Tabitha Lee Webboard User Reg: 11-30-2010
Posts: 10
Loc: London, UK
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I have an 18 month old Lab, a neutered male, from a local Rescue. In the park he seems to have a rather...ritualised way of approaching other dogs:
First he'll go totally still and alert, and then he'll sort of 'sink' a bit lower and move towards them. Then he'll go into a type of crouch, but still watching them intently. Then he'll hurtle towards them - then he'll stop again and AGAIN go into this type of crouch low on the ground... Then he'll run towards them again...
He adores other dogs and when he reaches them just wants to leap around and play. But our trainer says I have to keep him on leash until he's calmer - so right now he has no off leash play.
Does his behaviour sound like some form of 'mock stalking' or is it just him being playful...?
I would really welcome any feedback, thank you. His method of approach tends to be disconcerting for other dog owners, though thus far other dogs seem to respond OK....
But parks with other dogs are really not a good idea. Too many unknown factors and chances for dogs to get hurt. And my dogs would NOT react well to strange dogs acting that way towards them, even though they play that way amongst themselves.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Quote: Mara Jessup
But parks with other dogs are really not a good idea. Too many unknown factors and chances for dogs to get hurt. And my dogs would NOT react well to strange dogs acting that way towards them, even though they play that way amongst themselves.
PLEASE don't expose your dog to strange off-leash dogs. Off-leash dog parks are well-intentioned, but they are disasters-in-waiting.
You have zero idea of the other people's control (if any) over their dogs, zero way to protect your dog from attack, zero control over people who can come right on in with the most dog-aggressive dogs around.
One attack, Tabitha -- that's all it takes to change your dog forever (not even considering the injuries to dogs and humans involved).
Tabitha Lee Webboard User Reg: 11-30-2010
Posts: 10
Loc: London, UK
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Thanks guys
Here in the UK we don't have 'dog parks' as such, at least not the ones that I believe you have in the US where, if I'm understanding rightly, entire groups of dogs are free to play/fight/interact.
We just have parks in which you find *some* dog owners, usually walking in pairs or alone.
It's the only time many dogs can ever interact with other dogs
That said, I take on board your comments - my dog is remaining ON leash until we have finished training and he is calmer around his fellow canines!
Tabitha Lee Webboard User Reg: 11-30-2010
Posts: 10
Loc: London, UK
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Aaron - our trainer says he needs to get used to being around other dogs while remaining calm. At present, when I walk him, if he sees another dog he goes totally *beserk*. Not to much aggression, just intense excitement.
It's not necessary to let him actually *meet* the other dogs to achieve that end, only to have him *near* other dogs to allow you to work on desensitization.
In fact, letting him play with other dogs only increases his excitement when he sees other dogs, as he is anticipating having a good time.
And, as mentioned above, on leash or off, you cannot predict when a dog may attack yours.
Arguably, the leash does make separating them easier should a fight happen, but the idea is to prevent a fight ever starting, and to do that requires keeping strange dogs separated from the get go.
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Is my rescue Lab 'stalking' or just playing...?
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