Originally Posted By LuLu Can my dog learn to get along with others? Here's the sitch, CoCo is very friendly to humans (excessively so) but doesn't get along with other dogs. We took her to the dog park frequently when we first got her, but when we took a break from it, she seemed to forget that other dogs were her friends. After 3 tries, we gave up the dog park. We've since had 2 incidents when out for walks where she has attacked a small dog - in the first instance a loose dog came running at her first, in the other, she broke off her leash and went for the dog. She just goes nuts whenever she sees another dog and I can't get her to listen. Anyway, I'm now ready to rent my guest house again and an otherwise very qualified tenant has a dog (boxer/golden mix; mine's a dalmatian). He seems to be very sensible about how we could introduce them, and I'm thinking maybe this could be a good thing - for CoCo to have a friend at home, as well as maybe calm her down around other dogs. So what do my dog experts think??
Originally Posted By leemac Hey LuLu Unfortunately you have picked a very difficult breed. Dalmatians are notoriously fickle and are often very highly strung. I would strongly suggest you contact your local Dalmatian Owners Club and attend classes. Dalmatians are very sociable and can be very playful (overly playful to smaller dogs and kids). If you don't get it under control soon the dog will be too old to learn. Basically they need to be properly socialized. My golden retriever loves dalmatians but they often don't know when enough is enough - and Marley doesn't realize that they are playing rough. Hope that helps! Lee (That said - they are immensely lovable dogs who are great companions when socialized).
Originally Posted By Dave My cousins dalmatian gets along with the other 11 dachshunds and 1 taco bell reject in the family.
Originally Posted By TINK-MOBILE Hi Lulu..my brother had a dalmation...they are real pretty dogs , but are high maintance, very high strung, they like attention all day long, and get very frustrated when it is not there, they really do like affection and love to give it right back....cya soon...hugs from the tink-mobile ox
Originally Posted By beamerdog leemac has a good suggestion. I would definitely get a professional suggestion as to the appropriate leash, halti, or gentle leader for her and some instruction on how to train her on leash so that she will not break away. She should not be able to break away from you. After getting the appropriate leash training, I would enlist a friend with a dog who will not be intimidated and try this. On a street/path with no other dogs, have the two approach each other from a distance (both on leash). The minute she starts to get excited, calmly turn her around in the other direction all the while walking slowly and calmly. give her a treat when still walking when she calms down. Don't say a word or make a big deal in any way. The minute she is collected, turn again so you are facing where the other dog is approaching. Do this until she doesn't fuss when she sees the other dog. She should get the idea quickly. Try and stay as calm as you can when you see another dog. She'll pick up on your tensing up. This is the way we train puppies to "leave it" when seeing other dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, etc.
Originally Posted By beamerdog p.s. that's the training for breaking away and pursuing the other dog when on leash. Jackson sends kisses
Originally Posted By LuLu Yeah I didn't pick this dog, DD was going to do all the training, exercising etc - but now she's off to college and I have to make this work! However CoCo is very lovable and terrific to humans. I had one guest say he had never known a dalmatian that seemed to love everyone like CoCo. But other animals - that's where it gets scary! I guess what I want to hear is that if these 2 can get along, I wouldn't have to worry about them getting into a fight at some time. My guess is that this is a better situation than having a child here - children & dogs can be a very unpredictable combination IMO. I've had a couple single moms apply too, and I won't even consider a child younger than 7, but that still worries me. I know I need to get with a good trainer too.
Originally Posted By beamerdog p.s.s. I love the program "It's me or the dog" on Animal Planet. There is one that addresses your problems specifically. I'll try and find the site. I adore that English chick Victoria who is the trainer on that show. Now if I could only have her car...
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<We took her to the dog park frequently when we first got her, but when we took a break from it, she seemed to forget that other dogs were her friends.>> Many if most dogs need lifelong training. You can't expect them to remember of behave the way they did if you stop for a period of time. As for reintroducing CoCo to dogs again, I think I would first try to get the cooperation of another dog owner, and allow CoCo to approach if she is calm. In other words, as you are walking her towards the other dog, if she shows the slightest sign of acting up, immediately turn around. Then when she has calmed down, try again. Keep turning around if she acts up. Hopefully, after a few times she will get the message that if she acts up, she won't be allowed near the other dog. When she is able to be beside the other dog in a calm manner, immediately reward her with a treat to reinforce the good behavior.
Originally Posted By beamerdog <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2jy5kr" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/2jy5kr</a> You can find the schedule of her show - unfortunately, there are a gazillion episodes, and I don't recognize the one for which I'm looking :-(
Originally Posted By beamerdog trek, do you watch that show? I love it as Victoria Stillwell uses so many of the techniques I learned at Canine Partners. For an older dog who shows aggression, we also use a dominent down, but I don't think that LuLu should use this in public in a dog park, lol.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Yeah, I watch Victoria. It's always amusing when she comes down on owners. Oh, and she does love to wear the black outfit with the black boots and wide red belt, like some kind of doggie dominatrix. LOL.
Originally Posted By LuLu Yeah I don't think I'll be going back to the dog park. I just read one of the threads on that TV show's forum and I'll pass As far as breaking her training, I'll be honest, when we got the dog I had no idea dogs need to be trained to behave with other dogs. So, duh! As to the amount of time that passed w/o going to the park - I don't remember exactly, but I think something like 2 - 3 weeks. Didn't take long!
Originally Posted By LuLu Oh, and taking off on Lee's suggestion, I'm trying to get in touch with DD's friend's aunt, who is a dalmatian person (works with the dal rescue lady too) and see if she'll help me train or recommend someone. So I'm hopeful...
Originally Posted By beamerdog >>doggie dominatrix<< OMG! What a perfect description. I love the boots, but couldn't imagine training in them. LuLu, I'm sure you'll be able to work this out
Originally Posted By TINK-MOBILE wow beamerdog, now i clearly see why you are so good at this topic, you name gives you right away, well done, great info, take care..from the .tink-mobile
Originally Posted By mater4 My DH is a k9 handler and his dog is not very dog friendly either. May I suggest that when you introduce your dog to another do not put them face to face but side by side with someone in between them. Face to face will encourage the dogs to fight.
