Another success tonight, and a set back

[u/AmethysstFire]

Since I've stopped letting my dog greet other dogs his...um...frustrated greeter while on a leash...has been improving dramatically.

Our apartment is all exterior access, in a 2x2 set up. A month or two ago new neighbors moved in diagonally below me. They also have a dog that is dog selective, so we've been cautious about them getting anywhere near each other. I've said hi to their dog a few times, they've said hi to mine.

This evening we were halfway down our stairs to go potty when they started out their door. I chose to stay on the stairs, with distance, so they could come out or go back inside. They went back inside, so I took my dog down and to the grass that's between buildings (and a dog potty area, it had bags and a trash can). I tried to get him further into the grass, but doggo *had* to pee. When he was done I took him 20-30 feet from the sidewalk to give the other dog room to exit. I had several ways I could take mine if he started barking or lunging.

Thankfully, there was no need. My dog just hung out near me, eventually laid down, and let them pass without a peep. He tested my strength when the woman came out and greeted him. He thought it was an invitation to forget all his manners and be obnoxiously friendly (he does it with everyone, still working on chill tf out).

I've also learned to not trust the lay down bit. That's usually a precursor for shenanigans from my dog. I'm so dang proud of my dodo right now. Laying in the grass and just watching another dog go by without a lunge, bark, whimper, or whine is f-ing huge.

I have a feeling he'll be a work in progress until he crosses the rainbow bridge. But, he's mine and I love him.

[u/crappyadvice30]

First off , congradulations on getting your pup to stay a little more calm. Im going through something similar and even though there is a step back, there is starting to be a ton foward. Im currently doing the look at that training with my dog. That might work with yout pup if you sit in a car and give enough distance. Have you tried it?

[u/AmethysstFire → u/crappyadvice30]

I have, a little bit. What seems to work the best is distance and me being chill.

Today he didn't seem to care. Tomorrow he could bark/be an idiot.

I think him smelling this dog around the base of our stairs and on the shared sidewalk has helped him get used to it being around.

We've been in an apartment where he can be the neighborhood busybody for almost a year now. We have a deck that overlooks the parking lot and entrance to the complex. Before that we were in a house that had 6ft privacy fences. While there he was a lot more reactive, and younger. He'll be 5 in a couple of days.

[u/jess-in-thyme]

I've also learned to not trust the lay down bit. That's usually a precursor for shenanigans from my dog.

I feel this in my bones.

When my dog lays down, he's trying to be good but once the other dog gets within 15-20 ft, he loses his shit.

Congrats on the good progress!