When dogs greet in a natural setting (not in today’s urban living)
they greet in a “C” shape curve or side by side to smell each
other’s rear ends. They don’t go up to each other face-to-face
and stare. This is considered rude and offensive behavior.
Now that dogs have to be on leashes in our communities, as it is the law
(and safer for all concerned), dogs can’t just go up and perform
their normal greeting behavior. When a dog does see another dog from a
distance, across the street, usually on a walk, it is normal for him to
look over and see who it is. He can’t interact with the dog normally
(such as smelling to get to know him, etc.). He can only SEE the other
dog. The other dog may look at him, too. This can potentially create a
staring situation across the street. This may cause your dog to feel insecure
about the other dog. When he sees the other dog “staring”
at him, he may see it as the rude, offensive staring behavior mentioned
above. He pulls forward and feels the pull of the leash. He feels restrained
from being able to approach. Frustration ensues, and after a number of
times he begins to feel frustrated seeing other dogs while on a leash
at a distance. This is what is called conditioned frustration or
leash reactivity.
This can happen with any breed, and it is common
in today’s style of living. This is not just an issue specific to
the Pit Bull breed. Also, this does not mean that your dog is necessarily
dog-aggressive or less tolerant of other dogs, especially if your dog
is fine playing with his select, properly-introduced friends off-leash.
The way to curb and/or prevent this behavior is to reinforce a differential
behavior. This means that you teach your dog to focus on something else
instead of the dog over there. This can be a “sit”
and “watch me” or you can also have your dog perform a down-stay
and a look at you at the same time. Continuing to walk with your dog and
having him look at you while passing the other dog is also very successful
at keeping your dog from even locking into a stare-down with the other
dog. Timing is key, don't even let your dog stare at the other dog at all. This eliminates the frustration before it
can even begin. If you wait until he's already frustrated, lunging
and pulling forward, he may not even hear you say, "look" or
"watch me" at that point.
These distraction techniques will prevent frustration from building up
while on-leash around other dogs. A good leash manners class can help
you learn these very simple techniques. Then you can take these techniques
outside the class and use them in life in many different situations.
Establishing good leadership with your Pit Bull is a very good way to
start. This also helps your Pit Bull feel that someone is in charge and
gives him a better sense of security around other dogs.
The above is a very good way to set a good example in public with your
Pit Bull showing good manners around other dogs. He can be taught to even
be calm and focused on you even when other dogs are riled. This is very
impressive in public and really shows off your Pit Bull as an ambassador.
Marthina McClay, CPDT
Dog Trainer/Behavioral Counselor
Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Tester/Observer for Therapy Dogs
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