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Leolurcher


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Flash and other dogs
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Can anyone give me advice before I go wrong.

Now that "Flashlurcher" is on his own I have let him play or just interact with any dog that approaches him off lead. Fine until a few days ago when in a field I spotted a local man with his black gsd on a lead. Flash was running about amusing himself when he spotted the gsd and all his body language indicated that he might have been considering that the gsd could be a "New pal". Before he made a move I called him to me told him to sit gave him a treat and leashed him.

Do you think that if I recall Flash every time I see a dog walking close to its owner eventually he will get into the habit of returning to me when he spies a dog walking close to its owner? I think that this might work as he is a dog of habit that only seems to learn through constant repetition but on saying that it is amazing how observant he is. I really think that he could get into his head that the vision of a dog beside its owner is a no no. 

What I am wondering about is should I get this habit formed before I let him play around too much with other dogs?  or should I let him play with all dogs that want to play to help him know the difference between being allowed to play with dogs that are some distance from their owners and coming up to him and to leave dogs close to their owners and minding their own business alone. Up until now he has been very good at this but I sensed a little temptation to run to that gsd.

He is a good dog but I have learned with him if he starts a bad habit is the devil of a job to get him out of it. I know that all dogs tend to be like that but I found the speed of a lurchers reaction or the sort of "act now think later" thing makes them a bit different to some dogs.

Love to all
Eleanorxxxxx



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If I can't watch lurchers running in Heaven...I don't want to go there. http://www.flickr.com/photos/leolurcher/
Valerie


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Eleanor
I can only advise what happens with Biscuitlurcher and my experience so far.  Biscuit will be 2 in April, so he is in the difficult teen period just now.  He used to run straight in to play with other dogs, and now 3/4 nips later, he is much more cautious to approach another leadless dog.  I watch the other dog, as well as their owner, because many owners go beserk when another dog approaches which can make everyone/dog twitchy.  If I see a dog on the lead, then I will leash as well.  If the dog is running free, then just watch for any warnings - dog or human!

Biscuit loves any other dog and only wants to play, and I like him to have this exercise and social interaction.  I find with Biscuit just now it's more hazards like cyclists, joggers and stuff that's my problem, not dogs.

I'm sure Flash is feeling his way just now, and perhaps thinks everyone is his pal like Leo?  When a big change happens to a dog, perhaps it's better to keep more control and ask the other owner if their dog will play/is friendly, just so Flash doesn't have a bad experience?  Although you have said Flash seems neither up nor down, could it maybe come out in other ways at some point?

I'm sure there are much more experienced to give advice here.  I just know that my lurcher is extremely headstrong, and smart, and I prefer to exercise control (where I can, and I don't always!!) in a situation that might develop into something.

Best wishes
Valerie

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Leolurcher


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Thanks Valerie,

I think that you are right about going on the side of caution.I changed my routine to walk in places where we would meet playful dogs to see how Flash got on with them by himself.

I'll let him do a bit of "meet and greet" if dogs come up to him and then just walk on and call him before he gets into play chasing etc. He is very good at not approaching dogs himself and if they approach him leaving them and coming after me when I call.. Something I don't want to lose if he gets a taste for "Fun" .

I suppose it will take a bit of time for Flash to adjust to the outside world without Leo. One thing we have discovered is that he is a bit afraid in the dark. Doesn't like hearing people coming up behind us.
Love
Eleanorxxxxxx

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If I can't watch lurchers running in Heaven...I don't want to go there. http://www.flickr.com/photos/leolurcher/
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