Dog Handling
Parallel Walk
Walking dogs side by side is a great opportunity to practice leash-walking skills with distractions. Start with one dog walking at a distance in front of the other. Let the other dog walk the path of the dog in front and smell where the lead dog has been. Next, let the lead dog follow the other dog. Switch leads as many or as few times as necessary. Gradually, walk the two dogs closer together, until they are side-by-side, but at least 10’ apart.
Good signs - loose body posture, wagging tails (not super high on body), relaxed face
Watch outs - yawning, lip licking, stiffness, staring, growling
Remember, slip collars and leashes must be high and tight on the neck to be effective.
Overstimulation on Walks
The shelter environment can be overstimulating, especially when most of the dog’s time is spent in a kennel. When dogs feel overwhelmed, they can express hyperactivity, reactivity, compulsive- or repetitive behaviors and, in extreme situations, aggression. Pay close attention to signs such as panting, hypervigilance, circling, yawning, biting, nipping, tail chasing, lip licking, whining, or hiding behind people or objects.
If a dog overstimulates on you, stay calm but firm:
Have a spare leash on you at all times. Use one hand to grasp the end of the leash and the other to hold the leash high up and away from your body. If a dog redirects onto you, use your spare slip leash to pull the dog away from your body with one hand, while your other hand remains on your regular leash.
Throw treats on the ground or even in the dog’s face to get its attention off of you.
If concerned, radio for help or ask someone near you to use theirs.
Matching Dogs for Approved Play
The best matches would be dogs that ignore one another, or dogs that enjoy playing with each other through the fence.
Reactive dogs are best placed next to neutral or uninterested dogs; they may overstimulate next to a dog that shows interest in them.
Males tend to do better next to females; young, energetic dogs often appreciate the company of other young, playful dogs.
Keep the leash on each dog for a few minutes as they adjust to one another before determining if they make a good match or not; like people, dogs often need to get used to one another and “figure each other out.”
Fence Fighting in Yards
Fence fighting is one form of territorial behavior that can stem from a dog’s fear or anticipation of threat. If the situation goes unresolved, one or both dogs may become aggressive.
Use a leash to move the dog you are more comfortable with away from the other. Always keep a spare leash on your body when going into a yard in case the dog redirects on you.
If calling the dog does not work, throw treats on the ground or toss a toy to get the dog to pay attention to you. You also can try this with the dog in the next yard, who might be more responsive.
If you feel uncomfortable going into a yard with a dog, ask staff or a Purple Paw volunteer to help move the dog to another yard or back to kennel.