How can I keep my dog calm? Desperate!

enomis52

Hi!
Sorry if there is a similar thread about this somewhere, but I need help teaching my dog some manners...

He is a great dane x mastiff (so he is quite big and strong), and about 2.5 years old. We first got him at about 1 year old.

He is a very sweet dog, and has been easy to train in all basic commands, which he usually responds to quickly and easily.

The problem is that I cannot take him on a walk without him getting hugely excited when he sees another dog. We live some distance from neighbours and other dogs, so when he does see one he goes nuts!! He jumps around, whines, barks, pulls and his hackles go up. I am not entirely sure if he is dog aggressive, or if he is just excited to play. He is not at all concerned when we walk past another person.

I have tried just walking on and ignoring it, and he will come with me (after a little bit of convincing), but he remains agitated for about 10 minutes afterwards. While he can see or hear the other dog his entire attention is on it, and he doesn't hear cues or notice treats.

Nothing I do otherwise can get his attention away from the other dog. I know that some of this comes down socialisation, but how do I socialize him in the first place when he gets so excited? I don't know anyone else who has a dog in my area who could help us practice...

So I guess my question is, how could I go about getting him to keep his attention on me and how do I teach him to remain calm when he sees another dog??

I would appreciate any suggestions!!

Thanks!!

fawkese1

for starters, welcome

second, my dog does this too, and we are working on it... here is a link that might help you to understand what is going on with your dog
4 Paws University Sacramento Dog Obedience Training

enomis52

Thanks

And it does help, thank you!
I will start working on it first thing tomorrow

Annecaley07

As much as we love them like our children, dog have their own needs. One of those basic needs is to know who the pack leader is. When that is clear, dogs will be happier, and better behaved. One of the goals of Obedience Training for Dog schools is to help your dog and you establish that dog/master relationship. Every pet can benefit from obedience schools. Dogs especially like and will respond well to training courses.

Dawnben

This is what I did. First get a halti head collar so you have more control and then do this training. We have been at it for about a month and it is finally working. We went to the park today and he actually walked near another dog and did not react.