Pierson is very leash reactive when he sees other dogs. He probably wasn’t properly socialized when he was young and I have not done a good job of consistently working with his socialization skills. But now that the weather is getting nice, I intend to do better. Recently, we joined a dog walking group that specifically gets together to work with our dogs’ behavior. I say gets together but in reality, we have to walk a distance apart.
Some dogs are doing really well and can now walk with other dogs without much trouble. Pierson is doing better, but as you can see from the photo he still has to stay a distance away. We can get a few feet closer than this before Pierson starts going crazy. Over time, I expect we will be able to get closer and closer. I’ll keep you posted on his progress.
This past Saturday, I took Maya on the group walk. We decided to walk downtown and this would be too much for Pierson. Maya has her issues too, but with excitability, so I took her instead. If I had taken Pierson, we would not have been able to visit this nice dog barktique.

Our dog walking group is still small. Thanks to lots of practice, these dogs are not as leash reactive as they used to be.
For more Wordless Wednesday pet photos, check out the blog hop link below.
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Tags: blog hop, dogs, leash reactive, walking, wordless wednesday
May 15, 2013 at 8:35 am |
It’s great that your dog is getting better on the leash with other dogs around. Hope you’ll see lots more improvement as you two keep working on it.
May 15, 2013 at 8:37 am |
I need to join a group like that!
May 15, 2013 at 8:43 am |
I need to work with Torrey too. I have to make her sit and be still when other dogs approach. She does good until the person on the other end of the dog lets the dog stop and say hi.
May 15, 2013 at 8:32 pm |
Keep up the good work!
May 15, 2013 at 9:43 pm |
Those groups are such an awesome way to work with leash reactive dogs! Good for you and best of luck with Pierson’s progress!
May 17, 2013 at 7:48 am |
That group is a great idea, I’m glad it’s helping! Others in the group understand.
May 17, 2013 at 9:49 am |
It’s so cool that you’re taking the time and being patient with them whilst they get the hang of being with other dogs and new environments, I’m sure you’ll all get there in the end….
Big wags,
Your pal Snoopy 🙂
May 20, 2013 at 11:03 am |
My dog has no problems at the dog park with the leash off, but gets a little nutty around other dogs with the leash on. These groups sounds like a great idea.