Why do dogs get obsessed with my old dog?

[littlen]

And can I do anything about it.

He is calm, placid, has no interest in others, stays out the way and is neutered but he does what I call the crazy collie stare- he will fixate on something and stare at it like a collie stalking a sheep (low down or even lying down sometimes) while begging us to throw whatever it is. He zones out and only has eyes for the thing he wants the human to throw. I’ve stopped him playing with sticks, stones and toys as he won’t walk just lies there which has minimised the behaviour a bit but he does it when he’s excited.

This isn’t an issue in itself but it causes all of our other dogs (and sometimes random dogs) to go insane. They whine, cry, jump around nipping at his legs and even try and hump him. He never reacts just continues with his madness. It’s happened with every single other dog we have had (4 so far of varying ages and breeds!) so it’s either something to do with him or I’m training them wrong. Once he snaps out of it everyone goes on their own business as before but it takes ages for the others to leave him alone again.

It’s starting to make me want to leave him behind on certain walks such as the beach as he fixates on stones or bits of washed up rubbish and the others can’t do anything but bother him. Even if he is on lead they nip and bark at him and if they are on lead they go mad trying to get to him. Nobody is aggressive at all it’s just excitement and trying to get him to join in but the more they try the stiller and more statue like he gets. Even treats or toys aren’t as appealing as he seems to be 🙄

Normally it’s fine as long as we just walk, everyone gets on brilliantly and there’s never a cross word but it’s very strange and very annoying when he does start.

Any ideas what this is all about?

 

[skinnydipper]

I am sorry nobody has responded to you. I don't feel I am qualified to help but there are dog behaviour experts on the forum who may be able to offer you some advice.

The only thing I will say, from my own observations, is that if there is something "different" about a dog then some dogs (not all) pick up on this and react. Dogs can be quick to pick up on a perceived weakness, this could be illness or behavioural, in another dog and take advantage. Say for instance a dog has a fit, then that sometimes excites other dogs. I am not in any way suggesting your dog is having fits, I'm just using that as an example, but his behaviour is unsettling and arousing to other dogs. The other thing is that once one dog gets excited/aroused this in turn can excite other dogs that are present.

Hopefully one of the experts will step in and help you out with this.

 

[Blazingsaddles]

I have no particular experience with Collies, but he sounds like he’s behaving like a typical BC. Do you reprimand your other dogs when they harass him? You’re lucky that he doesn’t react to their behaviour. I would teach your other dogs to leave him be, using distraction techniques or a very firm LEAVE & reward them when they do. Strange dogs that harass him should have more responsible owners & unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do about that.

 

[Clodagh]

I have no particular experience with Collies, but he sounds like he’s behaving like a typical BC. Do you reprimand your other dogs when they harass him? You’re lucky that he doesn’t react to their behaviour. I would teach your other dogs to leave him be, using distraction techniques or a very firm LEAVE & reward them when they do. Strange dogs that harass him should have more responsible owners & unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do about that.

I agree with this. Not something I myself have dealt with but if you could get your dogs to leave him be, come to heel or sit then you could distract him to get him moving again.

 

[skinnydipper]

Say for instance a dog has a fit, then that sometimes excites other dogs. .

Just to clarify, a dog fitting in this house was unfortunately a regular occurrence and none of my dogs showed any interest and let me look after her but I know that it does seem to arouse some dogs - I think another forum member experienced this recently when her dog had a fit.

 

[Blazingsaddles]

Just to clarify, a dog fitting in this house was unfortunately a regular occurrence and none of my dogs showed any interest and let me look after her but I know that it does seem to arouse some dogs - I think another forum member experienced this recently when her dog had a fit.

Absolutely nothing wrong with your reply. I too, have known dogs that will bully others if they perceive a weakness of some sort.

 

[Blazingsaddles]

Had a think, carry a water pistol. Make sure your aim is good & squirt any dog in the eye that harasses him. Your aim has to be good though, it’s not your BC that needs correction.