I just can't tell what she is trying to do..

[mbf89]

I have two dogs, one is pretty old and is great with other dogs. The other is pretty young between 1 1/2 and 3 yrs. when ever she meets new dogs when we walk ( on a leash) she does this fast attack like thing... I pull her back normally so I don't really know what she is trying to do. I don't want any other dogs to get hurt. she is a small dog. I want to take them both to a dog park ( I live in an apartment, so they get limited walks). I am just afraid she will hurt another dog:confused. When I introduced her to my older dog they were fine...? I don't get it? how can I introduce her to other dogs with out he hurting someone? I read that if a dog is on a leash they feel more vulnerable? help.

[Karen]

Have you done any obedience classes with her? They would be good at teaching her better "social" skills. It's hard to know from your description whether it is aggression or play. Are her ears up, or back? Can you tell if she's happy, or fearful?

[mbf89]

I have been looking into the training. her ears are floppy, so I cant really tell their position. She doesnt seem angry really, she seems excited, kind of, but I cant tell if it is happy excited or mad excited. I guess I really just need to find a trained and see what they think.

[Karen]

Try talking to your vet's office - they often can give you the name of a good trainer, or even the folks at your local Humane Society might be a resource. What breed is she? Any idea?

[Giselle]

It sounds a lot like leash reactivity. You'd be amazed by how many dogs actually have it. One of my dogs, Ivy, is/was very leash reactive.

See this thread for ideas on how to retrain a proper greeting/coping skills:
http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=142274

See this link for info on what leash reactivity is and how it isn't necessarily dog-dog-aggression:
http://4pawsu.com/onleashaggression.htm

Many people recommend using 100% eye contact when dealing with reactivity, but I personally like the game of Look At That, instead (LAT is explained in the first link). LAT was coined by Leslie McDevitt in her book Control Unleashed, and I highly recommend you give it a read.

ETA: I also recommend familiarizing one's self with subtle dog body language and movements. If you pay close enough attention, you will see very distinct signs of stress and excitement. These subtle signs are key to helping your dog cope with her stress/excitement.

[mbf89]

well I got her from an animal shelter that claimed she is a daschund mix... and while I can see it in her face a little... I believe she has some beagle in her too, I can't really be sure. she is about 15 lbs, somewhat of a thinker small dog. pointy nose and the fold over ears.

[Freedom]

Hi there, and welcome to Pet Talk!

I agree, an obedience class will wok wonders, for both of you! I was thinking "leash aggression," even before I read Giselle's reply. My Lacey does that.

One thing you will learn in obedience class, is NOT to pull the leash back to correct her. It is a common reaction by us humans; but they will teach you better ways to address this! As I am still working on it, I don't want to try explaining it, in case I am still doing it wrong myself.

One thing you can do is teach her the 'get behind' command. She needs to walk behind you. You are on POINT; you deal with any intruders, invaders of space, first. This takes a lot of pressure off the dog to be in control of space and of a situation. That one I have used with excellent results!

Let us know how things progress!