Encountering other dogs

Anne123

Anne123

Location
Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
When I walk Odin and he sees a other dog aproaching him he freezes and lay down. I can't move him into another direction. He will jump up when the other dog is real close.
What should I do to give him more confidence (I read that this behaviour is due to lack of confidence/anxious/frightened), or how do I help him?
 
Cath

Cath

MLF Sales Coordinator
Sorry Annie I have never had this, but I am sure @Beanwood would be able to help you.
Found the below on line. I don't know if this helps or not. Good luck

Your dog's behavior of freezing and lying down when seeing another dog
can signal anxiety, appeasement, a play invitation, or a freeze response to a perceived threat, so the next steps depend on your dog's individual reasons. Observe their overall body language, and if the behavior appears to be rooted in fear or anxiety, it's best to increase distance from other dogs and seek help from a professional dog trainer
 
Anne123

Anne123

Location
Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
Cath said:
Sorry Annie I have never had this, but I am sure @Beanwood would be able to help you.
Found the below on line. I don't know if this helps or not. Good luck

Your dog's behavior of freezing and lying down when seeing another dog
can signal anxiety, appeasement, a play invitation, or a freeze response to a perceived threat, so the next steps depend on your dog's individual reasons. Observe their overall body language, and if the behavior appears to be rooted in fear or anxiety, it's best to increase distance from other dogs and seek help from a professional dog trainer
Click to expand...
It's not a play invitation as he is totally flat, not in a bow position. Can't get contact with him then, he refuse the distraction as calling, giving him a treat. The problem is also that he has a very good nose, So he smells other dogs before I am able to see them....It's also not with all dogs. Also not breed dependend...I never realised it could be fear or anxiety, but reading an article about it made me think...
 
HAH

HAH

Moderator
Location
Devon, UK
Anne123 said:
When I walk Odin and he sees a other dog aproaching him he freezes and lay down. I can't move him into another direction. He will jump up when the other dog is real close.
What should I do to give him more confidence (I read that this behaviour is due to lack of confidence/anxious/frightened), or how do I help him?
Click to expand...
I think this is a really common behaviour in adolescent dogs, and Stilton did this for a good year I think; we managed it by reassuring him, making sure he had space (ideally avoiding the other dog coming too close; various techniques but asking for room was our main approach), and interrupting before we got to the bounce phase were all helpful. Using pattern games and counting - e.g. 3, 2, 1, treat using high value treats - to reinforce attention switching onto you, and using a marker plus high value reinforcement (treats, a toy) to reinforce any and all check ins really helped. The biggest difference was him growing up, so Odin will mature out of it - but confidence building will help in the meantime.
 
M

M.F.

Snowie did this as a puppy. I was told then that making himself look small was his way not to intimidate the dog who was approaching. However, when the dog got nearer, he’d leap up in excitement! I used to warn the oncoming person cos that sudden leap was sometimes startling.

I never once thought it was an indication of anxiety. He was always such a confident, friendly dog.

He grew out of it. I can’t remember how old he was.

Subsequently I’ve met other puppies who do this. And Snowie, being the approaching dog, couldn’t care less when they suddenly leap up.
 
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