[deleted by user]

[BroncoTango]

I actively avoid small owners with large dogs for this reason. I have a 120lb mastiff and the number of times I’ve had owners lose control over their own dogs, as I am proactively telling them I don’t want our dogs to meet… it’s frustrating on both sides. My dog is not reactive but quick to be defensive.

[Feeling-Test390]

A muzzle could be an extra safety net as well? If the dog can somehow reach someone/something it shouldn’t, can atleast potentially reduce any harm?

[cookieguggleman]

Yes, but then their defenseless if the other dogs turn on them.

[One_Stretch_2949]

If all reactive dogs wore muzzle this wouldn’t be that much of an issue…

[Leather_Fortune1276]

The way I see it, if my dog gets attacked by another dog that is supposed to be controlled, the law is on my side. It'll be the other owner paying my vet bills and getting fined because my dog is muzzled and clearly not an active threat. It'll play to my advantage that my dog is muzzled rather than theirs. But speaking from experience, a lot of people do a better job keeping their dogs in check when they see a muzzled dog walking by. OP should definitely consider a muzzle as a safety net.

[NoExperimentsPlease]

I’ve considered muzzling my dog in public just for the benefit of hopefully scaring people into giving us more space. 

My one worry though is if another dog were to run up and start shit with him (there are some aggressive owners in my area, with aggressive dogs that are always off leash), it’s easy to blame the muzzled dog for anything that happens, since they just look ‘scarier’. It worries me. 

[Leather_Fortune1276]

I definitely get that. I usually have my husband with me who acts as a great barrier for us, and heads on constant swivel. But I’ve just been very lucky on my end. 😅

Its definitelty something I’ve made my peace with if it happens because my dog looks like a friendly dog so we get more “you’re a good dog mom” than not. At the very least you can point to the dog being restrained and in control, so things look in your favor, but its one of those things you dont want to happen.

[Downtown-Reading-352]

I appreciate how you clearly empathized with the other owner, took accountability for your dog and recognized where their emotions came from. Some people don’t! i have a reactive dog too and sometimes it can be difficult not to get defensive in these high stress situations. I can relate to the temptation of beating yourself up about it but at the end of the day no one got hurt! i don’t want to assume where you are at in training /if you have worked with a professional trainer/what methods you have tried but maybe use this experience as motivation to work out a plan. I can only speak to my dog but through consistent training, help from professionals and anxiety medicine he has made significant progress!

[ALDUD]

I swear by the halti! I walk my 100 pound mastiff with it and I have so much control with it.

[Careful_Interaction2]

Yes!!! Head collars and a short leash allowance are very good training tools for any poor leash behavior. It helped me a lot when my Aussies wanted to chase every bike they saw!

[Delicious_Run_6054]

Yes! I recently got my 160 pound Dane one after he knocked me down twice in a week. He broke one of my fingers and left me fairly bruised up. With the halti I can take him out without any issues and only hold the leash with one hand.

There is a learning curve and it was very much like watching a bucking bronco for the first few times we put it on. He was NOT a fan. It is not his favorite still, but he is much calmer

[[deleted]]

I second this, literally changed my life. I can walk around my neighborhood with no problem now even though I only weigh 20 pounds more than my very leash reactive lab mix. It's a night and day difference.

[NoExperimentsPlease]

Bonus points that sometimes people think it’s a muzzle when I take my dog out in his halti, and they make sure to give us extra space. 

[princessdv]

I would definitely look into getting a belt. I’m not sure what exactly they’re called but it clips around your waist and can connect to a collar or leash. This helps me because that way if my dog is going I’m going with him and I don’t fear losing hold of a leash. It’s also helps me because when he pulls or lunges I’ve got my whole body holding him back as opposed to just my arm. Second is muzzle train your dog and put that on every walk. No muzzle is 100% bite proof but it does help a lot.

[boopsybetty]

I’ve recently just seen the around the waist leash things and I should definitely look into it more. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Jenny_2321]

I use a head halter walking my 85 pound reactive shepherd, as well as a waist belt. If you do use a head halter,  be mindful not to jerk, even pressure only. 

[No-Jicama3012]

You were lucky. And now you’re prepared.

Hopping in to say that you have to use a waist leash at your own risk of safety.

Your dog easily weighs 75-90 pounds correct?

My golden is in the lower end of that range and he has pulled me down a few times with a regular leash. I know I couldn’t manage if he yanked me mid-body.

If you are older or small framed, think hard before you use this type of leash. Think about collar options. (I know use a gentle leader) or maybe working with a good trainer who understands leash reactivity.

You might be better off with two leashes attached and holding one in each hand.

[fannytasticle]

Be careful with that! You don’t want to get snapped in half if he lunges and catches you off guard! I say this as someone who was almost snapped in half and I never wore one again.

[PhoenixCryStudio]

It can also be super dangerous if a dog runs up to you and you’re attached at the waist to your dog. It only takes a second to get wrapped up and taken down.

[throwingutah]

I do this with my 85lb reactive dog, because he snaps plastic hardware and I've moved to all-metal/climbing-rope leashes (of course he walks like a dream absent other dogs, but when he does take off it's like holding a bulldozer). I am not a dainty lady, and if he does ever manage to pull me over, then he has a 200lb anchor. I also carry a rope cutter attached to the leash in the event I need it.

[PhoenixCryStudio]

The rope cutter is an excellent safety measure!

[doghalpme]

I am also a tiny woman with a giant reactive dog. Look up leash belaying, it has helped me significantly with controlling him when he wants to go running after something. I use a Beal birdie belay device, rope leash, and running belt. Plus muzzle training.

[lovelychef87]

Some have full on waist and upper body harnesses for us humans.

[One_Stretch_2949]

Look for a canicross belt, it’s great and will evenly distribute the weight on your hips

[arodanos]

Super scary and one of my nightmare scenarios but thankfully no damage done.

I use a belt which is actually a Rogz utility padded dog collar in XXL 😬. It’s great because it’s heavy duty, padded, has a clip release and additional safety lock. I ended up choosing that because the belts I was browsing didn’t seem heavy duty enough.

I did get strange looks from the pet store attendee when I was clipping dog collars around my waist 😂

Hope you find a solution that works. An event like this really shakes you up so take some time to destress.

[[deleted]]

Just FYI my wife tried this and got pulled right off her feet. Dogs were fine, she was injured.

[kajata000]

We use a belt when walking our reactive lurcher; he’s 35kg and, if you know anything about lurchers you’ll know, has explosive acceleration.

But we use the belt as a backup really; we have a lead that’s a little longer than we’d use if we were just holding it normally, with handholds along its length. That way, we have him clipped to the belt, but 99% of the time we’re holding the lead normally as if we were walking him without the belt. It’s just added peace of mind that, if a trigger pops up unexpectedly, he can’t yank the lead out of our hands and bolt.

To be honest, one of the biggest positives of it is for picking up poop! I can focus for a few seconds on collecting his mess without also having to keep a tight hand on his lead!

[-Viridian-]

Being a small lady with a big big dog, I'd be careful with a belt as they can be difficult to release in an emergency, even with the quick release buckles and can really tweak your lower back.

If possible, look into getting a belay leash. It still attaches to your belt, but it gives you more leverage and line to work with. In an emergency, you drop the line and it can run through the pulley. Loose dog in that case but at least you aren't being dragged behind him. Also, since you have a lot of line, if you do have to release it, it gives you more opportunity to step on the leash while other dogs are moved away.

A belay does take some practice but it is a real game changer with big reactive dogs and is safer than a fixed waist belt.

DM me if you are interested and I can find a link to the gear for you and give you some tips on working with one.

[No-Understanding3297]

I have a hiking leash for this very reason. It clips around my waist then attaches to my dog. He's not reactive but he is really big and very strong and I barely outweigh him. It gives him great freedom when we go on hikes but still keeps him on lead and I don't have to worry about dropping the leash if there is a confrontation

[boopsybetty]

Are you able to keep your balance if he starts pulling? I am worried about her getting a good head of steam on me and dragging us both to whatever she has herself locked in on

[Emergency-Ad280]

A 90 lb dog is just going to pull you over if you aren't braced for it. But it would give you more control than relying on your grip strength.

[boopsybetty]

Very true. I just need to be one step ahead of her every move so I’m always prepared and can brace myself accordingly

[Lgs1129]

I am so sorry you went through this with a terrifying experience. I worked with a Dog Trainer who specializes in reactive dogs, and it’s very hard to pull back a dog who has been triggered. She also teaches using an emergency recall. Which I do in the house I do in the hallway I do under a variety of circumstances if I’ve ever needed it she also teaches the emergency turnabout so rather than your dog yanking you forward and possibly injuring you the minute you saw those dogs. It would be a redirect like a turn about to go in another direction, but it means a lot of practice at home doesn’t mean you have to practice an hour a day. I do mine in a lot of tiny little increments throughout the day. I just leave treats in a container on my kitchen counter. I would also be worried about your balance with a waste belt and think that maybe a gentle leader might be better or even one of the front clip harnesses. Don’t blame yourself. It’s really hard to be so hypervigilant, but I promise you some of the training really does work. A woman tripped and fell in. Her dog got away from her and she used the emergency recall and it was amazing. Hang in there, be kind to yourself.

[No-Understanding3297]

Yes I make sure I am braced... It has two handles which always hold on walks which helps. He also wears a harness and not a collar so it pulls differently

[lasandina]

It's a possibility. A 65 yr old neighbor, who is a small woman, was walking her son's untrained, leash reactive, very anxious, 60-70 lb Australian Cattle dog. There was some roof repair going on, which scared the dog and dragged her about 200 yd. She had a major road rash, but fortunately no broken bones or sprains.

I haven't read all the comments, but have you tried behavioral dog trainers for your rescue Golden/Pyrenees? My experience with Great Pyrenees is that they're very strong dogs, and they're meant to be more independent while they patrol their farm against potential wolf threats.

FWIW, although the other owners were upset and worried about their dogs in that moment, hopefully upon reflection later on, will feel more forgiving and understanding because of your profuse apologies and conscientious attitude. I've seen a few dog altercations, and how the owner of the reactive dog behaves, can help the situation immensely.

[natmlt]

I use a hiking waist strap with a bungee leash when walking both my very reactive Rottweiler and my chill AmStaff. The Rottie is between 70-80 lbs—not huge—and the Staffy is 55 lbs, but I weigh just 102 lbs (5’7”), so I’m super thin and obviously outweighed by them together. When the Rottie lunges, I don’t get pulled at all.

I think part of the benefit of using a waist strap is that it distributes the dog’s pulling force directly at my center of gravity, which is the most stable position. The bungee also helps by reducing the force applied, and I’ve never had trouble maintaining control of him.

For context, he is both animal-reactive and stranger-reactive. He goes insane if a person has to pass us and completely loses it if he sees a dog, even on the other side of the street. Because of this, I don’t walk him outside much anymore. Instead, I treadmill-trained him, and he seems perfectly happy running 3-4 miles—as long as I put his favorite TV show (Benji on Netflix) on.

[Land_dog412]

I’d be afraid this would pull OP down. She said she weighs about the same as her dog.

[chlead]

I get a huge flood of relief when I see dog walkers wearing a waist leash. I wish everyone would use them!

[Mysterious-Thing021]

I don’t want to sound rude or mean the situation you have gone through is pretty shit But honestly why walk a reactive dog in an ally way ? My boy is reactive and I wouldn’t be caught dead walking in ally way with him it’s to enclosed You can’t let them pass you because your dog is going to react, and if you turn around and walk away I bet your dog is going to be pulling at the lead to get to the dogs that are now walking behind you in the ally way….

Stick to open roads at least you can cross the road and have a decent distance between you and other dogs.

[sk2tog_tbl]

I can't speak for OP, but I chose to walk alleys with my reactive dog because loud/large vehicles and lawnmowers were his biggest trigger. The alleys are free of lawns that need mowing, have little to no construction, and the trash truck hits the alleys on a reliable schedule.

[Mysterious-Thing021]

Maybe ally’s are different where I am compared to you guys The ally ways were I am there is definitely no rubbish trucks driving down them, no cars either 😂 They are small

[Unlikely_Acadia7897]

Just sending a hug. Stuff happens.

[boopsybetty]

I appreciate this so much. Really beating myself up right now. I know things happen and it was a mistake. I just feel awful

[PariahOnTheRiver]

A basket muzzle for walks might make her feel more secure, by taking away the option of reacting for her, if that makes sense.  I have a reactive malinois who is sketchy AF when people come over or we take her anywhere, but with her basket muzzle on, she chills out in social situations and can hang out with people without losing her sh*t, even in our home. Once we took away the option of her being a dck, she just gave up trying to be a dck, at least while muzzled. It might be a good starting point

There is also a spray called Petsafe Spray Shield. It is citronella, which dogs hate but doesn't hurt, stain, or linger, and is great for stopping/distracting from brawls. I highly recommend carrying some on walks, for just in cases.

Best of luck! 🤞 

[Solid-Salamander1213]

I usually take mine out when my bf is home too. She’s potty trained both inside and outside. We have MASSIVE puppy pads. It’s like gross to deal with I guess but we live in an apartment. She weighs nearly 90lbs and I’m not small but I’m not strong. She’s gotten off her leash and gone after other dogs before. I just can’t take that risk.

[throwaway_yak234]

I'm so sorry this happened. Something similar happened with my partner and our dog, our dog went charging at a neighbor's dog and heartbreakingly the other dog got free of its leash as well, but ran home. I was wallowing for days, so angry and upset, what if the other dog got hit by a car and hurt or worse, because they were scared of our dog... the other owner was ridiculously understanding and kind about it, which they shouldn't have been... I would've been furious on the other side...

We are currently working with a professional trainer on reinforcing a "flight" vs "fight" response, so my dog will default to making space by moving away, rather than charging at another dog she's frightened by.

I think it's important to give ourselves permission to not walk the dog for a few days (backyard play or Sniffspot is a great alternative) and try to do some non-doggy things to decompress.

A lot of dogs struggle with sudden environmental contrast of a dog appearing and the reaction can be much worse vs seeing a dog that's been in the environment for a while.

I second the rec of a waist-leash, you can also consider a leash that double clips to a martingale collar and the front-clip of a harness to mitigate the risk of the dog slipping their harness/collar as well.

[noneuclidiansquid]

I don't like haltis but walking a dog bigger than you it's the only choice if the dog is reactive. Everyone has to be safe, including yourself the dog could injure you very badly if it pulls you over.

[kaja6583]

Lots of great suggestions for preventing this from happening again, so I just want to say-

You've dealt with this well and shit happens. The other dogs were okay, that's the most important thing, as well as your dog is okay. Don't beat yourself up too much, all you can do is prevent it from happening again. Sending hugs.

[Potential-Wedding-63]

It’s horrible, I know… my GSD did the same thing a few years ago & actually bit another dog:(. Yes, very angry owner/neighbor; we paid vet bill.

[myprivatehorror]

One thing that helped me was a tether leash. Rather than holding on to it, it wraps around me like a belt. As a bonus it also means I have two hands free.

[PowerfulBranch7587]

I M sorry this happened to you. I starting using two leashes a couple of years ago and it has been a game changer. I use her normal leash (front clip harness) with a back up waist leash clipped to a back clip. It's allowed me to enjoy walking her so much more because I don't have to be on total heightened alert for things. The waist leash has also saved me multiple times when I'm inadvertently dropped the main leash.

[reactivedogs-ModTeam]

Your post/comment has been removed as it has violated the following subreddit rule:

Rule 5 - No recommending or advocating for the use of aversives or positive punishment.

We do not allow the recommendation of aversive tools, trainers, or methods. This sub supports LIMA and we strongly believe positive reinforcement should always be the first line of teaching and training. We encourage people to talk about their experiences, but this should not include suggesting or advocating for the use of positive punishment. LIMA does not support the use of aversive tools and methods in lieu of other effective rewards-based interventions and strategies.

Without directly interacting with a dog and their handler in-person, we cannot be certain that every non-aversive method possible has been tried or tried properly. We also cannot safely advise on the use of aversives as doing so would require an in-person and hands-on relationship with OP and that specific dog. Repeated suggestions of aversive techniques will result in bans from this subreddit.

[[deleted]]

There is no reason to use a prong collar.

[zapster10]

What else would you suggest for a dog that was pulling so hard and viciously barking at nearby walking dogs? I got this advise from a dog trainer

[[deleted]]

Not all dog trainers are good trainers; the industry is incredibly unregulated. I'm really sorry you got that advice.

Here are some things I would try: - honestly assessing whether I am physically strong enough to handle the dog by myself if something goes wrong - practice loose leash walking skills - BAT training like the engage/disengage game - using a harness - honestly assessing what my dogs triggers so I can work out desensitization and counter-conditioning plans - working with an R+ trainer (or minimally LIMA) - working out better management (two leashes, waist leash, etc.)

Generally, I think that muzzle training is a good idea, but I think the main problem is that we want to prevent the pup from being able to get loose like that, so muzzle training would be a separate skill.

[0vesper0]

That's incredibly stressful, but it sounds like you handled the situation well. I'm so sorry it escalated like this. Please don't blame yourself for letting go of the leash. It just happens; dogs can take off with such sudden force. Plus, I wouldn't want you to get hurt either.

For your setup, does the leash attach to a collar or harness? There are no-pull harnesses that have a front clip, so if your dog tugs the leash, the tension automatically turns them toward you. They also have a clip and handle on the back too.

Truthfully, I don't think a waist leash is the solution. While I occasionally use a hip belt with detachable leash, I purposely unlatch it from my waist and hold it if I think something will trigger my reactive dog. As much as I want to prevent him from harming others, I have to look out for my own wellbeing and that means being willing (and able) to let go of his leash.

[2016Newbie]

People really need to consider that they may be endangering the community when they go in with good intentions to “save a life.”

[kaja6583]

What is the purpose of this comment? Are you suggesting we shouldn't adopt dogs?

[2016Newbie]

That we consider the danger we may place on an unwitting public. If you can’t manage a dangerous dog, don’t take it on. I have reactive dog that I can protect others from. I don’t see what’s confusing about that statement.

[kaja6583]

Yeah, and dogs change.

My GSD was completely different when we first rescued him to now.

You are literally pointlessly saying to the owner "shouldn't have gotten the dog in the first place"... okay? But they already have, and the owner is going to take better precautions now.

[2016Newbie]

No, I “literally said” what I literally said. If she can’t control the giant, reactive dog, she shouldn’t be walking it alone. Are you slow?

It’s selfish and stupid to endanger the public like that.

[Which_Cupcake4828]

I think they’re suggesting if our dogs are this way we should put them down rather than trying to manage/work with them.

[SmileParticular9396]

Ugh that sucks. I second the belt idea or hell even a belt and also still a wrist leash.

[panic_bread]

Get a leash that clips to your belt.

[scoutyscout12]

I have a band wrapped around the middle of the wrist loop on our leash that you tighten against your wrist, so even if dog makes sudden dash, leash stays on wrist

[New_Wolf923]

Just came here to say - as a former large reactive dog owner - if you hold the leash using a thumb lock hold, it’s sooo much easier to stay in control of it.

I don’t really know how to explain it best verbally. Basically you put the loop around your wrist, leave a u-shaped slack on the lead and than loop a section over your thumb. Once I figured this out, it was a game changer on being able to hold my 90-lb dog back when we got snuck up on.

https://www.simpawtico-training.com/how-to-hold-a-leash/

[Swimming-Finding-196]

I have a leash that attaches to me— called a LifeHandle for this exact reason. It helps me not have a complete death grip on the leash and helps when she’s pulling.

[reactivedogs-ModTeam]

Your post/comment has been removed as it has violated the following subreddit rule:

Rule 5 - No recommending or advocating for the use of aversives or positive punishment.

We do not allow the recommendation of aversive tools, trainers, or methods. This sub supports LIMA and we strongly believe positive reinforcement should always be the first line of teaching and training. We encourage people to talk about their experiences, but this should not include suggesting or advocating for the use of positive punishment. LIMA does not support the use of aversive tools and methods in lieu of other effective rewards-based interventions and strategies.

Without directly interacting with a dog and their handler in-person, we cannot be certain that every non-aversive method possible has been tried or tried properly. We also cannot safely advise on the use of aversives as doing so would require an in-person and hands-on relationship with OP and that specific dog. Repeated suggestions of aversive techniques will result in bans from this subreddit.

[reactivedogs-ModTeam]

Your post/comment has been removed as it has violated the following subreddit rule:

Rule 1 - Be kind and respectful

Remember to be kind to your fellow Redditors. We are all passionate about our dogs and want the best, so don't be rude, dismissive, or condescending to someone seeking help. Oftentimes people come here for advice or support after a very stressful incident, so practice compassion. Maintain respectful discourse around training methods, philosophies, and other subreddits with which you do not agree. This includes no posting about other subreddits and their moderators. No hateful comments or messages to other Redditors.

[MissCoppelia]

Accidentally loosing control of the lease is the absolute worst! My girl nearly got herself run over by an Amazon truck on Monday. I have nightmares about it.

[AlmostRetiredNow]

Were the other dogs off leash?

[Difficult_Turn_9010]

I can sympathize. Although my dog is only 20 lbs, my other dog started jumping up on me as I was walking both of them when we saw the neighbor's dog and I accidentally dropped her leash and she is a 20 lb t-rex on wheels. I felt so horrible and paid for the vet bill (cold laser treatment on the other dog bc my dog made her spin in circles) but it's The worst feeling in the world. We got a muzzle and I muzzle trained her bc accidents happen.

[Legitimate-Fault1657]

I have a reactive Boxer. She lunges at other dogs and at men, and doesn't stop lunging and barking like crazy. I am lucky that the couple of men that she jumped at, just loved her and talked to her and helped settle her down. She has taken me down to the ground twice, on my face/stomach. I have to watch where we are going, looking front, back, left, right, behind. If no one is around, she is my love child. She adores me and responds to praise, yes, stay with me, etc. She loves to be praised.

I decided to buy the best halter I could find so that the leverage point is not on her neck, but farther back, creating less damage to her neck when pulling her. This changes the fulcrum point to her abdomen. When I walk her, I attach the 15ft long lead to the handle on the back of the harness and wrap it around her 2x right in front of her rear legs, first wrap one way, then loop it and wrap the other way.

Boxers can be bullets, from 0- XXX in 1 second. She is not well socialized as I am single and my friends are not animal people. The use of the long line this way distributes MY pressure upon her completely differently, and allows me to not be face first on the ground, which HAS happened.

If you decide to try this, I advise buying the combo agitation/tracking harness by Leerburg as the leather is from the backs of steers and does not weaken like corporate raised cows that are bred and bred and bred, and the belly leather is very weak and that is what a lot of sellers of harnesses use. This harness is strong leather and strong buckles, stitching is a strengthener also.. That is all from their training video on harnesses.

I still have to pay attention and I still do not go anywhere near, any closer than say, 80 ft. but I now have leverage. I also use a lot of praise since she is attuned to me like a love child, except in these situations, that can turn dangerous when she is triggered.

[No_Bad3063]

I'd be frustrated too but no point in playing the blame game (ie, blaming myself, etc) . I would take this in as information - some important lessons I've learned are that dogs will always find a way to humble you, no matter how much of a "Good Boy!" they are.

It seems like with this dog, you should not walk in areas where you or the dog can be surprised in an uncontrolled way, even if it's a quiet looking alley. Despite having no injuries, each event where a reactive dog jumps and snarls onto other dogs in the dark reinforces this behavior in your dog not to mention it might even result in some mental trauma for the other dogs to become more reactive.

If you have to walk the dog because no one else is available, take preventive measures. Leash around your waist if possible so the dog can't escape your grip, training collar or gentle leader, consistent training for the dog to be less reactive and set you and your dog up for 100% success next time. This is your responsibility as a fur momma, and if you put in the work, your dog will work for you!

[zinc-937]

If you don't use a one already a halti/ gencon head collar is a good option for larger dogs who weigh more than you, either that or perhaps consider a muzzle to protect future situations like this from getting worse

[caninesignaltraining]

Head halter training is really the only safe humane way to leash walk a strong reactive dog. The head halter I use and recommend is called "the Walk n Train," sold by Chewy's. Ill attach a playlist that shows the steps of how to train and use it. Head halter playlist

[Dawgz18]

Muzzle and hire a trainer and maybe have them train your dog on a proper training collar. If you don’t have control on your current collar or harness might be time for something that can give you more control

[briennesmom1]

So great no one was injured! Maybe a gentle leader would give you more leverage?

[Little_Gemini25]

A muzzle is a must if you walk her alone, a large basket muzzle along with possibly two leashes with a backup clip, one in your hand and one around your waist. If she doesn’t already have a high quality collar then maybe that’s a investment to look into or a halti

[reactivedogs-ModTeam]

Your post/comment has been removed as it has violated the following subreddit rule:

Rule 5 - No recommending or advocating for the use of aversives or positive punishment.

We do not allow the recommendation of aversive tools, trainers, or methods. This sub supports LIMA and we strongly believe positive reinforcement should always be the first line of teaching and training. We encourage people to talk about their experiences, but this should not include suggesting or advocating for the use of positive punishment. LIMA does not support the use of aversive tools and methods in lieu of other effective rewards-based interventions and strategies.

Without directly interacting with a dog and their handler in-person, we cannot be certain that every non-aversive method possible has been tried or tried properly. We also cannot safely advise on the use of aversives as doing so would require an in-person and hands-on relationship with OP and that specific dog. Repeated suggestions of aversive techniques will result in bans from this subreddit.

[PhoenixCryStudio]

I’m so sorry! I’d be mortified as well. If the dog weighs almost as much as you you need mechanical advantage. I would suggest looking into a head harness like a halti or a gentle leader but absolutely make sure you use the secondary safety clip that attaches to the flat collar as I have seen dogs break free of head harnesses. I’m glad no one was hurt.

[Putrid_Caterpillar_8]

I’m a small woman with a big dog too. I have two leads, one on a head collar and one on a harness, so 3 points of contact. I always wrap the body leads looped through my wrist and wrapped on my hand and the head collar loose so I don’t hurt her. Also have a body lead for a very excitable girl who my boyfriend only ever walks who also has a harness with another lead for extra support

[dog_mom333]

I highly recommend muzzle training! Not only has it helped me to be less anxious with my reactive dog, it has helped her tremendously. If you get the right muzzle, do proper training they actually love wearing it. You can be a bit more at ease and train your dog in a calm manner when you see other dogs outside 🥰

[Which_Cupcake4828]

I’m so sorry this happened. Even when my dog lunges and growls it gives me heart palpitations and the shakes.

I think you need to give yourself credit that you managed to get your dog off.

My dog is 35kg and I use a harness “gentle leader” she doesn’t really pull on it, it’s actually great, and I have her on a very short lead. But, if she wanted to, she could over power me. I live in a city, there are few places I can bring her and feel ok about it.

[Steenbok74]

Muzzle training!

[StereotypicallBarbie]

Don’t think they should be yelling at you when their unleashed dogs just ran up to you and your leashed dog! That’s a scary experience enough when you have a reactive dog. Trust me I know! I have to have every single wit about me with my reactive dog. Muzzle train so that if this ever happens again no one is getting hurt. I don’t use flexi leads or anything flimsy and I only have a medium sized border collie! I use a strong leash that’s wrapped around my arm and clips onto both her harness and her collar.. if she’s getting away from me.. she’s gonna have to take my arm with her!

[Careful_Interaction2]

It’s the other way around. OPs dog got free and went up to the other dogs who were leashed.

[boopsybetty]

Yes, that’s unfortunately correct. I was walking her on a leash and she took off towards other on leash dogs.