My mom argues with other dog owners, I find it really embarrassing?

[Anonymous]

Me and my mom are looking after my brothers dogs for 2 weeks. One of them is quite reactive and barks a lot at other dogs when they come near him. Today, we were walking with them. They had their leads on and we were approached by an off lead dog and it’s owner. Our reactive dog was on the lead and it was barking and barking as the other dog approached and my mom asked the owner is she could put her dog on the lead. She didn’t and said it would make things worse if she put her dog on the lead and that her dog was friendly. It turned into a bit of an argument with me in the middle. I felt pretty embarrassed to be honest and a little bit shaken. I’ve been with my mom before and this has happened several times. I just wanted to vent. My brother will be back for them soon, but what is the best way to handle this type of situation?

[Effably]

Your mom is not all wrong, people should at the very least have a leash with them and be ready and willing to apply it based on situation. Her request is reasonable if likely incorrect. So she only looks inexperienced, not crazy.

The other handler was probably still right though. And if the other handler's dog had been aggressive a fight would have already broken out. Of course if that dog was close to yours instead of returning to heel that is an issue in itself.

General on the fly advise is to pull your dog closer (the normal tip is to hold the leash short and lightly behind you so as to assume a leading position, but I personally prefer to ve dragged around like a ragdoll by my dogs) and to, yourself, stay calm and relaxed as other dogs do approach. If you tense up the dog will notice and instantly that will amplify any aggressive behaviour. Keep in mind they can literally smell your feelings.

Of course this should be on your brother and he can take walks together with other handlers and alike to help mitigate this issue in the future.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure the best way to handle the situation with your Mum but I do recommend watching Victoria Stilwell TV show called its me or the dog, she has techniques you could maybe use with the dogs that might help them to be less reactive. They do have clips on YouTube of the show.

[d3n0939]

there is this Japanese program, it has English subtitles. The guy there handles dogs belongs to families so well, he helps them to discipline their dogs

[Anonymous]

Try talking to your mother about it?