We are looking for tips to teaching a dog to stop lunging playfully.
We have a very nice 14 month old German Shepherd mix. We have only had him 3 months and we have crate trained him and are obedience training him. We are also socializing him, especially around dogs and horses. Our dog has a submissive temperament and doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body and we want to keep him that way.
Our problem is that every now and then, he lunges towards someone or a dog or a horse and it is becoming more frequent. He is never off leash so we are able to quickly correct him. I'm sure it is playfulness and/or prey instinct. His hackles are down. He doesn't growl. He sits or stands perfectly still and suddenly jumps forward and he usually takes a puppy stance when he lands.
Having searched the Leerburg website and in this forum, I haven't found anything that speaks to lunging, specifically. We are looking for ideas and techniques and hope the board can help us.
You need to correct BEFORE the dog lunges.
When the dog makes visual contact with the dog or horse is when you need to make the correction. That's the begnning of the sequence that finishes with your dog lunging.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Quote:
You need to correct BEFORE the dog lunges.
When the dog makes visual contact with the dog or horse is when you need to make the correction. That's the begnning of the sequence that finishes with your dog lunging.
I'm with Bob on this. This is just like dogs who bark at dogs approaching on a walk, or who try to chase after cars ---- timing, timing, timing. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Just as Bob says, the dog's attention on the object he would lunge at is what triggers the instant correction, before he really even focuses on it, and *way* before he actually lunges.
So you'll be paying pretty good attention and watching for that flicker of interest that precedes the lunge.
I would also suggest that you make sure the dog has solid basic obedience, so that you can put him in a down-stay when you see something that he might like to jump on. Then, you are correcting for breaking a known command, instead of just for jumping. It might be easier for him to understand what you want of him.
Reg: 01-23-2006
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Loc: Cali & Wash State
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I'm with the others on this. I am going through it myself with my 9 mo GSD pup. He is at the stage where he thinks anything that moves (jogger, cycler, etc.) is fair game. I keep my eyes peeled so I can stop it before it starts. It also helps to keep a few kibbles in your pocket. Remember, this too shall pass!!!
Thank you, All for you responses! I had a chance to practice your advice today and corrected him when he looked at something for more than a couple of seconds. That definitely works and we won't have to correct him as hard. This is something I need to stay very diligent on because he still surprised me a couple of times today.
Using the down-stay is a good idea because the change in posture will be more apparent.
Treats are also essential. I can't believe I didn't think of bringing them today. Thanks for mentioning it. This boy is definitely food motivated. He learned 'place' in less than an hour using marker training techniques. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Thank you, All for you responses! I had a chance to practice your advice today and corrected him when he looked at something for more than a couple of seconds. That definitely works and we won't have to correct him as hard. This is something I need to stay very diligent on because he still surprised me a couple of times today.
Using the down-stay is a good idea because the change in posture will be more apparent.
Treats are also essential. I can't believe I didn't think of bringing them today. Thanks for mentioning it. This boy is definitely food motivated. He learned 'place' in less than an hour using marker training techniques. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Good work! Isn't timing great when you're training?! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
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Seeking tips to stop playful lunging
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