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Vee DeOllos-Hudson asked me what to do when her dog cries and acts overly excited on walks when he sees other dogs (dog in picture is not Vee’s dog). The problem is, he loves other dogs and can’t control himself around them because he is so friendly. He is OK when he meets dogs in other situations, but when he’s on a leash, he cries excessively.

So, does anyone have any suggestions for Vee? How do you stop a dog from crying during a walk when he sees other dogs?

I suggested a few things:

First, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise to get rid of any pent-up energy. Not getting enough exercise is usually the main problem. Another good idea is to sign up for an obedience class with a group where your dog can get used to heeling around other dogs while on a leash. But this situation can be created without taking a formal class by walking side by side with a friend and his or her dog. Keep moving forward and do not let your dog smell the other dog until the end of the walk when he is calm.

If your dog cries and pulls near a dog in a yard, try walking by the same dog several times just for practice (and until you drive people nuts). You could try walking in the direction of another dog, and the second your dog begins crying, turn and walk the other way. When he’s calm, walk toward the dog again, but walk away if he cries.

I think it’s best to correct a dog right away if he begins crying or pulling and to never let an overly excited dog smell or play with another dog until he is calm. The pinch collar works best in most cases for control, although a choke collar or Gentle Leader might work for some dogs. Remember to keep the leash loose except for a quick leash pop. A tight leash and collar will create more tension and excitement and make a dog cry or pull even more.

And my last suggestion: If there is anything the dog likes more than other dogs, like a tennis ball in my mutt’s case, carry that with you on your walks to get his attention when needed. Maybe it’s bits of hot dogs, jerky or cheese. Use whatever works.

How do you stop a dog from crying on walks when he sees other dogs?

Email your dog-related question to me at Lindsay@thatmutt.com, and I’ll post it for others to answer.

(Image from sfcitizen.com)

Ace has a crying issue. It is the worst when he is in a new place with other people and dogs and wants something, usually attention. He sits there and does this high-pitched, annoying whimper. I try really hard not to give in to what he wants, which is easier said than done, especially when others say things like “Oh, poor Ace.”

The best thing I’ve come up with is to make Ace lie down and stay, usually with his leash on and sometimes his Gentle Leader. Then I totally ignore him until he is quiet. I only tell him “No!” and pop his leash when the crying really escalates. Usually it’s best to just ignore the behavior.

The mutt sometimes cries in the car when we are going somewhere exciting like the dog park or if we are going somewhere unfamiliar. The best way to deal with this is to have him lie down on the back seat with his leash and Gentle Leader on and make him stay. He cries the most when he is watching out the window, so if he is lying down and can’t see where we are going, he is less likely to cry.

Vee Hudson had similar issues with her dogs, and I suggested she try some of the ideas that had worked for Ace. Vee’s dogs and Ace have improved, but I know many people have the same problem, especially if the dog isn’t getting enough exercise or mental challenges.

So, how do you get your dog to stop crying?

Email your dog-related question to me at Lindsay@thatmutt.com, and I’ll post it for others to answer.

(Image from huskynews.com)