How to walk

DavidMagnus

Hello, my BT Niro is 15 months old. I got him when he was 8 weeks old. Since then I've practiced walking with him. But until this day he is just too energetic every time we go for a walk. He won't walk on my side or behind me. He would always pull. Also every time he sees a dog he lays down to wait for the other dog to come over. Some people do come and let their dog greet (some dogs come and greet and after some sniffing just become aggressive, I don't know why), but other people think that my dog is about to attack their dog. I must say that Niro is very socialized and has never been aggressive towards anybody or anything. He is just too energetic no matter what (when we go outside). My problem is that when he lays down  like a block, I have to drag him a little bit so we can continue with the walk, otherwise he would just lay there until the other dog is out of sight.

My questions to you are: do any of you have the same issues? Do you have any tips on learning my dog how to walk? how do I stop him from  just laying down and just keep walking(like every other dog does).

Thanks.

BulliesofNC

I've dealt with this type behavior from a couple BT's that came here for rescue but you could tell they weren't used to being on a leash or going for walks. To some people, taking a dog for a walk on a leash every few days is plenty and for others they feel that would be considered barely ever. Your dog at 15 months old should be well adjusted to walking on a leash by now. If he's still pulling hard and hard to manage I suggest trying a spiked choke collar which will help in the aspect of him pulling hard. As far as him sitting down when he see's another dog this is usually a sign of nervousness. It's also a sign that he is not as socialized as you may think he is.

At 15 months old he's still a young dog with a lot of maturing left to do. Puppies and adolescent Bull Terriers can get very excited when they come in contact with new people and other dogs. Their excitement can be to the point where they block out all commands to STOP, Get Down, or NO. I'm still training my 6 month old female to stop jumping up on people when she greets them at the door. She'll never do it to any of us but when visitors come over her excitement takes over her capacity to remember proper behavior. This is something that comes in time from training and the dogs' own maturity.

Many a couple days at a Doggie Day camp would help get him more comfortable around other dogs and he could learn to react to them normally after prolonged socialization.

Zerlett

Dogs get an attitude with your dog probably for a few reasons, perhaps they don't see him as a respectful dog and another reason can simply be his energy level. Dogs will react negatively to a dog who seems to be overly bouncy and bounding with energy because it disrespectful to them, they also may see no one is controlling the dog and his energy and will feel the need to immediately assert themselves. I would put your dog on a fitted prong collar (pinch collar) so that when you walk him you can regain the control of your walks. I don't know how people can walk bull terriers with them pulling I just wont have it.

DavidMagnus

Thank you for your reactions. I have to say that I am confused. Because as I mentioned before he doesn't approach other dogs or anything. He lays down and waits for the other dog to approach. They sniff each other and then the other dogs snap at him. And I'm not a fan of pinch collars. I guess I just have to ve more consistent with authority and let him know who's in charge. Thanks for the replies.

DavidMagnus

Also I have to add that he gets along well with big dogs and it's mostly smaller dogs that tend to snap on him. Also I have noticed that castrated dogs are less tolerant towards him.

Leslie

These collars won't hurt them and it makes a huge difference in the dog. I would guess the other dogs don't like his energy level they sense and his anxiety level over their presence. Have you ever seen the ceasar millan walk video?? Your defanatly part of this equation and this video might help you realize what your doing wrong. Give it a try, he sounds like a nice boy with lots of ene

Zerlett

A pinch collar is not for a lifetime of use, it's short term and its effective. I never need it anymore after about 6 months of training on one. Little dogs are just snappy in general, and they get 'ball envy' where they act more nasty towards those who are intact.