Could I have handled this better?

[Chris]

Out walking in the forest yesterday we met up with Scott and Rocky the Malamute and I'm not sure I handled Ty right so after any suggestions thanks.

Scot saw us and called out as I'd sent him some NDT info and he wanted to discuss it. Ty saw Rocky who was also leashed and went to 20,000 volts but no barking, no lunging, just big tension. I headed towards Scot, Ty was good and I really thought we'd get a contact between the dogs. At about 2 inchs away Ty lost the plot and went into overload and for the first time (but it's been 18 months since we've approached another dog) he showed teeth. It didn't really worry me but don't think Scot was that rapped but Rocky just lay down and I got Ty back about 3 meters. I got Ty to lay down OK and he'd take food but not push. He then continually did this high pitched bark/yap that made conservation with Scot impossible. Ty then had another overload, lasting about 10 secs so I turned to walk away saying 'lets go' and he came with me no tension on the lead. Got him down again, still this high pitched yap. Then Arthur decided to go and say hello to Rocky which set Ty off again, each overload had teeth showing. Again I walked away and he came with me. Scot then questioned if we'd ever get the two dogs comfortable around each other so I knew he wasn't comfortable with Ty’s outburst even though he knows Ty's past. I told Scott I think it we just went walking a few times keeping the dogs apart Ty would learn to trust Rocky but not sure if he's that keen, we’ll see.

I was rapped that Ty's recovery from an overload situation was so quick, when Scot went to leave I just headed off the other way and Ty was more than happy to come and not go after Rocky. After we were clear I did a push and he was totally calm and not vibrating like he used to. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't get upset by the teeth showing and that I was able to work with Ty so much better.

Am I better to just avoid other dogs in these sudden meeting with owners and dogs and is it worth trying to get Ty and Rocky mates so we can walk together. Ty does play with two other dogs that he’s learnt to trust but both are female so not sure if that makes a difference to his behavior to Rocky or not.

[minkysmom]

the high pitched barking-yipping is your dog expressing anxiety, up high in his throat instead of the deep bark that comes from the diaphragm - sort of like a person hyperventilating. He was just telling you he couldn't handle the charge, and you did the right thing by moving him to a more comfortable distance. Neil has a ton of articles on handling the Energy in this situation as well as articles on introductions.
PS : I just came by the forum to post cause I have been having some aggression issues at my household between housemate dogs - it's a little different situation, more at the one dog has become a junkie for my attention, so he is guarding that "resource" and smacking down the smaller female dog when she moves close to me.

[Sang]

Hey Chris, it sounds to me like everything worked out fine. Ty was expressing himself and his feelings, but then in the end he got some resolution with you by pushing with you afterward. He's just moving energy, which is good.

But I would say that it would be good to start "pumping up the volume" during Ty's workouts at home, or wherever. He is still only capable of handling so much charge when out and about. The fact that you're comfortable with him expressing himself the way he did is fantastic. You didn't get overwhelmed or overreactive. You just let him do what he's going to do. And often, doing nothing is the best thing you can do.

Something you can do when Ty starts going into overload, or seems like he's about to and you can't get him to "hear" or feel you, is you can sweep his feet with something like a long stick. When he gets overwhelmed in those moments, he has a big energy problem he can't solve. When you sweep his feet and unbalance him, you give him a new problem to solve. And because it's a very simple problem of trying to regain balance, it's something he can solve on his own. This kind of reboots the hard drive so to speak. At least in that moment. It doesn't solve his inherent issue of course, but it gives you a window of opportunity where he loses his focus on the other dog, and gives it to you. Then you should be able to get him to push with you.

Remember, it isn't about the other dog. The "form" doesn't matter. Only the energy and Ty's ability to handle it.

Wait, did I actually answer anything? Hopefully I gave you something you can use.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Sang

Something you can do when Ty starts going into overload, or seems like he's about to and you can't get him to "hear" or feel you, is you can sweep his feet with something like a long stick.

Wow what a great suggestion and totally makes sense, often when we're playing and I feel some resistance is creeping in I often pat his feet or knock them to give him something else to do. Great idea to include in the walk.

Originally Posted by Sang

Remember, it isn't about the other dog. The "form" doesn't matter. Only the energy and Ty's ability to handle it.

Wait, did I actually answer anything? Hopefully I gave you something you can use.

To right you answered and gave me a better understanding of whats going on, thanks so much.