Question:
Does anyone have advice for me on handling my dog on walks when he sees another dog. I have two dogs a very calm quiet ShihTzu and a very sensitive alert Bichon. On our walks if the Bichon spots another dog he will stop and not move and stare at the dog at a distance of course but should they get closer he barks and lunges. I'm not sure if I am enabling him because to quiet him down I pick him up and walk away. I'm sure if people were listening they would think a dog was hurt because his bark turns into a high pitched bark. The other little dog doesn't let out a sound. There is no use trying to get his attention when he's barking because he doesn't hear it. We have been to obedience and he does really well with just about everything except this situation. The other day a little dog was loose and ran up to us as we were walking and he was fine and they went on sniffing each other. I'm confused.

Answer:
[QUOTEI'm not sure if I am enabling him because to quiet him down I pick him up and walk away.][/quote]

I would say, yes, by picking him up and leaving you are telling him that this is a dangerous situation and you must get away.

Think of how you would handle this if your dog were 70lbs and you couldn't pick him up.

Many dogs have on-leash aggression/fear but desensitization should work.

You have to try and get his attention before he starts going ballistic. Carry a favorite squeaky toy or food treat with you. Make sure this food treat is very special and something he only gets when he sees other dogs.

You see dogs in the distance. Stop, have your dog sit and have his attention on you. If he sees the other dogs and gets up, then you correct him for disobeying your command, NOT for reacting to the other dogs. Get him back in a sit, and if he cannot control himself, just turn and walk away normally and make him follow. Do not soothe him or give him any attention or treats. Ignore any bad behavior and do not pick him up.

If you keep this up, he should learn that seeing dogs in the distance makes good things happen if he doesn't react - treats/toys.

Answer: