Snapping

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Tobey has taken to snapping at people when we are out walking - there doesn't appear to be any reason for it either. Apart from a muzzle does anyone have any idea how we can stop this before it gets out of hand?

Up to now he has always been a friendly dog

[Flatcoatluver]

umm my trainer uses a spray bottle with water and sprays it on the muzzle and if she like it they put lemon juise in it but to try and not spray it in her eyes

[Cincy'sMom]

Try to make seeing other people on a walk a poitive experience. Right now, you know he may snap, so you probally tense up and he senses that. Some dogs tend to feel more protective/aggressive when on a leash, and sometimes that comes from signals when we are giving them without realizing it.

I think this is what I would try:

When you see another person approaching, put Tobey in a sit, get him to focus on you, using treats, praise or whatever gets his attention. Keep your voice happy, talking to him and praising him for being a good boy. Once you have done this (days, weeks whatever it takes), don't stop him, but still keep his attention on you as you walk past the other person. Praise him, talk to him, keep a treat in his face if you need to (cheese, hot dog, something high value). Gradually you can wean the treats away, just keep talking and praising. Get his focus on you.

Good luck!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Originally posted by Cincy'sMom
Try to make seeing other people on a walk a poitive experience. Right now, you know he may snap, so you probally tense up and he senses that.

That is exactly what I do! I didn't realise - thanks from some great ideas

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Cincy's Mom - I tried your approach this evening and it seemed to work. I explained to the people walking past what I was doing and they were really helpful in not wanting to stop and disrupt his training. Result - a much more relaxed and controlled walk for both of us