Charlie REALLY wants to say "hi"
This is an issue that's been driving me nuts.
My pembroke, Charlie, is almost 2 1/2. He's pretty good on a leash (minus some pulling when he sees squirrels, eating the occasional mystery food off the ground, etc.), except when he sees other dogs. When he sees a dog approaching, he stops dead in his tracks, lies down, and waits to greet it. He literally will not budge. This behavior can start sometimes even if the dog is 1-2 blocks away. The only way I can get him to move is if I either pick him up or literally drag him away.
Most of the time, I can circumvent this behavior by crossing the street, although he will still stop and stare. When I'm unable to do that and he does meet a dog, he's usually pretty polite and/or submissive. But it's infuriating behavior, even if the other owner is okay with it.
I don't know how to break this - any similar experiences or suggestions?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Denis J. on
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I have the same issue with mine about 50% of the time. As you say, he'll spot a dog in a distance that I have a hard time to pick up. With some of them he continues on the walk and we eventually get to greet the other and its owner, if we have permission. But in some of them he's frozen to the ground. As you say, the legs are stiff and I can't budge him from side to side, or he'll lay down flat. If I try to lift him up, he gets up and goes down right after.
I'm attributing this to his inner herding instinct and/or play style. I don't know why but I do see this lift, lay down, lift and go closer and back to the groud tactic in herding breeds. I tried to pry him up but I would frustrating both of us so now I just go with him and gently coax him as: "Who's that? Wanna say HI"? and with a gentle voice to reassure him there no threat.
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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on
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I would suggest classes as the best way to teach him not to do this. He will learn in a controlled environment that you get to decide when he can stop.
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Permalink Reply by Adrien on
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Also a good suggestion. There is an "action and distraction" class at my local Humane Society. Unfortunately it fills very quickly - I'll have to be more aggressive about getting into it, especially since summer is coming up and a lot of people will be out with their dogs!
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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I know it's frustrating, but remember to be grateful that he is so friendly and good with other dogs. There are so many dogs out there that can be iffy with strange dogs. Having one that adores other dogs is really a blessing.
One of mine does something similar if given half a chance. You want some sort of command that means "walk with me". It doesn't have to be a formal heel. First, you need to get his focus back on you with a "watch me" command. Then get him to walk on. Reward him by sometimes letting him go meet the other dog after he starts walking with you.You want to practice at home without distractions and using super yummy treats, like hot dogs or liver treats or cheese, or pieces of cooked real meat. Gradually add distractions.
He also might need more socialization time with other dogs; if he is desperate for dog company it will be hard to find a reward that is higher value to him than meeting the other dog.
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It's so true. I am very grateful that he is so well socialized, and that he has no hidden aggression. *patting self on the back a bit here*
Unfortunately I know he's a bit desperate to play. Part of it is his age - he's still young and has some puppy behavior left in him. The other part is that he has some mild elbow dysplasia that gives him arthritis when he plays too rough. As a result, I've had to remove a lot of the dog park rough housing and ball chasing that he loves. I do let him play occasionally with friends'/neighbors' dogs, but he often comes back stiff, or worse, limping. So it's very, very, very occasional. It's also unfortunately very upsetting.
I do try to keep super enticing/stinky treats on hand for when he's having a rough leash day (pulling, stopping, etc.). I will try it in the context of him seeing other dogs as well and see how it works out! Thanks for the advice!
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Permalink Reply by Jim Bangma on
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Frodo does the same thing at age 8 months. But it isn't just other dogs, it's people or anything interesting as well. I will pick him up by his harness, spin him around on his rear legs and set him down. He simple flops back down and will allow himself to be dragged rather than come along. Sometimes a treat works, sometimes it doesn't. If not the only choice is out-stubborning him which can take 5 minutes.
I keep telling myself it's because he isn't a dog, he's a corgi but the neighbors alternate between laughing and worrying that I'm dragging him home. Just letting you know you ain't the only one. Any suggestions from others who have been there welcomed!
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Glad to know a lot of people have this problem! Obviously it's not great that this is a common problem at all, but rather that we can sympathize with each other. He often does this to people too - when he sees someone get out of a car, or sees someone who somewhat resembles my friends that he is accustomed to.
I attribute some of this to when he was a puppy and almost everyone and everything would stop to say hi and coo over him - even other people with their dogs. It's sometimes much harder to break a habit borne of positive reinforcement than a negative one.
Thanks for the story!
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Permalink Reply by Bogart the Cardigan on
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Glad to know we are not alone. We have been working on this with a trainer, at the park with many distractions. When Bogart is focused on another dog approaching, we say "watch me" and reward / distract with treats, and lots of praise when he ignores the other dog. It takes time...
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