Tense Staffy on the lead

by Stella2012 Sun Aug 14 2016, 21:32

Hi

I have a 4 year old bitch and shes a fab dog in every way apart from being tense on the lead with other dogs at times.

When we walk she takes great interest in other dogs passing by (pricks her ears and looses focus on the route). She never barks at them or growls but if we get close sometimes without warning she will take a snack at them. To be clear this has never resulted in any harm to a dog or actual biting.

Ive always corrected her by tugging her lead and saying no and making her sit.

Some people say they do this as they feel the tension of an owner but even when im relaxed and dont hold the lead too tight she still does this.

When she is off the lead shes a totally different dog but diff problem! She will forget recall and run to anyone for a stroke. which comes with its problems as some people may not like this.

If we socialise with other dogs off lead she is fine so long as they dont become agressive towards her she will happily play with them and share balls etc. If a dog does confront her she gives them a warning and will back off so im not worried she would get into a fight.

I have recently taken her to the local dog meet and she got on well with all dogs off lead.

I am wary of letting her off at our local field as many people pass through without dogs and she will run to them for affection. If i can i get her to stay with me and focus on me that would be great.Any suggestions on both issues??

Thanks ....Ps sorry for the long post Big Grin

by **-Ian-** Sun Aug 14 2016, 21:51

All of what you've typed sounds very familiar to me and probably a lot of other Staffy owners. The tension on lead doesn't have to come from a taught lead, it can come from any anxiety or trepidation that you may feel even if you think you aren't.

There are a couple of things you can do that should help, recall recall recall... You can't practice this enough. I know it gets boring but if you get it right it can make such a difference.

With the snappiness refocus is the key, I do it by producing my girls fave toy (A Kong Stix) and her focus is on that regardless of what any dog is doing around her. In fact the world could be ending and her sole focus is that Stix. You need to be watching ahead and watching your girls body language and make the call as to when to distract.

That certainly works for us and hopefully others will offer more advice Smile

by Stella2012 Sun Aug 14 2016, 22:19

Thanks for the reassurance Ian.

Im doing my best with the recall clicker and reward everytime and it works perfectly until she sees someone and shes off! Will keep at it though id really like her to stay close or just pass people off lead without her wanting their attention or jumping up.

Doesnt help with the majority of people like to fuss her when we are out.

Ive never tried a toy for distraction so i will give that a go see if i can take her focus away from them.

Went to a dog event recently and she pulled a little and kept trying to get close to people for attention which is annoying for me.

Someone who came to fuss her said politely why does she not have a harness. Ive tried her on a harness but its not for me. Seems like i have less control over her.

Have you ever tried a haltie?? First time tonight and she seemed a lot calmer up close with a neighbour and their dog. She was calm around the dog and didnt pull at all to get the neighbours attention.

I find it so frustrating how she can be so good with dogs off lead and now then hit and miss on the lead?!

by **-Ian-** Sun Aug 14 2016, 22:29

I don't use a halti but know others here do and find them great. Harnesses are hit n miss until you find the right one that works for both of you in my opinion. We have a hand made one that has the "D" ring quiet far down the back and the moment we started using it we noticed a complete difference, no pulling at all and if she gets slightly ahead she feels the tension in the lead and slows up.

Try the toy, we use it in all sorts of situations where we just want her to focus on us and not on any other distractions.

People attention is a tough one cos you can't expect everyone to understand that it's not what you want, however, you will find with time that confidence between you and her will grow and it will get better, I am immensely proud of my girl these days but it took us a while to get there.

by Stella2012 Sun Aug 14 2016, 22:43

Thanks

I found with the harness there is nothing to pull her head round and also sometimes people let their dogs get too close without warning (extender leads) and then we may be caught off guard and she could snap easily.

I know, no one with a heart can resist a wagging tale and a big staffy smile Smile

Right well thanks for the advice i will be taking her fav toy tom, along with her treats and clicker.

Will let you know how we get on.

by **Mia05** Mon Aug 15 2016, 11:38

cant add to the already good advice given best of luckxxx

by Stella2012 Tue Oct 18 2016, 16:21

Just a quick update on Stella. Shes doing great Smile

We have started attaneding local classes and this is helping a lot. All of the stuff were working on she does at home but having to do the commands and focus on me while distractions are around is a comp new challange for her. Shes doing great in the classes and im enjoying taking her.

We are working on treats as a distraction while on the lead, its going to take a bit more work but shes coming on great.

We have been taking her round the local park since posting this and its been hit and miss. If she has her ball she will come back everytime but wihtout it she still goes to meet people. Im going to get a training lead and see if this will help.

Thanks for all the advice so far, nice to talk to people who are helpful and understand.

by **Mia05** Thu Oct 20 2016, 22:33

have you also tried a long line you can buy them cheaply online you can pull her back without running like a maniac to save people from a meet and greet Laughing

by tommy-1968 Sat Oct 29 2016, 17:47

Stella2012 wrote:Hi whats best harness for my staffy got one out pets at home it was total useless no strength to it dog chewed it within 5 mins

I have a 4 year old bitch and shes a fab dog in every way apart from being tense on the lead with other dogs at times.

When we walk she takes great interest in other dogs passing by (pricks her ears and looses focus on the route). She never barks at them or growls but if we get close sometimes without warning she will take a snack at them. To be clear this has never resulted in any harm to a dog or actual biting.

Ive always corrected her by tugging her lead and saying no and making her sit.

Some people say they do this as they feel the tension of an owner but even when im relaxed and dont hold the lead too tight she still does this.

When she is off the lead shes a totally different dog but diff problem! She will forget recall and run to anyone for a stroke. which comes with its problems as some people may not like this.

If we socialise with other dogs off lead she is fine so long as they dont become agressive towards her she will happily play with them and share balls etc. If a dog does confront her she gives them a warning and will back off so im not worried she would get into a fight.

I have recently taken her to the local dog meet and she got on well with all dogs off lead.

I am wary of letting her off at our local field as many people pass through without dogs and she will run to them for affection. If i can i get her to stay with me and focus on me that would be great.Any suggestions on both issues??

Thanks ....Ps sorry for the long post

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