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Hi,
I adopted a Dane / Mastiff cross named Shorty from a local shelter after my Labrador passed away last February and I'm looking for tips / advice on training when it comes to dog encounters when we're out walking together. He's 3 years old, around 6ft tall on his hind legs and weighs just over 70kg so he's a big boy. He's very friendly and gentle towards people and the majority of dogs we have come across and had been regularly socialized at the shelter with other dogs and puppies. Unfortunately a lot of people are terrified of him because of his size. I'll often see other people with dogs who go out of their way to avoid Shorty and I and I've actually had a few people pick up their dogs and run in the opposite direction. I've looked for local dog groups to socialize him but they only cater to people with puppies who are in training. I occasionally run into another lady who owns a Mastiff who Shorty absolutely loves to play with, but due to my work schedule it has been difficult for us to arrange a time to meet at the local park. The problem is that when I'm out walking him and we encounter another dog, he pulls on the leash with the strength of an ox, whinges and becomes difficult to control as he's doing everything he can to get to the other dog to say hello and play which tends to intimidate and frighten the other dog owner. What's the best course of action when it comes to training to help keep him under control when we see other dogs out walking? I understand he's starved for interaction with other dogs, but I'm doing everything I can to remedy that. It's just that his current reaction is making it even more difficult to meet people with dogs who Shorty can play with.
Thanks!
I adopted a Dane / Mastiff cross named Shorty from a local shelter after my Labrador passed away last February and I'm looking for tips / advice on training when it comes to dog encounters when we're out walking together. He's 3 years old, around 6ft tall on his hind legs and weighs just over 70kg so he's a big boy. He's very friendly and gentle towards people and the majority of dogs we have come across and had been regularly socialized at the shelter with other dogs and puppies. Unfortunately a lot of people are terrified of him because of his size. I'll often see other people with dogs who go out of their way to avoid Shorty and I and I've actually had a few people pick up their dogs and run in the opposite direction. I've looked for local dog groups to socialize him but they only cater to people with puppies who are in training. I occasionally run into another lady who owns a Mastiff who Shorty absolutely loves to play with, but due to my work schedule it has been difficult for us to arrange a time to meet at the local park. The problem is that when I'm out walking him and we encounter another dog, he pulls on the leash with the strength of an ox, whinges and becomes difficult to control as he's doing everything he can to get to the other dog to say hello and play which tends to intimidate and frighten the other dog owner. What's the best course of action when it comes to training to help keep him under control when we see other dogs out walking? I understand he's starved for interaction with other dogs, but I'm doing everything I can to remedy that. It's just that his current reaction is making it even more difficult to meet people with dogs who Shorty can play with.
Thanks!
