Trouble walking my boxer dog!?

Question

I have a 10month old boxer puppy, who is smart and a quick learner. He does listen and can do alot of tricks, he also understands alot of words and signals. For some reason whenever we take him for a walk and he sees another dog he goes nuts!! Not in a way to hurt or attack, he just wants to go up and see the other dog and play. It's getting to the point where it looks like he is ready to attack and it scares off the other dog and owner, Or it gets the other dog going. We have tried alot of different things to train him to stop. Nothing seems to be working!

We've tried to bring treats on the walk, we have tried different chokers. We try jogging past the other dog, making him sit and stay until they pass. We try to walk by correcting him by giving a snap on the leash. We have tried to submit him and make him lay down. It's at the point where if we see another dog we have to change directions. He is getting big, and strong where it is making it difficult to control him when he wants to pull.

Help! how can I fix this! I don't understand why this is such a problem for him?

Answer 1

definitely invest in a gentle leader

sometimes with breeds with 'squished in faces' they have trouble breathing in general. and if you get the head collar may be a chance that it will make breathing even harder. so take him to pet smart or pet co and ask them to help you fit one on and walk around with him

and if the head collar isn't right for your dog-go with the easy walk harness. it is made so the dog does not pull. regular harnesses encourage pulling

so just to be safe- even if there are a bunch of other brands

definitely go with gentle leader/ easy walk harness

Answer 2

try as gentle leader boxers are hard headed as you well know at least my lola is it will work wonders on your dog

Answer 3

How well socialized is he?  How often is he able to play with other dogs?  And how often does he get to go for walks like this?  These are all important factors.  If he's just not used to the routine yet of walking and having to PASS every dog he sees, then every dog is still going to be interesting and exciting to him.  Also, try to give him some good exercise BEFORE your walk.  I know, walking is supposed to be the exercise -- but for pups still in training, it's hard to teach good leash manners when they're bouncing off the wall.  Wearing him out a little beforehand will make him a bit easier to manage.

Another thing -- if you are anticipating him to lunge at every passerby, he's likely picking up on your body language.  When you stiffen up and shorten the leash, that's a cue to him.  You must remain calm.

http://www.flyingdogpress.com/onldagg.ht...

Don't worry, you're not the only one with this problem ;)  Boxers are just very social dogs, and especially active as pups.  Just keep working with him and he'll get better with time.

I've linked a few threads from a boxer forum all dealing with the same issue... feel free to take a look.

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthr...

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthr...

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthr...

Answer 4

Dogs learn what is and isn't acceptable behaviour from each other (better than any method we humans choose to use) if your dog is overly excited this could be misread by a nervous dog, but I wouldn't worry too much. I think the more energy you give out (attempting to stop him from doing what he sees as natural), the more this will feed your dogs excitement.

Try and be calm in these situations, its ok for dogs to "say hello" and if he oversteps the mark, the other dog will be sure to put him in his place. My dog has always been inclined to "say hello" to everybody that we meet (humans and dogs alike) I try to distract him by saying "Mmmm whats this" like I have a treat, if I think the other dog is showing signs of nervousness or agression. You should maybe try puppy socialisation classes, good luck and let him enjoy what dogs enjoy doing :)))

Answer 5

Just keep doing what you are doing.  When you turn around, if he pulls again, say "ah-ah" and turn back around until he's calm.

Answer 6

Well.Here is a positive training method:

1)When your dog starts to lunge tern the other way.

2)When he is completely calm you may turn back.

Also when you do this make a sharp noise to distract him.

You should repeat until he understand he has to be calm.

Also be calm and your dog will be calm!