Exposure to dog reactive dogs

[Shelly Chip]

My dog enjoys other dogs. There are two dog reactive dogs in her current dog class. They bark and growl at the other dogs in the class. My dog ignored them all class except for about two seconds when she barked back at one. I corrected her and she ignored the dog for the rest of the class. I am not sure if being around dog reactive dogs is a good or bad thing? Is my juvenile dog more likely to pick up this type of behavior if she is around this type of dog? Also, my friend has a little dog with a big attitude. Whenever we walk together her dog barks, growls and lunges at other dogs we pass on the walking trails. I am not sure if I should walk with her this summer with my own dog, who I am trying to teach good manners. Is it best to avoid dog reactive dogs or can they be used as a training tool to correct your dog from unwanted behaviors? I'm not sure if having her around these dogs is a good thing, but I have no choice in the training class.

[Lilie]

My boy was 9 months old when I had him in an OB class. He ignores other dogs. My instructor placed us next to a crazy dog and he still ignored. If he even glanced at the insanity next to us, I'd just say "leave it".

I remained calm. He remained calm. He still (at 3) ignores other dogs.

[wolfy dog]

These reactive dogs should not be in a regular obedience class and can cause problems for the other dogs. They will need one on one training first. So basically you need to correct your dog because some other dog is reactive? Trainers should know better than that. You do have a choice and that is to avoid that class before it ruins your dog.

[gsdraven]

Originally Posted by Shelly Chip

Is it best to avoid dog reactive dogs or can they be used as a training tool to correct your dog from unwanted behaviors?

Neither. They are a great distraction to work around. Judge the distance at which your dog can handle it and work from there. Why wait to correct? Be proactive instead and tell your dog "leave it" and work on keeping your dogs attention on you and ignoring the environment.

[wolfy dog]

Originally Posted by gsdraven

Neither. They are a great distraction to work around. Judge the distance at which your dog can handle it and work from there. Why wait to correct? Be proactive instead and tell your dog "leave it" and work on keeping your dogs attention on you and ignoring the environment.

Agreed if there is enough room to work around them and the handler is experienced in dealing with distractions like these.
If this is a regular basic pet dog training class, not so.

[llombardo]

I think they make for great distractions and if your dog is doing well with ignoring them or a simple leave it works then you are ahead of the game. Sounds like your dog has a pretty good temperament so it doesn't matter what kind of dogs its around.

[Shelly Chip]

I think they are serving as great distractions. We met three dogs that barked at us as we passed by on our walk today, and my pup behaved the whole time.