Accepting another dog - Page 1

I have a 14 month brother and sister.  I have had them through advanced training at a pet super store.  They are doing great except for accepting another dog.  They bark and lunge because they want to play but because of their size, they scare people. 

That's the part of the CGC test the need to retake too.  Any suggestions?

I am not an expert but since no one has interjected yet........here's my 2c worth.

Take your dogs out separately and work with them individually.  It is always harder to expect good behaviour from two unruly teenage pack animals.

BTW can you elaborate what advance training your dogs received at a pet store and were you involved in their training?

Thanks for the note.  I had them through beginner, intermediate and advanced group classes. It was really just the basic commands...which I had already taught them.  It was ok but not exactly what I needed.  I was hoping for more on socialization.  I also take them out to a pet store on the weekends to keep them social as well as they go to daycare once a week to play with other dogs.  I know they are young but my thoughts are that now is the time to teach them to be polite.

I do take them out one on one and work with them and you are right, they are easier to manage separately.  I just need them to get over the excitement of wanting to play with other dogs faster than they are.

No offense, but giving a crackhead crack once a week isn't going to get the crackhead to grow out of crack.

Kleische...don't want to rain on your parade here, but 2 things come to mind. #1: research/source out a reputable dog trainer in your area with a track record and solid references. Pet store trainers can't produce anything more than a pretty smile. #2: ditch the dog daycare concept. Here's why I say that....you are not the one watching your dogs...someone else is. You are not the one handling your dogs...someone else is. If YOU are having some issues with your dogs, it becomes your task to fix.You sound like you mean well. Run with some of the advise given here. Also....your socialization of the dogs needs to be expanded, BUT....consult a professional before going further with this. The dog aggression issue needs to be dealt/decompressed before moving forward. Good luck!

Kleishe...before any introduction to strange dogs make sure your dogs are exercised and are tired..take them for a long 2-3 hour walk...take them swimming, throw ball for an hour...than introduce them one at a time when they are tired to another dog...that should take a sharp edge of the excitement...i am not a huge fan of dog parks but do visit them when i don't see the familiar trouble makers...i walk for almost 5 miles from one end of the park towards the dog park on the other side..than on a way back when dog is even more tired i practice OB..it's funny they pull me to the park..and I practically  pull them back to the car...35 min drive home fills my car with snoring dogs...good for them and good for my rear end. :)

"...good for them and good for my rear end. :)"

Ummm, LF.....that's sounds A_N_A_L !!!!  LOL

Neutral towards other dogs is great....and care less even better.  What are some other suggestions...I am curious. 

"They bark and lunge because they want to play"

That could be true. Now I'm not saying anyone is doing anything wrong but perception is what the situation is all about. If, without seeing the two act and how they act then it could just be built up energy like others have stated. But also, if it's being misread then it could be two dogs, pack mentality, "strength in numbers" lunging. Yes, now in our eyes that's just how they are; rough housing, rough playing etc. But perception by the public. EXAMPLE: And we won't dwell on it. Your at one of those Petsmart and there's a senior citizen in the isle and someone to your right say "cute dogs" and you turn to them to say thank you and BAM, you hear a scream and thud against the floor. You look over and there's Grandma on the floor and she says your dogs, (both of them) lunged at her. She fell and broke her hip/elbow and now the fun begins.

It COULD POSSIBLY happen to any of us. But why put the dog in that situation if the possibility of that type of outcome is even remotely possible? Why put yourself through that? If it was me I would contact some friends who have dogs. That way everyone knows everyone. Everyone knows or has an idea how the other dogs are going to act or react. And work on exposure with other dogs. Different scenarios etc. Ever see the infamous picture where the GSDs are all lined up in a down position and the cat is walking by in front of them?

They're two teenagers. And how do most act when together? And how do most act when by themselves? Sometimes a big difference. Do things to diminish the built up energy. Consistency.

Two days ago I had my three with me and one by one they were out of the truck on leash. A couple of parking spaces away from me was a big SUV, windows rolled down so-so. I think, (windows were tinted and dogs going ballistic) there were three/four dogs inside. My dog would walk by and all hell would break loose. The way it sounded with my first dog I had to look to make sure they couldn't get out the windows. That's how bad it sounded! My dogs one by one didn't/couldn't care less. Only the F Czech "looked" over to the SUV. But no acknowledgement whatsoever. Training paid off and nice tempermant on all three. Now her dogs a different story..............