I have a 12 week old golden retriever puppy. He has just started going out for walks and on the whole is loving it. However half way up our street are two Weimaraner. The male is very agressive and wears a muzzle. So far the owner has crossed the road when he sees us but just the barking has our poor pup quaking. I am really worried about what will happen when we met these dogs off the lead whilst walking through the local fields.
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Big scary dog up the road.
- Thread starter beckiejo
- Start date
If the owner muzzles the dog then they are being responsible. It is unlikely they will let it off but if they do it is still muzzled.
You must not allow your, quite understandable, fear of this dog to travel down the lead to your puppy. If your puppy learns to be fearful around other dogs you could have fifteen years of defensive/aggressive behaviour to deal with. Try to act bright and cheerful when you see the dog coming and jolly your puppy along as much as you can.
It is vital, at this age, to socialise, socialise, socialise. Try to find a well run (APDT) puppy class near you to help you deal with all the little issues that arise during this vital stage of your puppy's life.
You must not allow your, quite understandable, fear of this dog to travel down the lead to your puppy. If your puppy learns to be fearful around other dogs you could have fifteen years of defensive/aggressive behaviour to deal with. Try to act bright and cheerful when you see the dog coming and jolly your puppy along as much as you can.
It is vital, at this age, to socialise, socialise, socialise. Try to find a well run (APDT) puppy class near you to help you deal with all the little issues that arise during this vital stage of your puppy's life.
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Excellent advise from Gypsysmum!!!
I couldn't agree more! Puppy classes are excellent for socialization and basic training (sit, come, stay etc) so seeing a dog barking will become some what of the norm to him.
Granted he may be a little worried but he speaks dog and you don't so he will know when to just stay away from a dog like that. Mine dogs ears prick up when he goes past the nasty dog down our road! Its like a "what's up with him" face! Its quite amusing really!
As gypsymum said when walking him and you come past this dog, get your pups attention and maybe even have a little run with him and call him along with you. Something to distract him from the barking. At 12 weeks they are glued to you so your voice should over power the barking and his focus switch straight to you. Plus take a couple tasty treats out with when walking. Always handy to keep their focus when something else distracts them! if he is a typical GR then chances are is nose will over power anything else that is going on in the world at that moment! lol!
He feels safe with you too, so if you act like nothing is wrong and its all a big game there is every chance he will see it as the same and not get as worried.
let us know how you get on
Sophie x
I couldn't agree more! Puppy classes are excellent for socialization and basic training (sit, come, stay etc) so seeing a dog barking will become some what of the norm to him.
Granted he may be a little worried but he speaks dog and you don't so he will know when to just stay away from a dog like that. Mine dogs ears prick up when he goes past the nasty dog down our road! Its like a "what's up with him" face! Its quite amusing really!
As gypsymum said when walking him and you come past this dog, get your pups attention and maybe even have a little run with him and call him along with you. Something to distract him from the barking. At 12 weeks they are glued to you so your voice should over power the barking and his focus switch straight to you. Plus take a couple tasty treats out with when walking. Always handy to keep their focus when something else distracts them! if he is a typical GR then chances are is nose will over power anything else that is going on in the world at that moment! lol!
He feels safe with you too, so if you act like nothing is wrong and its all a big game there is every chance he will see it as the same and not get as worried.
let us know how you get on
Sophie x
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I totally agree with the above comments...if the dog is muzzled its unlikely they dog will be left off the lead..the owner sounds like a good owner using a muzzle and crossing the road when they see you coming ..try not to worry because your pup will pick up on it 
..BTW..pictures of puppies are the LAW on this site..we NEED pictures (please)
..BTW..pictures of puppies are the LAW on this site..we NEED pictures (please) Welcome to Dog Forum!
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