Dog pile-drives humans

[Cara]

Winston has an unpleasant new habit. When he gets really worked up, he lunges, head forward, straight into people. He does this mostly when people are sitting on sofas or chairs or bend to pet him. I think he wants to give kisses, but he doesn't always hit his target, and in his enthusiasm on a recent visit to my family, he accidentally bloodied my brother's nose.

This could be VERY bad if a neighbor's child leaned over to pet him, as frequently happens in our neighborhood.

We've tried a sharp "Nah!" (we don't use "no") and ostentatiously folding our arms and looking away from him. He looks like he gets it and stops, but when he gets excited again, he never seems to remember that he's not supposed to do that.

Any suggestions?

[Cara]

Thanks, Judy. Good to know he isn't the first dog to do this. We'll try keeping him leashed when these situations are likely to arise. It seems to be worst when there's another dog-buddy present. This is also when he is least likely to sit, down, stay, etc, so I imagine we'll be working on this for a while.

[Chris&Eti]

I taught Eti the word "relax" using this method :
< http://www.grcco.org/teaching_your_dog_to_settle.htm >
(replacing settle with relax).
Its good for situations like visitors or general restlessness or when he's fearful (thunder) . Its also a good idea to train visitors/neighbours to not pet him until he sits.
When using no (or nah) its important to qualify it when you can like no jump or in this case no headbutt-it'll help him understand better what you want him to do.

[Cara]

Hmmm. My boy rarely responds to words at all. A loud "nah" will stop him in his tracks because the noise is unpleasant, but otherwise, he pays attention only to hand signals - you might just as well say "asparagus" as "sit." I never thought about it, but that's certainly going to complicate the head-butting problem. We have to get his attention enough to make him look before he'll do anything.

Honestly, we thought for a while he was deaf, but our vet said he's fine and deaf dogs don't selectively hear "nah!" and "cookie!" :lol:

[Chris&Eti]

It really doesn't matter if you use the word settle or relax,
the fewer the words the better.

Judy

I agree it doesn't matter which word, I think the command is a great one. I use relax just because it feels more natural. I also agree that consistency is important and also repetition-its amazing how some words ultimately click if you persist.
I do however disagree on the fewer the words the better-have you heard about Rico?
< http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A31130-2004Jun10.html >

[Cara]

Rico would be a Border Collie. I think my mother's BC can do algebra. We try for new words and new tricks, if only for the mental stimulation. But we had to drop out of clicker-training when our dog gained 2 lbs and still ignored the clicker entirely.

[franp]

Training? Did you say Training? :lol:

I have always said that Frenchies were NOT born to please; they were born to BE pleased....

(From the one time owner of a Rottie. a DREAM to train)...


When we talk about Frenchies, lets remember they are in the NON sporting group, Not a group known for its ability to hunt;retrieve or any other activities.

Sporting,herding; working dogs are bred with all of these qualities in mind.
We can not possibly compare the training aspect of our dogs with any of those ;)

fran

[franp]

Fran: I love this observation, it is so perfect for the bulldog mindset. appicon Now I have the perfect term to explain to my partner why Lily is the way she is and not just stupid. :D

Devon and Lily[/QUOTE]


One thing our dogs are NOT is STUPID.... They are too smart for thier own good......

fran

[Hudson]

I have always said that Frenchies were NOT born to please; they were born to BE pleased....

fran


Yes, I was thinking the other day that they are called Companion Dogs not because they provide companionship but because they expect/demand it to be provided to them.

On a good day, they are the very best. On a bad day, like yesterday when he pooped in the laundry and peed on our bed, I think all of you with more than one are just plain nuts.

The latest good news is that he favorably responding to praise as a reward rather than just food. He does come to me (sometimes) if he thinks he'll get a good scratching on the head and shoulders without looking for a treat every time (aka Good Day).

[Lisa]

Headbutting? Lunging? Barrelling at any and all that stand in their way?
It's the best attribute (IMO) of the breed! :lol:

Reminds me of my english where a head but was the usual greeting, a sign of deep affection ... kind of like an "air kiss" but at top velcoity!

My (feeble) advice? ... warn people about it ...(especially kids) ... but enjoy your frenchies spirited vim, vigor and zest for interaction with others.

Lisa

[Chris&Eti]

When we talk about Frenchies, lets remember they are in the NON sporting group, Not a group known for its ability to hunt;retrieve or any other activities.


fran

have you met Tyson?
< http://www.skateboardingbulldog.com/ >

[adora's mom]

:lol:

I don't think Frenchies are dumb at all - refusing to do anything that doesn't suit their own agenda is pretty darned SMART! Heck, I'm thinking of taking after Adora in that regard.

:D

[franp]

One thing our dogs are NOT is STUPID.... They are too smart for thier own good......

fran

Fran; just to make it clear I never thought Frenchies were stupid, my partner did, and it was him I was referring to, IMO free thinkers are intelligent thinkers, people included :)
Devon[/QUOTE]
Devon.
I KNEW you were aware of how smart our dogs were..

Why would anyone buy a dog that they thought was dumb?

fran