lunging at dogs (long) -- play?

[dogatemykarma]

Max is a non-dominant male 2yr, neutered. He is very gentle with everyone. I'm fostering him from the SPCA. He had been off-leash several times there with no observed agression. However, he does lunge at other dogs. He doesn't growl, or sneer or bark, unless barked at. He will return to heel position on command or an emergency down and stay there, and whimpers.

My feeling is that this isn't agression, but poor manners. He simply wasn't socialized with other dogs. This morning we were waiting for the elevator, and a guide dog got off. I had him a good three feet back and to the side of the door, as I had heard someone get in the elevator a couple of floors above. However, when the car arrived, the guide dog came out the door and walked straight towards Max, so he jumped up towards her. Before I could get him back, she withdrew in fear and (i think) bumped herself on the elevator door frame. I hauled him back, and commanded him into a down, which he did. He was then only three feet from her, in down position, and calmly whimpering. I had to leave him on a long, loose leash as the lady insisted I check her dog, because it's "face was wet" (worried about a bite). I think her dog got freaked out, and the wet was saliva (fight or flight response) also from running into the door backing away. He simply freaked her out.

My sense is that if he was attacking, he would have shown other signs, and certainly wouldn't have been on fours, feet from her, ears down, whimpering. I think he wanted to play and just doesn't know how to present without lunging excitedly. It's all hard to say right now because he's in isolation for kennel cough, so no socializing. Thoughts?

[Rott-Wiley]

I'm sorry but this is how our breed gets a bad reputation. This dog should not be out in public until he is better socialized and under better control.

[dogatemykarma]

Originally Posted by Rott-Wiley

I'm sorry but this is how our breed gets a bad reputation. This dog should not be out in public until he is better socialized and under better control.

I agree. I fostered him because his cough meant I would have a chance to bond with him without worrying about socializing for awhile. I was planning on private training/assessment in week or so. However, if he can't go out in public, he won't be able to relieve himself (i'm in an apt.). The closest he has previously gotten to a dog is across the street, because of his cough.

[Roosmom]

[quote=dogatemykarma]Max is a non-dominant male 2yr, neutered. He is very gentle with everyone. I'm fostering him from the SPCA. He had been off-leash several times there with no observed agression. However, he does lunge at other dogs. He doesn't growl, or sneer or bark, unless barked at. He will return to heel position on command or an emergency down and stay there, and whimpers.

My feeling is that this isn't agression, but poor manners.

Either way it scared the crap out of the old lady and her dog. You need to be 2 steps infront of this dog in thinking the whole time. when you heard that door getting ready to open you should have started your manta, dog or no dog coming your wishes for his behavior should be known.
If it is just rudeness he needs to know what you expect before you expect it.and what will happen if he dosen't.
I had to resort to a face grab on willy a few times just to let thim know I really was going to rip his whole face off if he dosen't do as i say. Willy is not aggressive in any way shape or form he's a goober with no manners and needs to be reminded he has no clue on a daily basis.
I'm also very lucky :) I have a friend who has 12 fully trained dogs. by the time we made it through meeting her pack we have no more problems.
I think willy's biggest break through was finding out not all dogs are worth meeting and that i knew which ones are the rest he can ignore.
roosmomdeb

[Judi W]

Collar up behind the ears and hand right at the collar. He can't lunge if he can't move. You can then take your other hand, place it around his muzzle and turn that muzzle against your thigh. Do this every time in close quarters. When moving, same position with the collar until you get to a clear area for him to relieve himself.