A dog that charges toward other dogs puts itself, its owner, and other dogs and their owners at risk for serious injury. The classic scenario is an owner walking a dog that lunges at an approaching dog while growling and barking. If you are the owner of a dog that charges other dogs, it is very important for you to learn how to take control of your pet. This can be accomplished in a few easy steps, with a good dose of determination, patience and leadership.
Things You'll Need
- Head Halter
- Leash
- Treats
- Volunteers
Instructions
How to Stop a Dog From Charging Towards Other Dogs
Start out by enforcing a zero tolerance for pulling. Most dogs that pull have a history of being allowed to do so; the action of pulling is a learned behavior. In order for your dog to be trained to stop pulling, he should already know basic commands such as sit, heel and stay.
Work on desensitizing your dog by training him to be less reactive in the presence of other dogs. With his leash and head halter on, expose your dog to another dog from a distance at which your dog does not react. You will need a volunteer such as a friend or family member and her dog to help you with this exercise. Walk the two dogs at a distance, side by side.
Recognize what your dog's non-reactive distance is and reward him for calm and non-reactive behaviors. Your dog should be walked for a few minutes at this distance while you praise and reward him with treats. Dog treats your dog truly loves should be used for this exercise, such as freeze dried liver or sliced hot dog.
Walk your dog beside the other dog at a closer distance. Any attempt to charge or lunge should be discouraged by distracting your dog's attention with a sharp sound, motion or a verbal command, whereas every time the dog pays attention to you and the leash is slack, you should reward your dog. Watch your dog's body language carefully in order to stop him from charging before he actually attempts to.
Practice this exercise repeatedly and at closer and closer distances to the other dog. Your dog will learn that by ignoring the other dog, he will be rewarded. With patience and persistence on your part, your dog will apply this newly learned behavior every time he encounters other dogs.