New Issue.....

[DanS]

Hi everyone. Apollo is about 8 1/2 months old now, somewhere between 90-100 lbs and unaltered. Here is the new behavior that I want to understand how to train against.

Background...

Apollo loves to play with other dogs. He is very easy going, will allow other dogs to dominate him, but will also take his turn and roll just about any dog over and sit on them when he wants to, so basically he is not aggressive towards dogs or people for that matter.

Ok the new behavior... when we see new dogs, male or female, I usually put him in a sit position. Up until a couple weeks ago, he would sit stay until I said ok and we would continue on, or go meet the new dog (after asking if it was ok). Recently, the problem is he gets very excited and really wants to go say hello to this hopeful new friend so he breaks his sit stay, does his straight up jump thing (not a lunge) and barks and grumbles a litte. I know this means come on Dad let's go play, but the owner of the other dog does not. Is there anything I can do to discourage this. Currently I am making him return to the sit stay before we approach, but most of the time, because of the action, we don't get to meet the new dog. He is not very food motivated, so treats really have no effect. I can usually catch his eye for a moment, and sometimes get him to a down stay.

So what is the suggestions? Is this puberty in full force? Am I doing the right things?

Thanks,

dan and apollo

[Sheenagirl]

Can't believe at over 5,000 members you haven't had a response yet - I didn't either at one of my posts. But anyway, I'm not a "trainer" but I think you are doing the right thing in reinforcing to your dog that his behavior is not allowed and putting him in the sit/stay position again to show him that that kind of behavior doesn't get him anywhere. After awhile he will get the message hey! when I act like this I don't get to go see the other dog! Keep working with him - good luck. :)

[Leader]

(Time difference prevents me from writing any sooner). sounds like you're doing the right thing. He is walked on the leash, right? So just make him sit stay and not play with other dogs until his behavior stops. Mine would love to play with other dogs but I never let him play with other males anymore...he's not at all agressive although he is dominant...looks at other dogs like they're out of their minds when they growl or bark...but I'm afraid he might get into a fight and become agressive; i've heard too much about a male rott with another male dog...anyway seems like yuou're doing the right thing; Taking away the treat (in this case another dog to play with) when he misbehaves; he'll learn, I'm sure.

Good luck ;) P.S. You are getting close to that adolescent make me i'll show you stage; watch out for a change in behavior towards other dogs!