My catahoula/GSD (Male, 2.5 y/o) acts reactive on a leash towards other dogs (is fine in a yard, but plays rough). He was attacked as a puppy by an unleashed dog (no blood or anything, the other dog was smaller so I think it just scared him). I live in an apartment complex, so other dogs are unavoidable. I work with him everyday. It’s the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. I feel guilty and hopeless because it’s my responsibility. I didn’t do my due diligence on his breeds and am taking responsibility for that. However, I’m very willing to learn and work with him as much as humanly possible. I’m stuck as to how to socialize on a leash because everyone I run into with a dog avoids us because he sounds and looks intimidating.
-gets his hackles up(back Mohawk)
-freezes and stares
-raised/still tail
-snorts and barks loudly
-jumps and flips around
I’ll add he doesn’t lunge in passing, but he still does the above.
He’s improved greatly in that this is not an everyday or every time occurrence (WE’RE GETTING SOMEWHERE), but it’s most of the time (even with dogs he’s sniffed and played with). He is getting better with just walking away with the “leave it” command, although he still wants try to stop and stare. I’ve also tried a firm “sit” to let a dog pass, but he still huffs and puffs while sitting. I do my best not to get anxious when I see another dog. When he doesn’t react I reward with a calm proud praises and give him a treat. I admit I bit off more than I can chew, but I still work hard everyday with him. He is an only dog and I don’t have any friends with dogs. I can’t afford professional training and I feel like I’m doing him a disservice. Any advice is appreciated and welcomed. Please be kind.
submitted by /u/Sad_Space_6791
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