Rottie won't stop lungeing at cars, trucks,etc

[rottiesnumberone]

First of all, I wanted to say thank you to those of you who responded to my posting under Rainbow Bridge after the passing of my ten year old female Rottie, Nikeeta. All of your words and sayings made her passing a little easier. It is almost one year since she is gone and I still think of her everyday.

Now I have a one year old super energetic male Rottie, named Rock. He was given to me about four months ago and training and teaching him has been one of the hardest things to do. He is fun and silly, but very stubborn. This is my first male Rottie.

Anyway, his newest thing that I cannot correct is lungeing at oncoming traffic. I started him sitting at every curb before we cross and that has worked out good until a few weeks ago when he starting to go after anything with wheels that was coming near him. He trys to go after cars, trucks, motorcyles, bikes, skateboards, etc. I do not know how to correct this problem?

Frank ---- rottiesnumberone

[brunie's mom]

What kind of collar is your dog wearing?? I have a foster that is like this and have her wearing a Halti (other types are Gentle Leader and Promise collar)... this has made a big difference in our walks:)
It is much easier to control her now and to get her to look at me.
If you are having a hard time with the new dog.. sign him and you up for obedience classes... they are alot of fun and a great way to get pointers:D

Gina

[rottiesnumberone]

One reply, that's all anyone has to say? How come when am animal dies, you people reply with hundreds of responses. But not with a training question?

[Judi W]

Sorry Frank, guess because we've had this several times recently. In general, the solution is that same ol' training thing. If you can make better and better progress in your training when you are not in a stimulating situation, it gets your dog more responsive. Then BEFORE he gets into his lunge, you give him a cautionary verbal and reminding correction. Do an about turn, some halts and some more turns which will occupy his mind. Keep doing this until he realizes he is not going to be allowed to do his lunging routine.

Personally, I would caution against using a head halter for this type of behavior as if the dog gets forward of you and lunges with a nose halter it is very easy to cause an injury by wrenching the head around. I would suggest a pinch, properly fitted and used correctly. You can learn how to do that in the training classes you are going to attend (if you are not already)

In other words, put in your corrective practices before the dog is in full drive.

[pandora's daddy]

Here's how I've learned to correct this with a pinch collar. Right when he starts to lunge give him a snap, (hard pull and quickly release) towards whatever he is lunging at. This can be a bit tricky if you've never used a pinch before, I would recommend enrolling in a training class using the pinch if you've never used it yet. The timing and force to use is going to take some practice. I should also mention that we have used this for all corrections for going after something, dogs, cars, etc. The most important thing to remember with the pinch is to keep things consistent.

[k&s]

Hi, Rottiesnumberone -

One of my rescue rotties used to do this. With general training, and over time, it has subsided. However, he still gets worked up when a car goes by with a loud muffler, or a car and trailer goes by. He also gets a bit worked up when we are approaching home and he is in a more excitable frame of mind.

It helped me to anticipate when he was about to go off on a car, and to put him in a sit, wait until the car went by. This might be difficult for you if you are walking on a busy road. then, perhaps, you would have to give him corrections when he lunges and try the sit, wait whenever you can.

Another thing that works for me is to teach 'touch', where the dog touches your hand with his nose and then gets a treat for it. Also, teach 'leave it!'. Then, when a car goes by you can say, 'touch', and get his attention on you. Or you can say, 'leave it', in a stern voice. If he leaves it he gets praise, if he does not he gets a correction with collar. (I like the prong collar).

Best if you can anticipate his actions before they are about to occur, and try to get his attention on you.