"Leash aggression"

[TuMicks]

Well... I've had experiences with Ram Jet Rocket Dog being confronted by dogs in public parks (though it has been a while.) I've been able to avoid it for the most part... walking away long before another dog can reach her is the safest approach. But in the past, if she's been on lead where other dogs get in her grill... she gets aggressive.

OK. So today we were doing lining drills in a lovely little park. I had her on a down and I was about 200 yards away planting bumpers when a boxer/pit-bull came strolling into the park unaccompanied. Hmmmm... this could be bad. I had no control of the boxer and my dog was a LONG way away. The boxer then spotted RD, sprinted past me and headed straight for her. RD remained on a down... but the only thing I could think to do was get on my whistle and call her in to me. She put on the afterburners and flew to me right past the boxer, not giving him any attention. At that point, I put RD on a down again and got between her and the other dog. I was able to hold the boxer as the elderly owner came up and thanked me profusely for helping him round his dog up.

So we ran our lining drill (or part of it) when another loose dog came running toward us. That dog had her hackles up big time. I did the same thing, calling RD to me, putting her on a down and getting in between the two dogs. Fortunately, the other owner was there and calling his dog in (without effect). Finally, when it was clear to the other dog that there was nothing here she could mess with, she went back to her owner.

I think working with the folks who did the CGC classes helped us both deal with the situation without a lot of fear. And having her on a leash, in my experience, could have wound her up and made her more aggressive. She was obedient and very calm off-lead. I was pleased.

[Anna Scott]

RD did you proud. Your hard work is certainly paying off. She seems to know now that you are in command and can handle the situation. My old girl is the jealous type. She gets shirty when other dogs come around me. I do what you do. Put her in a sit a ways off and then I pat and speak to the other dog. We now have a 2 year old Cane Corso living next door. Jack has started coming over to our yard to play with all the others. I have not discouraged him as I want him to be well socialized around the others. The labs are so fast and run hard, he tires out quickly. He has a great recall when the neighbour calls him home and he really likes my husband. Hopefully they will have him neutered in the near future. The neighbours are really responsible owners. Their old dog, Pepper, is a graduate of our obedience classes.

[Meeps83]

Great work you guys!