Exhuberant behaviour that is dangerous on the lead

[Jan Woodhall]

Hi, my now 6/12 month old Borzoi is getting more and more out of hand. When he is good he is VERY very good, and when he is bad - I just don't know what to do! He will come when called - when it suits him. He will leap up and down at, on and over me = when it suits him - basically when his mood donates, he becomes VERY difficult to control. We are having more and more tug of wars with the lead rope when out, when preparing to go out. He seems to do what he wants when he wants - I have tried so many different treats - NOTHING works when he wants to do something! He is a lovely and sweet chap for most of the time, but I am so distraught with this behaviour - his teeth are so sharp and he has accidently cut me a couple of times - I just think I would be, and he most certainly would be better off if I just handed him back to the breeder, who thinks it is great to have a dog with strong character and breed him specifically! ................help, I love this dog and what to do the best for him. Thanks

 

[JoanneF]

From the title, I'm guessing the most pressing problem is the tug of war with the lead.

Behaviours like you describe often happen when dogs are overexcited so what about doing more frequent but shorter walks to stop the excitement from ramping up? Or if he does it before you go out, just drop your end (he can only tug it if you are holding it) and wait. If he does it while out, wrap it round something like a lamp post if it isn't too close to traffic to give you more control (maybe choose your walks for where there are posts or garden gates or similar away from the kerb). And wait him out, until he calms, then ”good boy” and reward.

Or can you carry a tuggy toy to put in his mouth instead? And maybe change to a metal chain lead, so the tuggy is a better choice for him?

 

[Jan Woodhall]

From the title, I'm guessing the most pressing problem is the tug of war with the lead.

Behaviours like you describe often happen when dogs are overexcited so what about doing more frequent but shorter walks to stop the excitement from ramping up? Or if he does it before you go out, just drop your end (he can only tug it if you are holding it) and wait. If he does it while out, wrap it round something like a lamp post if it isn't too close to traffic to give you more control (maybe choose your walks for where there are posts or garden gates or similar away from the kerb). And wait him out, until he calms, then ”good boy” and reward.

Or can you carry a tuggy toy to put in his mouth instead? And maybe change to a metal chain lead, so the tuggy is a better choice for him?

I have literally done every single think you have suggested! I have even played fetch in the garden before leaving! NOTHING is making any difference! He has long walks, short walks, toys EVERYWHERE! Treats, we play find, I just cannot keep him entertained enough I don't think! I really am at my wits end! I was sooooo excited about getting a dog again, and now I only feel misery

 

[JudyN]

What JoanneF says - select your walks very carefully, so you always have a convenient fence post/tree/whatever to hang on to or wrap the lead round. If it's not safe to let him off lead because of poor recall, try to find an enclosed dog walking field. There's a website here: The Original Listings Site for Enclosed Dog Walking Fields in the UK Or you could ask other dog walkers. If you're not on Facebook it could be worth joining as there are often localdog walking groups you could join to ask. You could also try a long line on a harness, but he probably really does need to have a good run.

I think we've mentioned headcollars such as Halti or Gentle Leaders before? They could be worth a try as they could make you feel less vulnerable and calmer - you really do need the patience of a saint with this type of behaviour, because getting angry/anxious will feed through to him.

Honestly - his behaviour is normal for a sighthound. I wish I'd taken some photos of all the bruises on my arms when Jasper was like this - there was more black than flesh colour! I don't think it's so much a case of being strong-willed, it's more akin to having a fireworks display going off in his brain that he has very little control over. For now your job is really about surviving this phase intact, hence the need to find safe places to walk. As always, ignore the unwanted behaviour (or rather, ignore him, make it boring for him), and give calm praise & treats when he is being calm.

 

[Tinytom]

Borzois arent for the faint hearted. ..we were offered a rescue ...5 mths old ...i declined then as i was 48 and thought i was too old for a breed that needs strength and lots of understanding. ...i would like to say it gets better but my friends was manic until he was 3 yrs old ....dont feel like a failure if you did decide to reliquish him to the breeder (will they take him back ) its no fun feeling like a failure ...i must admit my lurchers have always been great pups ...dont be too hard on yourself especially when you have tried everything you can

 

[Jan Woodhall]

What JoanneF says - select your walks very carefully, so you always have a convenient fence post/tree/whatever to hang on to or wrap the lead round. If it's not safe to let him off lead because of poor recall, try to find an enclosed dog walking field. There's a website here: The Original Listings Site for Enclosed Dog Walking Fields in the UK Or you could ask other dog walkers. If you're not on Facebook it could be worth joining as there are often localdog walking groups you could join to ask. You could also try a long line on a harness, but he probably really does need to have a good run.

I think we've mentioned headcollars such as Halti or Gentle Leaders before? They could be worth a try as they could make you feel less vulnerable and calmer - you really do need the patience of a saint with this type of behaviour, because getting angry/anxious will feed through to him.

Honestly - his behaviour is normal for a sighthound. I wish I'd taken some photos of all the bruises on my arms when Jasper was like this - there was more black than flesh colour! I don't think it's so much a case of being strong-willed, it's more akin to having a fireworks display going off in his brain that he has very little control over. For now your job is really about surviving this phase intact, hence the need to find safe places to walk. As always, ignore the unwanted behaviour (or rather, ignore him, make it boring for him), and give calm praise & treats when he is being calm.

I really do try JudyN, I just feel so useless I think he is very bored! He is in need of a very long run, but I've had exponential problems with my vehicles, now on my third which is back AGAIN at the sellers due to faults, the loan vehicle I am banned from putting a dog inside ( blanket ruling on the Agreement!) We have been 'dogged' from day one poor chap He has NEVER intentially hurt me, but when we are nearly in our 70's we do not bounce so reliably! Also coming home from a walk with blood streaming down my arm is not a good advert for Borzoi! LOL! He is just playful! I KNOW that, but when he tugs me into the road in front of traffic that is a worry! I have no choice but to do part of our walks on the road. I really think I need ideas how to focus is very active and bright mind! I am more afraid of ruining a bright mind! My son said yesterday I am likely to end up permenantly damaging his mental health! (dog that is not Ben's - his was damaged years ago! LOL)...............

 

[Jan Woodhall]

Borzois arent for the faint hearted. ..we were offered a rescue ...5 mths old ...i declined then as i was 48 and thought i was too old for a breed that needs strength and lots of understanding. ...i would like to say it gets better but my friends was manic until he was 3 yrs old ....dont feel like a failure if you did decide to reliquish him to the breeder (will they take him back ) its no fun feeling like a failure ...i must admit my lurchers have always been great pups ...dont be too hard on yourself especially when you have tried everything you can

TinyTom, I am not new to the breed had a bitch many years ago - chalk and cheese this one! LOL I love him very much and will do the very best I can, but I do not want to mess up a beautiful dog because of my inadequency!

 

[Jan Woodhall]

From the title, I'm guessing the most pressing problem is the tug of war with the lead.

Behaviours like you describe often happen when dogs are overexcited so what about doing more frequent but shorter walks to stop the excitement from ramping up? Or if he does it before you go out, just drop your end (he can only tug it if you are holding it) and wait. If he does it while out, wrap it round something like a lamp post if it isn't too close to traffic to give you more control (maybe choose your walks for where there are posts or garden gates or similar away from the kerb). And wait him out, until he calms, then ”good boy” and reward.

Or can you carry a tuggy toy to put in his mouth instead? And maybe change to a metal chain lead, so the tuggy is a better choice for him?

I wrapped round a post a couple of days ago - nearly broke his neck and mine! He just goes into complete panic mode if he feels restricted and he is constantly getting tangled in the long line I use once he goes off on his looney tunes!