good handle on the situation but as we went by his dog snapped & snarled at Dexter. What should I do in that situation, or should I have anticipated it & picked him up ?

I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to big dogs so I don't want to pass that fear on however, I don't want Dexter to be in danger either !

 

[Rileypoo]

Hi, I know it is hard as you feel so protective but you really shouldn't pick him up as he really needs to meet other dogs of all sizes and temperaments. I think the trick is to try and read the situation as much as possible, this is easier on the lead of course. As you get nearer watch the other dog, is the tail wagging do they look like they want to meet your pup and most of all don't be afraid to talk to the owner. I always ask 'Does your dog like puppies?' whenever I'm not sure and Riley is 5 months now. Most dogs are only too happy to meet but there are some that genuinely don't like other dogs or puppies. I have walked Riley off the lead from 11 weeks and this was quite scary to start with and still now sometimes as they do want to approach all other dogs and people and it takes a while for them to work out other dogs behaviours but it is really important that they do it themselves despite the odd growl or snap. Riley has now started weighing the situation up a bit more before diving in but will approach most of the dogs he meets.
I think most important is ask the owner if you are not sure and watch for the obvious behaviours. Good Luck and be brave cos it will pay off in the end!!

 

[Janev1000]

Hi Lisa

Biscuit used to be very reluctant to walk away from our house and I had to drag him up the road! Then he would walk fine for a while but start to run and pull on the lead on the home stretch as if he couldn't wait to get back! - it must the security of 'the den'!! However, he was completely fine if I drove somewhere and walked him off lead. Have you tried this as this is the best age to start it and he would get the chance to socialise more with other dogs and have a chance to run around with them which is great for them mentally.

I wouldn't pick him up if big dogs are approaching as you will teach him that it is something to be fearful of. If you do feel nervous, as Tracey suggested, just speak to the other owner about him still being a puppy as most people are very understanding of this.

 

[Mogdog]

Dexter is still a baby and it takes time for them to learn to walk on lead at a reasonable pace. I would recommend taking him by car to a safe area and led him have a little walk off-lead. At this age he will stick close you and will probably enjoy the freedom.

It's not a good idea to pick him up when bigger dogs approach as this will only encourage the other dog to jump up at you/him. It will also transmit your fear to him. Just try to guage the situation, other owners are usually careful and considerate when they see a small pup. Obviously whisk him away quickly if he's in real danger!

 

[kendal]

Just walk past confidently. if you start lifting him any thime you see a dog you dont like the look of you run tisk of him developing a fear. also lifting your dog makes the other dog more interested. i mean you know yourself if you take something away from dexter he is mor interested in it than if you just left it. you always want what u cant get at.

as long as you are confident he will be fine.

 

[DONNA]

As others have said never lift him.
I would always ask is the dog friendly etc and inform them Buddy was only a puppy (as puppies do like to jump up etc and meet nose to nose) some older dogs really dont like this.
Also as well as looking at the dog (see if his tail is wgging etc) the main important rule i followed was always have a loose lead if your pulling on the lead this will make your dog rear upwards etc and can be quite stressfull for the dog .Always look for this on the other dog as well if the owner was really pulling on the other dogs lead i would just let Buddy say hello quickly then walk off.

I would say try and get your puppy to meet as many different dogs as possible this will be fantastic for your dog ,most owners will know if their dog is ok with other odgs and dont worry if he gets a growl or a snap it sounds scary but its quite normal.

You need to have confidence to let your puppy meet dogs off lead as well this is great for soicalizing your dog ,Ive never had a dog before and found all this very scary and i would say Buddy's had only a couple of nasty snaps from other dogs ,on the whole most dogs are friendly towards each other.

It all helps towards making your dog a happy and confident dog,i can say its certainly worked for me (maybe too well Buddy's uber confident!!LOL)

 

[tessybear]

Dexter was a little shy and nervous at first especially as on his first walk a lab sent him flying. So I used to take him out early in the morning so he didn't meet other dogs at first until he became more confident and the park was familiar. It didn't take him long and now he is great friends with every dog he meets.

 

[designsbyisis]

You all make good sense. I will try & be brave