Dog Lunging

[oxo]

How can I stop my St Bernard from lunging at other dogs when on a walk, he is 15 months old and is very very strong. I am wary of taking him out because one day i fear he will pull me over. Thanks in advance

[dannyk13]

Ken.//perhaps the OP has also bitten off more than can be chewed?//
Not if he follows Lankeela's advice regarding the dog collar and gets the dog some training. I have had a Pyrenean Mountain Dog and a Newfoundland both of which I took to a dog training group.

[lankeela]

Lol I judged Pyreneans on Sunday and neither of the two male handlers had an easy time getting their eleven month old pups to trot round the ring and stand still!

[Cloverjo]

A big strong dog like that really needs some proper training.

[dannyk13]

Lankeela, fortunately my Pyrenean enjoyed training and didn't give me any problems.

[lankeela]

Training is of course essential but the sheer size of the dog means it is always going to be difficult to control. The headcollars recommended above give you a degree of control so the dog cannot pull towards other dogs but you have to be aware of what they are capable of. This is not going to be a quick fix by going to a training class once a week for an hour.

[dannyk13]

//This is not going to be a quick fix by going to a training class once a week for an hour.//
Very true,apart from the classes, you will have to devote a lot of time continuing at home what you learn at the training classes.

[pixie374]

Lankeela, that was why I avoided using the harness I bought, for the first year. I thought it would give her more to pull against. But, she never even tried again. I don't understand it, but gave it a go from other people's advice, and it did stop the pulling.

[Khandro]

The damage was been done before you got the dog, what a stupid idea to give the dog a treat when it lunges, it thinks it is being rewarded.
You will have to find something it doesn't like to associate with the lunge.
(I daren't say it on here or I'll have the wrath of AB dog-lovers descend on me, but there are times when you have to be 'cruel' to be kind)

[pixie374]

Khandro, dogs only have a second or two, to associate behaviour and reward. Which is why some use clickers, to make it more immediate.
It would be impossible to give a treat to a "lunging" dog... you do it from when you see another dog, until it passes by. It won't get one, unless it is focused and next to you. That is what the dog thinks as being "rewarded". They are instinctive, not like people, and don't think back to consider "previous" behaviour. It has to be instant.

[Senorita123]

You must immediately change direction the moment he starts tensing up BEFORE he lunges, quickly turn on your heels and give him a treat everytime he listens to you, its quite easy its just being consistent.
After a while and he starts calming down you can begin pushing his limits and attempting to walk past dogs give him a treat for every good deed.