We have two 5 year old dogs, one male (Knight) and one female (Sadie). They are mixed breed - Gordon Setter and possibly black lab - and are brother and sister. They have grown up with us and are outdoor dogs who stay in a kennel on our acreage. They are about 32 - 36 kg each (65-75 lbs each).
We have a park across the road from our home where we walk the dogs. As a result of aggressiveness towards other dogs, we have purchased head collars and now only walk them out of our yard with the head collars. My husband jogs with them on weekends with only a leash and their regular collars.
Our problem is that it is not easy walking with them when other dogs are around and I do not know how to handle the situations that arise. I have the dogs keep on walking with me, basically ignoring the other dogs. Our dogs are looking around to see where the other dogs are, but I want them to keep on walking so they know that I am the one to be listened to. When other dogs are off leash and come up to our dogs, we generally have a problem because the other dog(s) want to sniff them and they get uncomfortable and one of them lunges with the second one instantly doing the same thing. This becomes scary due to the weight both of them pulling me. The head collars are the controlling factor at that point. It is not fun for them or me or for the other people and dogs in the park so I have to find a way of making them feel comfortable with other animals. Some people in the park who know our dogs are afraid of them, and I am certainly more anxious when I see other dogs in the park.
I believe our male, in particular, has fear aggression as he is afraid of many things, including small dogs. Our female does not seem to have the same fears but will growl and instigate an attack on other dogs at times if they approach. After reading various material, I believe we have not socialized our dogs which is now a problem for them.
I have followed the "alpha behaviour" to instill that I am to be listened to and must say that our male is a very loving dog that is smart and quick to learn. The female is not as easy to teach but she does learn and is also very loving. They can stay, sit, heel (for the most part), lie down, come (for the most part). We let them free in our yard (we have 4 1/2 acres) and generally, they do listen and respond well. Occasionaly they have a mind of their own and will take off into the neighbouring field and not come when called. If ones goes, the other one does as well.
I want to socialize them and believe they can be taught but I don't know what I should expect of them. Should I continue walking when other dogs approach or should I let them come up to sniff, which I know is the usual greeting for dogs? When our dogs become anxious with the sniffing, what should I do? Should they sit when other dogs come up (which I have made them do) or should they stand? I know we have to put them in these situations fairly regularly for them to get used to it, but I would like to know how to handle it when they respond with poor behaviour.
Thanks for any help.
