[drharps]

When I take my pup on a walk, she is generally good (8 months old). The one big issue I am having is she is easily influenced by dogs or bicyclists or motorcyclists. When she sees them or hears them, she absolutely loses it and lunges or runs towards them. Whenever she sees something that increases excitement, she can't contain herself.

What are some suggestions for getting past this? I used to stop and wait until she came back to me and stopped tugging, but she's gotten where my waiting isn't even on her radar anymore. Thoughts?

 

[LeoRose]

Sounds like reactivity to me. Whether it's frustration or fear based, addressing it sooner, rather than later, is the best thing to do.

A good, positive based trainer who uses Behavioral Adjustment Training, aka BAT, would be great. You can look here to see if there is anyone in your area. http://grishastewart.com/

If you can't find an in-person trainer, then this online class could be helpful. https://fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/84

 

[drharps]

I checked the second link and I should be clear it's not her being scared or startled, but instead her wanting badly to play. When we walk by a dog in a yard, she starts jumping up and down and runs to the fence wanting to get into the yard to play. Same goes for bikers and motorcyclists. It's not her reacting in a negative emotional sense, but instead an excitement that someone can match the energy she wants to display.

Not sure if that makes a difference.

 

[LeoRose]

Then it's probably frustration based. This class might be one to look at, then. https://fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/12291 It's going to run in the June session. The bogeyman class would still probably teach you some good coping skill, though.

I still think your best bet might be a good, in-person trainer.

 

[Lillith]

Sounds like reactivity. Lots of herders (and young dogs in general) are like that. They do grow out of it some, but they are so attuned to motion that bicyclists or joggers or anything fast really catches their attention and gets them excited. They need help understanding how they should behave in those situations.

In addition to LeoRose's links, there is a reactivity thread on this forum somewhere. I think its a sticky in the Training forum. The method for fear and frustration reactivity is pretty much the same.