It happens. And it gets really stressful and embarrassing.
Your dog just loses their mind whenever they're on their leash. They lunge, pull all over the place, and bark like they're nuts.
That's not fun. You want to take your dog on a nice calm and peaceful walk at the end of a long day. You don't want that time to be stressful and annoying.
Anyway, here's some pointers for getting that unruly dog a little more in check:
1. Practice Getting Your Dog to Focus on You BEFORE You Go Out
This should be done in a low-distraction environment, such as your living room.
You can gradually move to busier/higher distraction areas as your dog gets a hang of how this works.
And it's really easy to do.
Simply say your dog's name and reward them with a treat whenever they look at you.
2. Get Your Dog's Attention Before They React to Other Dogs
Don't wait for your dog to make a scene and then scold your dog.
Instead, wait until your dog notices another dog while on your walk.
But, before they begin to react, get their attention and give them a treat for looking at you.
This teaches your dog to associate the presence of others with a delightful reward (rather than the barking and lunging they normally use).
3. If Your Dog Barks or Lunges...
Then you went too close to the other dog...and way too fast.
If that happens, simply add more distance between you and the other dog. Then, reward them with a treat as they look at you.
It's important to understand to never punish your dog for barking. Otherwise, you'll undo the hard work you've already done.
4. Keep Your Dog a Safe Distance from Other Dogs
Don't allow other dogs or people to greet your dog (for now). This will only set your dog back into their ways.
If you have lots of dogs in your area, take your dog to a place where they can practice with fewer distractions.
5. Never Approach Another Dog Head-On
Approaching another dog head-on is a way of communicating your dog wants to fight.
So, avoid that!
When you're walking towards another dog, just go around your dog in an arc. As you do so, make sure you keep your dog's focus on you by feeding them a treat every time they look at you.
This turns encounters with other dogs into positive situations where only good things happen.
And that's what you want!
6. If Your Dog Has Harmed Another Person or Dog...
You should get a trainer involved.
You may also want to use a basket muzzle when you take your dog on a walk. This makes things safe for other people and dogs.
Once your dog harms someone else or their dog, that's a serious issue. And you need to address it promptly.
So go ahead and work with a trainer you trust to help your dog get on the right track.