boxer pulling to get to other dogs

Question
hi Nicole, we have a 20 month boxer called Cooper he is quite good on lead untill we see an other dog and then he will drag me to get at the dog most of the time it is only to try and play with the other dog ,but he is a domnaint dog and just last week he started to growel at other dogs when i try to pull him away ........i have now got a water gun and i am going to zap him any time he dose this is this a good thing I will not have him groweling for no reason,
he gets lots of off lead running as he goes with a friend and lots of other dogs to a large park I have asked he has his beahavior changed with other dogs she says no ..maybe  i am doing something wrong... please help

many thanks
jacquie

Answer
Hi Jacquie,

Firstly, what do you hope to accomplish with the water gun?  What is your ultimate goal?  Your goal should be to have him behaving properly on a leash, full stop, not just stopping growling.

Secondly, he's not growling for no reason.  Dogs don't vocalize to hear themselves 'talk'.  :)  You may not understand or agree with his reasoning but there most definitely is one.

If you do not time your 'zap' exactly right, you'll only make the behavior worse as he will associate something he doesn't like with other dogs.  I'd not recommend it.

Better still would be to not let him approach dogs when on lead until he has better manners.  Most dogs will behave worse on lead (if at all) because there is no flight option...only fight.  Chances are, because you know this behavior will occur, you're attitude changes as well which, believe it or not, passes on to him.

When you see another dog approaching (before Cooper does) put him in a sit/stay.  Keep his attention focused on you.  If he gets up, put him back into a sit.  Once the dog passes (and Cooper has behaved) give him a treat and continue on with your walk.  He will then begin to assosiate approaching and passing dogs with good things.  Remaining calm and obedient will also be associated with these treats.  A good idea is to use something that he will only get on these walks...bits of chicken, cheese, hot dogs, etc.  

Lowe's or Home Depot (or almost any hardware store) have really cheap cloth nail aprons.  They're great for walks!  They have one pocket or two, depending where you go, and treats fit inside nicely.  :)