Hello from London

Hi.
I have two very recently homed male Staffies who lived together and are aged 7 and 4. Only the 4 year old is neutered. The owner cited ill health etc.
She stated that the 7 year old was attacked about three years ago by a rotti and becomes a bit anxious when going out for a walk.
Both dogs were more than keen leaving the house and were eager to charge down the road on their leads. Suddenly the 7 year old dog starts zig zagging too and fro constantly , I thought maybe it was the area where he was attacked.
My home is about 10 miles away from where they lived.
Today he is doing the same zigzagging back and forth when being walked and hasn't stopped for a sniff or anything. Even when held on a short lead he tries to go side to side and is extremely stressed and vocal.
I phoned the previous owner to ask about this behaviour but she says he never displayed it with her.
The other dog is happy and relaxed out walking and settling well.
Do you think if I stick to the same route for all walks for the next few weeks so the dog starts to feel calmer and confident that he won't be attacked that this zigzagging may stop ?
He is so anxious and it's very sad to watch.
Thanks
Nina.

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Hi and welcome from us and Suki

Thanks and hopefully I'll find some advice about Reggies behaviour.
Thanks

Welcome from Iza and me Someone will be able to answer your Q later I'm sure.

Hi and welcome to the forum from me and the zoo xx

Hi and welcome, have you tried walking him on his own see how he is then?Try bbuilding up his confidence with you xx

Perhaps a distraction a toy and nice treats and plenty of reassurance as the dogs still getting to know you. Could also be he has sensed a female dog in season. Welcome from me and mia.

Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me

Have you tried walking in different areas to see how he behaves then ?

Kathy wrote:Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me

Have you tried walking in different areas to see how he behaves then ?

Hi.
He was doing it in his original area when I walked him and where I live which is about 10 miles away.
He has been walked on his own today and still done it.
It's very early days so I'm hoping that he can overcome his anxiety given time.
His previous owner did say that the attack on him made her lose confidence in walking them both. She said that he had become defensive when he sees other dogs but I haven't noticed anything untoward yet.
Thanks everyone.

How long is the lead and can you shorten it so he is walking beside you rather than in front (if thats the case).


Oh and Hi and welcome, great forum.

Hiya from me and Vinnie, I think its just going to be time and patience, yes still try walking him on his own for a while and armed with some tasty treats, try to keep the lead slack so he doesnt feel any stress from yourself

Hi & Welcome from Flo and me

I agree with the above post, the only thing I would add is to perhaps use encouraging words like good boy etc. hopefully he'll settle soon enough, it's all a bit strange still. Well done for taking them

hia from me and sasha

Haizum74 wrote:How long is the lead and can you shorten it so he is walking beside you rather than in front (if thats the case).


Oh and Hi and welcome, great forum.

Hi.
I've tried him on short slack but with my arm straight down by my side so he can feel I'm there. He is very strong and tends to really pull if held tight.
Tomorrow I'm going to try small walk then sit and watch the world then a bit more walk then some more watching the world have a coffee and a treat for Reggie. Let him know that it's not a bad world and that he can relax on a walk.
Well that's my plan lol

Haizum74 wrote:How long is the lead and can you shorten it so he is walking beside you rather than in front (if thats the case).


Oh and Hi and welcome, great forum.

Hi
I do walk him beside me in an attempt to stop the zig zagging.
Trying a different method tomorrow.
I don't think he was walked much after the attack tbh

-Ian- wrote:Hi & Welcome from Flo and me

I agree with the above post, the only thing I would add is to perhaps use encouraging words like good boy etc. hopefully he'll settle soon enough, it's all a bit strange still. Well done for taking them

I'm using calming sushing words don't want to go over the top on the good boy words in case he starts to think it's good boy for being stressed.
It's almost as if he feels out of control with himself and doesn't know whether to go here or there. He doesn't stop to sniff lamp posts , bins , trees that other dogs scent.
It's such a shame as he is a lovely dog.

Hi and welcome to the forum

Odd behaviour, It sounds like your doing the right thing to be honest, maybe get him into a routine, same time same place to build his confidence.

If you cant comfortably walk him beside you without him stressing out, maybe try a halti or Canny Collar to have more control?

Nikita and Shéara

I've just noticed that Reggie has a very sore and swollen ear so I'm taking him to the vets tomorrow.
Maybe this is the reason for his zigzagging. He doesn't want me to touch him there at all.
Ears are my fave staffy squishy bit.

Hmmm, could be something to do with the ear. Let us know how you get on.

-Ian- wrote:Hmmm, could be something to do with the ear. Let us know how you get on.

Will do. Cheers