Rough play/borderline aggression

[Cherrypie32]

We have had our rescue boy for approx 2 months. He's a collie cross and, whilst very calm at home, he's very excited out and about. I've been working hard on lead training and he's getting calmer but off the lead he is manic. He runs constantly, barely stops to sniff, and towards any dog within eye sight. When he meets a dog that will play some quite rough play ensues which I feel is borderline aggressive on his part. He jumps on them and with a soft mouth at the moment, goes for their necks. He is a reasonably big dog so is able to dominate and usually bowls them over. He's full on and I'm worried this is going to tip over into aggressive behaviour if I don't start to manage it. Certainly it's quite stressful being around other dogs and once they are going for it it's very hard to get him back. Any ideas, other than don't let him off the lead?

[Hoppinggreen]

Our dog was like this and I know you don't want to hear this but he doesn't go off the lead if there is another dog around.
Having him castrated has helped a lot though

[Wolfiefan]

Long line and harness for now. How much training and socialisation have you done? Classes could help.
We used to have a friend with a collie growing up and this was just how she played. Grabbing round the neck and knocking out dog flying. He loved it but was always a bit soggy when we got him back!
BTW you use the word dominate. You know pack theory has been debunked yes?
There's a great FB group called dog behaviour advice and support. Run by experts. You could always join and post a video for advice.

[NoNamesLeft86]

Im sorry but i really dont think he should be off lead around other dogs.

It might not be what you want to hear but you can't just let him do that - not fair on the other dogs or their owners.

My dog can be similar but i only let him off lead when we are in an empty field.

Dog classes may help. We have booked ours.

[mistlethrush]

The best thing would be to find a dog walker who has a 'teaching' dog as part of her normal group who can teach your dog some manners! My dog walker had a really good German Shepherd who wouldn't tolerate any nonsense from any of the dogs on the walk with her.

[Cherrypie32]

Thankyou. I think you are right that it just isn't a good idea for him to be off the lead around other dogs as he's just too reactive. I'd never forgive myself if he hurt another dog as he's so lovely in the house and around the kids it's just being out that gets him so worked up. He hasn't been socialised I don't think in his life, he's around 2 years old so is this recoverable. I feel like if we avoid other dogs it will never get better. We started training class last week but have been concentrating on lead work. I'll speak to the trainer at the weekend.

[Noitsnotteatimeyet]

Is the play reciprocal? My dog is friends with a whippet cross who can be quite rough when she plays with him - often knocks him over and grabs him by his ears or his ruff, making growling noises. I'm friends with her owner and we keep a careful eye on them to make sure they're both enjoying themselves. If my dog is happily coming back for more then we let them carry on, however sometimes it all gets a bit much for him and he comes and stands in between my legs for a time out.

Some dogs do have very rough playing styles but as long as both dogs are happy then that's ok

[Cherrypie32]

I have a good friend I walk with and she is fine with him playing with her spaniel, who gives as good as he gets, but I don't want it to be the norm. I've joined the Reactive Dogs Facebook page for some advice/ support.