Distracted very easily while on leash

Question
QUESTION: Hi Jannie,
I have an 80lb male boxer that is a year old.  I find that he becomes distracted very easily while on the leash. It can be squirrels, cats, other dogs & humans.  There are a few things that I have picked up over the years to help combat these issues, for example, I now use a HALTI, rather than a collar when we walk, he is easier to control and more responsive. When he starts pulling, I turn and walk the other way but he continues to look over his shoulder. If walking by another person, he tends to lunge at them (in a friendly way) When this occurs, he is given a correction immediately (2 handed tug on the leash).  I have also taken a water bottle with me and sprayed him when he starts with these antics. I should mention he tends to act up more when he sees another dog with jumping & barking.  The sit command simply goes out the window.  Myself and my wife have always looked forward to our walks with previous boxers, but this is and can be very embarrassing and not a joy.  If you have any advice that you can pass along I would certainly appreciate it.

Looking forward to your response,

Gary



ANSWER: Gary, he is a typical Boxer when it comes to getting excited when seeing other people, wanting to play and acting up when he sees another dog. Boxers usually bark and/or get aggressive when another dog comes along that he is not familiar with, and/or wanting to play with the other dog. All typical.

You didn't mention at what age you began your leash training. If it was late on, then that is part of the problem. His "behavior" is already learned and instilled and more work and time is needed to "unlearn" old behavior and learn new leash behavior.

If you did start at an early age, say 3-4 months old or younger, then his behavior is simply a characteristic= stubborn and playful.

This is a task to teach him patience and that you are the alpha and he takes your cue and lead. He is still "puppy" in so many ways.

(Boxers remain puppy-like for years and years, that's a loveable characteristic of the Boxer breed.)

Most Boxers LOVE the water bottle. So forget that and try using a flyswatter. My Boxer is terrified of it because I have swatted her butt and her nose. Nose for barking and growling, and butt for other offenses. All I have to do is pick it up and she stops the "offense" which leads me to believe she is quite aware of her bad behavior.

So try the flyswatter method at home and while on the leash walking. The nose for barking and growling, and butt for getting excited on the leash.

Come up with "methods" and work with him patiently.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jannie,

Thanks, for the suggestion.  This is something that I haven't tried before.  I would imagine you can't get any more stares than I already get when I use my water bottle.
As I had mentioned, I have had boxers before. This is actually my 4th boxer.  
My leash training starts right at 8 weeks.
However, I have never had a boxer react the way this one does. I keep writing off his antics to still being a puppy.  He's not a slow learner by any means, but as I mentioned his aggression towards other dogs on leashes is becoming down right embarrassing.
So I am looking forward to trying your suggestion.  By the way, can you suggest a contingency plan?

Thanks again,
Gary

Answer
Gary, I'd work with the flyswatter method, and every time he behaves and doesn't growl or bark (get aggressive, etc.) with other dogs passing or near, give him a "treat" and praise him with "Good Job!"...

I like the phrase "Good Job!" in a upbeat and pleasing (even excited) voice. This seems to let him know that HE has pleased YOU.

Dogs want to please their masters, and when praised for doing something, they will repeat the behavior to please you again and get attention and affection. So love on him, pat him, rub his head, etc. and happily tell him "Good Job!"

It won't take him long to learn this. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Be consistent with your scolding him and swatting him on each and every offense. Don't let up, don't change your words, don't differ. Stay on course. They learn by repetition.

And, stay on course with the treats and praise.