Mag-Pie
Well-Known Member
I walk my CC every day around the neighborhood, we usually walk for an hour or so; up and down the streets and through parks. I use these walks as training sessions, and to desensitize Luther to the outside world. It's always a structured walk, I use a short traffic lead and keep him in “heel”. He loves going for walks now, has learned to ignore distractions, no longer is scared of cars, and is nonreactive to other dogs and people, as long as they keep their distance. I've been working diligently with him for the past 4 months, and he's improved immensely, he's well mannered and obedient on our walks. I'm very happy about that.
The other day, we were out walking, and there is this corner house with two dogs, judging by the looks of them: some black lab looking thing and a pit bull (mix?) of some sort. They're always barking and jumping around in their fenced-in yard as people with dogs walk by. As we were approaching their house, a guy with a dog walked by them and they were all yapping and jumping around behind the fence, per unusual, but they seemed contained so it was no big deal. Then it was our turn, and we actually were walking across on the other side of the street. So we walk by, cross another side street, and all of a sudden I feel Luther slowing down and looking back. As I stop and turn around I see THE pit bull standing behind us!!! Gasp, his tail and ears are up. At this point Luther is standing tall also, and I'm like fuck!!! So I say: “Hey! Get! Go home!” as I move toward that other dog facing him and claiming my space, he just looks at me, like “what?”, so I got louder “GO HOME!” and stumped my foot, which made him turn back and he ran into the street, and back unto his sidewalk. I'm like, WTF?! Did that dog just hop the fence, or open the gate? But the other dog stayed in their yard, so IDK. But whatever, Luther did NOT react, stayed cool but alert, and we moved on.
I was really happy how well he handled this encounter, but I've stepped up my game as far as how I handle loose dogs, since in the past I've had a problem with loose dogs charging at us, but that's because I was not prepared for loose/off leash dogs running up to us. I guess I was naive in thinking that other people were all responsible owners; now I know better and am prepared any time I see another dog to handle the situation. I learned to stay calm, confident, and in charge. Luther knows now that I will “protect” him, so he does not have to get involved, and hangs back.
As we continued walking, a few yards down, there was a group of guys walking towards us, but once they saw us they went into the street; they didn't have to because Luther was cool, but he was still walking tall which made him look intimidating. We passed each other, and a few moments later I hear dog barking, them yelling and hear them running back… so I assume that pit was still out and about, and this time decided to charge those guy. SMH. But, whatever, not my problem. My responsibility is to myself and my dog, making sure he is not a liability or a nuisance.
The point of all this is there are dogs everywhere, their owners not always secure them, either because they are ignorant or careless. Or maybe it's that in my neighborhood we have more then a handful of really irresponsible dog owners with rude dogs, but I doubt this problem is only around here. So, everyone should always pay attention to their surroundings, and be prepared for all kinds of encounters. Cheers!
The other day, we were out walking, and there is this corner house with two dogs, judging by the looks of them: some black lab looking thing and a pit bull (mix?) of some sort. They're always barking and jumping around in their fenced-in yard as people with dogs walk by. As we were approaching their house, a guy with a dog walked by them and they were all yapping and jumping around behind the fence, per unusual, but they seemed contained so it was no big deal. Then it was our turn, and we actually were walking across on the other side of the street. So we walk by, cross another side street, and all of a sudden I feel Luther slowing down and looking back. As I stop and turn around I see THE pit bull standing behind us!!! Gasp, his tail and ears are up. At this point Luther is standing tall also, and I'm like fuck!!! So I say: “Hey! Get! Go home!” as I move toward that other dog facing him and claiming my space, he just looks at me, like “what?”, so I got louder “GO HOME!” and stumped my foot, which made him turn back and he ran into the street, and back unto his sidewalk. I'm like, WTF?! Did that dog just hop the fence, or open the gate? But the other dog stayed in their yard, so IDK. But whatever, Luther did NOT react, stayed cool but alert, and we moved on.
I was really happy how well he handled this encounter, but I've stepped up my game as far as how I handle loose dogs, since in the past I've had a problem with loose dogs charging at us, but that's because I was not prepared for loose/off leash dogs running up to us. I guess I was naive in thinking that other people were all responsible owners; now I know better and am prepared any time I see another dog to handle the situation. I learned to stay calm, confident, and in charge. Luther knows now that I will “protect” him, so he does not have to get involved, and hangs back.
As we continued walking, a few yards down, there was a group of guys walking towards us, but once they saw us they went into the street; they didn't have to because Luther was cool, but he was still walking tall which made him look intimidating. We passed each other, and a few moments later I hear dog barking, them yelling and hear them running back… so I assume that pit was still out and about, and this time decided to charge those guy. SMH. But, whatever, not my problem. My responsibility is to myself and my dog, making sure he is not a liability or a nuisance.
The point of all this is there are dogs everywhere, their owners not always secure them, either because they are ignorant or careless. Or maybe it's that in my neighborhood we have more then a handful of really irresponsible dog owners with rude dogs, but I doubt this problem is only around here. So, everyone should always pay attention to their surroundings, and be prepared for all kinds of encounters. Cheers!
