Unruly dog...how to handle?

[Nina&Bill]

I'm not sure if I should post this in training but this did happen in training class and for a change the unruly dog in question isn't Amber :).

Our classroom is set up in two rings, one for obedience & one for novice/utility work. obviously those dogs in obedience class are on leashes but the dogs working in the novice/utility ring are not...they remain leashed until they go into the ring individually, then are off lead while they complete their tasks.

As is our custom when we arrive at obedience I'll take Amber for some loose leash walking around the ring until class starts as a warm up. As we were completing our second circuit around the ring I hear shouting coming from the nov/ute ring & turn in time to see the Rottie, Echo, that had currently been working in the ring push his way through the barricades & come galloping towards us. I quickly out myself between Amber & Echo but could not prevent Echo from giving Amber a thorough sniffing. Amber seemed concerned & promptly sat down but she didn't shy or bark or hackle. I tried grabbing Echo's collar but it was a prong & since I don't know how to properly use one I didn't want to risk hurting the dog. Eventually Echo's owner caught up with us & removed his dog, Amber seemed no worse for wear and the trainer said that as long as I was able to make Amber feel safe & unafraid then I did fine but I really want to know how to handle a situation like this if it should ever happen again?

Yes, I tried ordering Echo to sit but he blew me off just like he ignored his handler.

Thanks in advance,

Nina

[Judi W]

Well, poor guy, it probably looked to him like your girl was "cruising" for some attention and he didn't want her to feel neglected. Yes, this can happen, and I'm sure the handler was not real happy and yes, I'm sure that you were happy that this time it was someone else's dog being "bad". ;) To help out, next time try to be aware as to whether your proximity and circling might be acting as a distraction to the dog that is working. Whether it "should" or not is not the issue, but it is a courtesy obedience exhibitors and trainers try to give one another as you never know when you're going to be on the other end.

[Nina&Bill]

Thanks, Judi :).

Poor Amber, I always thought that she was a bit of a tart.

Nina