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Originally Posted by scruffysmum
We adopted a stray lurcher which is a Whippet/Bedlington Terrier (the best guess of the dog shelter and others we've consulted) 2 months ago. At first he was understandably reserved, shy and clingy but he's got a bit more at ease now. However, in the last 5 weeks or so he's got increasing tendencies to bark and lunge at random dogs when we're out walking. These can be on or off lead, there's no particular pattern but he's now going for approximately 1 in 3 dogs we meet on some walks. We cannot figure out if it's fear or excitement that motivates him and we're going to consult the behaviourist who runs our obedience classes. I was just wondering if anyone on here had any thoughts. I have read that Beddies are known for aggression towards other dogs. He is a joy with people.
We cannot let our dog off the lead because he gets extremely focused on little creatures such as squirrels and we would just lose his attention completely in a chasing situation. His recall is too unreliable when there are distractions around. I have heard that Lurchers can be a real danger to themselves and others, and the parks we visit border on to very busy main roads though they are in a countryside setting. We have a dog park where dogs are safe off the lead, but given the apparent aggression our dog shows to other dogs it could be risky having him loose among others where he might injure them. It's a shame, as it would probably do him a lot of good to be able to run around and let off steam. We try to make up for this by having him on a long training lead chasing a ball and running around with us. I go running so maybe I could have him running with me on his lead and letting off steam that way.
On another note, we have 2 cats. We are very encouraged by the way they and the dog have adapted to one another. The situation isn't perfect, but we've gone from having a very excited dog who is beside himself when there are cats around, to a dog who is curious and would like to play but is also much calmer around the cats.
Any thoughts anyone?
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With regards to the lunging behaviour towards other dogs, it is very difficult to say what this may be without seeing the behaviour "in the flesh" so to speak.
It may not be aggression but could be a variety of things:
- Over-excitment
- Fear/anxiety
- Barrier frustration (due to being on lead)
- Lack of confidence/nerves
The list goes on...
I would contact a local trainer/behaviourist to come and observe the behaviour and give you their thoughts. Whereabouts are you based? Someone may be able to recommend a good behaviourist.
In the short term, I would teach a "watch me" command, so that you can get the dogs attention away from the dogs and on to you and avoid mad, barking lunging behaviour.
Do you have any doggy friends with bomb proof dogs who wouldn't mind walking with you and your dog (with your dog on the lead), so that once you have spoken to a behaviourist, you can get him used to walking around other dogs.
With regards to the recall, this may take some time. Do remember that he hasn't been with you for long and so everything is very new and exciting and maybe a bit scarey. I would start recall training with him. Practice calling to you at home/in the garden and reward him with really high value rewards for coming back to you (whatever motivates your dog (foods/toys...). Playing hide and seek in the garden is also an excellent way of keeping your dog interested in recalls and making it a really fun activity. On walks have him on a long line and practice recalling him lots throughout your walks. Reward him lots for coming back to you. You could even get a friend to help you but calling him between the two of you and rewarding him lots and lots.
Here is a really good article on teach recall:
Why won’t my dog come back? – David Ryan CCAB
With regards to the chasing of small furries. This may improve once he has a really good recall. However in my experience, chasing behaviour can also be worsened if a dog is particually stressed. The reason for this is that when dogs chase they get a huge dopamine (feel gooooood hormone) boost, if a dog is particually stressed or unbalanced they will seek out opportunities to chase as a way of counteracting/ making up for the stress.
However, one really good way of dealing with chase type behaviour (once you have taught a good recall) is by teaching a chase recall. More info in article below:
How do I stop my dog chasing? – David Ryan CCAB
Whilst you are training recall, I think your idea of jogging with him is a fantastic idea and an ideal way to strengthen your bond with him and give him some really good exercise.
Mental stimulation games and training is also fantastic. I clicker train (tricks, useful little behaviours, agility stuff) and I find that my collie is really tired after a clicker training session because he has been concentrating and working so hard.
He sounds like he is doing really well with the cats. I would continue to randomly reward him for calm behaviour around them.
Hope this helps
