How do I Stop My Dog Trying to Lunge at Other Dogs While Out on a Walk?

My dog is lovely in every other way , but when i have him out for walks he lunges at every dog that passes .He is an Alsatian/ irish wolfhound/lurcher cross so he is a big dog . I just want it to be a pleasant experience for both my dog and i when we go out … please help ! He is 5 yrs old

Answer: I think that your dog is frightened. In the wild or when dogs are off lead, they avoid walking past a dog, they curve. I suspect that when you dog is running loose in a fenced area he does not lunge at other dogs.
Try this. Put some exciting treats into a pocket on your left and I don’t mean just dried dog food. Cut up some cheese or hot dogs, when you see another dog either curve or cross the road. If he makes any attempt to lunge do not chastise him, if he ignores the dog give him a treat. Keep doing this until he realises that seeing a dog without lunging results in him getting a treat. After a few weeks you will be able to walk closer, but don’t get too close.
Clicker training would help enormously with this, then you would “click and treat” when he ignores the other dog, however you would still need to curve. If you want to introduce him to the clicker, I have some info on this and I can email this.
I suspect that some people will suggest squirting him with water, unfortunately this will make him nore frightened.

Dogs be Able Go On Lunges?

Should dogs be able to go on lunges? And why?

Answer: If you are referring to a lunge line, like they use with horses, yes. It allows the dog to expend excess energy. However, make sure you reverse the direction, to equalize the muscles used. It also has him out with you, and running without pulling.