Leash Reactivity

[OliveandTuna]

We have a 2.5 yr. old white (deaf) boxer that we rescued from a local shelter a little less than a year ago. Generally speaking, he is a VERY well behaved dog, but his behavior on a leash leaves much to be desired. He is very smart and typically catches on to new tricks and training very fast, but no matter what try he is an absolute terror on a leash.

We have tried the front lead harness, the gentle leader (hurt his little nose, so I gave up on that), and the vibrating collar (worked awesome for all other training). The front lead harness works to an extent, but he still drags you along. He has never shown any real signs of dog aggression and is perfectly fine off a leash with other dogs, but it when we pass other dogs while he is on a leash he goes crazy (sometimes with bikes & runners too). I think it's more of an excitement thing, but he freaks other dogs out and he can't hear their warning signs. His behavior also tends to make our rather timid Goldendoodle seem a little uneasy.

Has anyone else had a problem like this with a typically well-behaved boxer? Any thoughts/suggestions on what we can do to help this crazy on-leash behavior?

-K

P.S. For anyone else who has a deaf pooch, I 100% recommend a vibration collar for all other training!

[Gypsiemouse]

Mongo (has hearing) is totally leash reactive, but fine otherwise.
And his bad leash manners have rubbed off on his sister, so now they are both leash reactive.
I can't offer much help though, as we haven't solved the problem, but welcome to the club

[tguinter]

the picture of him surely is cute. My female Dually is not this way all the time but everynow and then on a walk if another dog passes us she will lose her marbels. people look at me like she is this nasty dog but she isnt, she is such a lover and does fine off leash with dogs. I think with her it is a dominance thing with the dog and the actual people walking the dog. She is an alpha girl and tends to be very bossy and need to be in charge. if i see this happening i try to put her in a sit and make her calm down. sometimes easier said than done when holding 2 leashes but my male Rusty is so well behaved he just hangs out while i deal with Dually.

sorry im not much help but best of luck i am sure others on here will have more helpful information

[Doggiedose]

When you see people coming do you give them a wide berth or do you stay on the sidewalk? Lexi tends to be quite vocal when we see other dogs in the neighbourhood and I usually cross the street. She still yaps, but I feel like it helps me control her. When she starts barking or focusing on another dog, I try to step in front of her so that we're face to face and block her view. Doesn't always work, but sometimes helps.

[OliveandTuna]

Usually my husband is walking Tuna, while I walk with Olive. Something in your comment made me think that perhaps we should switch dogs every now and again. My husband's reaction is to keep walking and just tug him along - but I personally don't think it's good for Tuna not to meet/socialize with other people and dogs - maybe my husband's reaction(s) to other dogs and people are influencing Tuna...?

[OliveandTuna]

Originally Posted by Gypsiemouse

Mongo (has hearing) is totally leash reactive, but fine otherwise.
And his bad leash manners have rubbed off on his sister, so now they are both leash reactive.
I can't offer much help though, as we haven't solved the problem, but welcome to the club

Lol- thanks

[Bigd102683]

We had the same issue with Major our 8 year old white boxer. Nothing worked until I tried the collar made by Caesar. It's one of the collars that has a loop at the end and tightens on itself when they pull. I also don't move forward when he is pulling. I stop and wait for him to sit. It's helped immensely. The biggest factor when walking is your state of mind. I know it sounds silly but if you are calm and confident they follow your lead.


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