Discussions

Hello, is there a reputable place (more like a training place than a dog park) that would either work with the dog owner or "take in" a large breed dog to SOCIALIZE with other dogs (cats would be great too). I have a smart and wonderful dog that I trust with my toddler children that goes mental at the sight/sniff of other dogs. He listens to commands when he is focussed but as soon as another dog/animal is in sight he is gone both physically and mentally, with or without my arm.

I would talk to Two Brown Dogs Canine Consultants (they are located just off Victoria Ave East near the dog park)

They have excellent trainers who can also help with your dog's behaviour. Two Brown Dogs is good too.

Is it dog aggression? Or he's just super excited to see them? If it's aggression, it can't always be trained out of a dog. They can be trained to be less reactive, but doesn't always mean that they'll want to hang out and be friends.

I wouldn't call him aggressive. He does come from a line of working dogs that have a higher prey drive though. So I'm not expecting to get that out, it's in his genetics, but I would like him to be able to focus on my commands despite other dogs around and for him to walk past a dog without me losing an arm holding him back. Like I said he's good with my toddler children and his sister dog (who is the alpha). Because he is a bigger dog I'm actually scared to let him have a go with any smaller dogs especially because I can't control him verbally once he's in vicinity with any other dog...if he bites (which he hasn't yet thankfully), there is potential for injury. And I unfortunately can't control him physically either as he's 85lb of muscle, (my husband can!...before anyone says that you shouldn't own a dog you can't control) this is why I don't take him for walks anymore.

So I guess less reactive is my goal, I don't necessarily need him to be buddy buddy with everyone...not everyone appreciates an 85 lb dog, even tail happily wagging, coming at their little pug.

If you can't find a training place, the best thing to do would be to find a friend with a dog and have them stand as far away as it takes for him to not react, give him a treat, have them come a bit closer and call his attention back to you and give him a treat as soon as he looks at you. It'll eventually tell him that you want his attention on you, and not the other dog. You'll need another dog that won't instigate rowdiness. It'll take some time (a lot of time) but eventually you should be able to give him a "look at me" command while passing other dogs and he won't be interested in them.

Go see Lynn from friends for life daycare on 26th street. She helped us with our 100 lb dog. She will train you how to train him.

Socializing and training are different in my opinion. Perhaps both would be best?  
 
I would second Lynn, she is able to handle larger dogs. She is not a treat happy or clicker based trainer, Two Brown Dogs very much works that way. Also not much socialization there when I went. There were two 'playtimes' after our classes and neither went well. Dogs were not matched up well in my opinion and I will never ever go back.  
 
Lynn will work on socialization. There is also PAWSItive Experiences daycare on Park Ave. Absolutely amazing place. Sandy is like a female dog whisperer, again my opinion. I've watched rescue dogs and foster dogs be socialized there. She has her "pack" and one alpha female that is wonderful with new dogs. There are dog friendly cats all around as well. Pop in and speak with her!

Also have consulted with Lynn on lots of different dog questions....she's been training dogs for over 30 years so has loads of experience.

We take our Shepherd-boxer (1.5year old) to Lynn White doggie day care to socialize her and we've started training sessions as well. our dog is crazy on walks and wants to lunge at every dog that she sees on walks ! When she goes to dog day care she gets along with all the dogs and plays until she's exhausted , with no signs of aggression, Lynn is awesome with her ! I really think it's something to do with being on a leash? Although in the yard she runs along the fence trying to "get" everything moving past the fence. Alvin Simon and Theodor in backyard have really brought the prey instinct out in our dog, and the dog constantly chases our cats around the house. Really hope Lynn will help us rectify this behaviour . Our dog is a working dog as well and is very very smart she does everything perfectly at school but on walks and outside the classroom she " forgets" . 5 more weeks of classes and likely Lynn will have her socialized .

Thank you everyone for your suggestions! MindYourOwnBeezwax, your dog sounds exactly like our German Shepherd except we don't actually know what ours would do off leash...

I would recommend Two Brown Dogs. Renee is excellent, all positive reinforcement training methods. Her and Ayoka are the only Certified Professional Dog Trainers in the area, as far as I know. Renee is also a Certified Behavior Consultant (canine).

that it is the dog owner who needs training on how to handle the situation. So many people talk about 'getting some training for the dog' when in actuality it is the people who need training.  
 
I can totally relate with a dog that goes berserk at the site of other dogs. Mine does and I've been going to both 2 Brown Dogs and The Paw Resort and Wellness center to find out how I am suppose to manage this crazy behaviour. While both facilities are excellent and I learned a lot from both, Sarah at The Paw Resort and Wellness center has been the only trainer who has been able to help me with this behaviour in my dog. Each dog is different. As the dog's owner I'm encouraging you to persist in trying different trainers, not just one, to find the right way to manage your dog.  
 
Both you and your dog deserves the time.