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Dear Yvette,

Our recently acquired dog is afraid of other dogs. We have tried to let him play with other dogs, but he just tucks his tail and runs. Then the other dogs chase him, which makes things worse. How can I get my dog around other dogs without making matters worse?

Ben

Free play is not what it's always cracked up to be. Owners used to be advised to let dogs, “work things out on their own.” This can sometimes work. Other times, as in your case it backfires.

When a dog is overly fearful, this is one of those exceptions. You can also run into issues with dogs that have aggression issues, play problems or even separation anxiety issues. Dogs with aggression can learn to be better at backing off other dogs. Dogs that are overly bonded to their owners might play, but they do not learn to be alone when you are right beside them.

There is another popular strategy that is commonly recommended by some European trainers. Instead of off leash play, they participate in on leash group hikes. I personally like this strategy.

When you are walking with your dog, your dog is learning to work with you. I think that this is one of the biggest differences between professional dog handlers and pet people. People who compete are always working with their animals. To them, training is not about several weeks of introductory material. On a daily basis they put to use what they learn.

In return, the pros get dogs that can ignore distractions. The dog learns to walk past other dogs. They learn there is no threat to them from other animals. They learn to relax and settle quietly.

Novice pet people often let the dogs run and entertain themselves. In return, many dogs have no motivation or desire to work with their people. Of course that makes sense. Given a choice, why would anybody choose work over play?

On leash hiking combines both worlds. The dog and handler work together. At the same time, dogs learn how to behave on leash around other dogs. Dogs do not have to always play with one another. “Always,” falls into the category of spoiling. Free play as a special treat can be fun.

For dogs with challenges, there is one more key benefit. You can arrange the hike to suit your needs. If your dog is fearful, you can add a little distance until the dog's confidence builds up. Since the other dogs are also on leash, your dog is not chased. If a dog has separation anxiety, you can arrange for another person to take the dog. The dog learns they can have fun with other people too.

I like to combine obedience, on leash walks and off leash play. Their off leash play involves games like fetch. It is a great way to keep the dog working.

Think of it this way, obedience to dogs is like school to kids. Off leash play is like a kid's playground. On leash walking is like after school sport or arts programs.

On leash hiking and walking lets you to find the right mix. By controlling all the elements you increase your success rates to overcome fear. If you are having difficulties arranging group hikes, organizations such as Trailwaggers at 519-432-2731 can pick up your dog for an outing and supervised interaction.

Yvette is an award winning pet writer and pet behavior columnist. She also is the author of Meeting Milo, a North American dog bite prevention program to reduce the approximately 2 million children bit by dogs annually. She is the owner of AwesomeDogs.ca and works as a behavior consultant in London, Ontario.

This column was originally featured in The Londoner
See more of Yvette... www.awesomedogs.ca
www.meetingmilo.com

Yvette has 2 dogs of her own, KIKI and KAYA. Take a look...

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