I need help with my dog and her reaction to other dogs?

Question

So I've got my basic understanding of dog training but my 3 year old German Shepherd/golden retriever mix is seriously testing me! She's extremely stubborn and smart. I've tried to redirect her attention using treats and even Turkey and chicken but she could care less about that when another dog walks by. I try startling her and that only works a couple times till she's used to it. I can't think of a reason that brings this on. And I used to think it was just because she had fence aggression but it's still bad outside of the fence and yard. Any advice?! Much appreciated!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

here is the problem. 
you're actually rewarding the behavior. not saying you did it on purpose but that's the result of using "redirecting"
i'm a HUGE fan of positive and progressive training for many behaviors. 
however, when you use treats to redirect, the dog doesn't understand that you're trying to distract it. all the dog knows is "hey, when i go for dogs i get a treat!!" 
i dislike cruel techniques for training dogs. that being said, the dog needs to be corrected (not punished) when it goes for other dogs. you don't need to use a "choke chain" if you don't want to. just give a sharp tug on the collar and firmly say "NO" to let it know you disagree. this won't hurt the dog it will just get her attention.
it's a lot like redirecting, only the dog doesn't get rewarded for the behavior.

Anonymous · Answer

Giving a dog treats to redirect it's attention when it is doing something aggressive is a big NO NO, you are basically rewarding the dog for negative behavior. Startling the dog, or pulling it away from the dog or making the situation for the dog uncomfortable when it acts negatively is much better.

Keep her away from other dogs, and if she acts aggressive CORRECT her firmly, you can either scare her, pull her away from the confrontation all together and yell no. Be firm about it. If you are not firm enough, a dog can easily see through vulnerability and your uneasiness about correcting her and act aggressively once more. Be firm about correcting her.

? · Answer

There are 2 commands that I teach my dogs- one is 'Leave it'.    I start by using a treat- I put in on the floor by my foot and say 'Leave it, if he goes for it, i cover it with my foot, it he leaves it- I give him a totally different treat, it takes a couple of weeks with doing this daily for them to get it.  I use it on walks if other dogs bark and tor him up.  The other command is "LOOK", I use a clicker and treats, I say look and if he looks at me I click and treat,  this is a great way to get a dog to give you his attention.  Both of these take dedication on the part of the owner, you have to practice it to be consist ant.

Anonymous · Answer

Call Ceaser Milan

Anonymous · Answer

Tell your dog to act naturally

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I need help with my dog and her reaction to other dogs?

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