Hi all. I've just joined as I've read a few books, dog whisperer/victoria stillwell to name but a few but none seem to cure my otherwise perfect dog's behaviour on the lead.

He's a cocker spaniel crossed with a staffie mix, he's 5 years old and called Bart. In the house he's obedient, beautifully house trained, an absolute pleasure. He's a bit frantic on the lead but a shoulder harness helps, I think its mainly due to the crazy never ending spaniel energy.

My problem is when we meet other dogs and he's on the lead. He's horrible, if I allow him to say hello to them it more often than not turns nasty with him growling and acting aggressively, if I don't allow him to greet then he howls and yelps pretty much most of the journey.

If I let him off the lead, he turns into my dog again and is a pleasure to watch.

The problem on the lead is quite bad and it makes me avoid people so I try taking him either 5 or 6 on a morning when its still dark or last thing on a night... This isn't a great option as I have to walk him on my own and sometimes he doesn't get a walk at all which is really bad.

One big setback is that he's not food motivated whilst on the lead, (I've tried cheese and chicken) and he isn't really motivated by toys or balls either.

I'm a bit stuck... all suggestions gratefully received
cheers

I'd suggest getting some advice from a one-to-one trainer, or a behaviourist.

Any pictures by the way? I've never seen such a mix.

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RIP David xx Run free at the bridge. Love you always xx 19th February 2011
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I agree with SP, some advice from a good trainer or behaviourist is definately worth getting.

In the meantime would you consider muzzling your dog and letting him run on a longline?? This way he's getting the exercise he needs but without putting other dogs at risk. Do you do clicker training? This would really help get Bart to focus on you(i've had mine for 3 days and i can already see a huge difference in my dogs focus) and could eventually be used as a distraction.

Another bonus of having him on a longline and muzzle is he cannot hurt other dogs which means you might be more comfortable with him meeting them, do you have any friends with calm dogs that would be willing to help you desensitize Bart to meeting dogs? Doing simple things like having them walk past you at a distance while you try to distract Bart or even practising greeting nicely(i.e remove him when he shows unwanted behaviour, praise when he's calm and gentle).

I would definately consider a muzzle and longline so Bart can get the exercise he needs, while also finding a behaviourist to get professional help and advice, i think it's APBT where you can find the names of registered trainers?? I'm sure someone will be along who can give you more advice soon.

Another good idea would be getting some interactive toys for Bart to use indoors, if he's mentally tired he should be easier to work with outside. Things like a kong/kong wobble/buster cube/nina ottensen toys(doggy puzzles) where he has to use his brain to get food are great for stimulating a dog and with a spaniel cross i'd say are a great investment. Also playing games like find it(scatter food or hide a toy in your garden/house and let Bart go and find it) would be great for tiring the spaniel side of him.

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Owned by Tummel the rottaridgeador and Dante the Italian Spinone

You say he is a pleasure off lead - what about when he meets other dogs off lead?

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Proud owner of Rocky the Yorkie, born July 2008, who came to live with us at 8 weeks old
and
Ellie the Yorkie, born February 2012, who came to live with us at almost 8 weeks