Help needed to sort out a couple of issues please.

[UpTheBumNoBabies]

DDog is a border collie x patterdale, is 3 and on the whole, is a fantastic dog.
He cannot be faulted at home, ace with the kids and when not throwing his toys at you, is pretty chilled out.
But, we have a few issues with him.

1. and the main one..... He is a nightmare when out anywhere. Last week we went to the coast and took him with us. Every time he saw another dog (dog friendly beach so lots of!) he barked and lunged on the lead. Jumped all over me and tried twisting himself out of his collar/lead.

2. ties in partly with 1. He is very dog reactive. I've tried on numerous occasions to slowly introduce other dogs (known to me) by walking at a distance on neutral ground. Then the next time walking a bit closer etc etc for a good few weeks. Then let them sniff when at the point of being close enough but he barks like crazy at any dog and tries snapping.
   A very good friend seems to think it is because he is on a lead and once off he'd be completely different... But it's a massive risk I don't want to take in case he attacks. Am I resigned to the fact that he'll never be able to walk off lead?

3. he won't stop jumping when guests arrive. He knows the command 'off' and does listen when told to,and also rewarded for doing so... But it's the initial jumping that I'd like to stop altogether.

I know I can only work on one issue at a time but I'd really appreciate if anyone had any helpful advice please.

Photo to show how much of a beauty he is. 😂

Reactivity is something where you really want to get a well qualified behaviourist in. By well qualified, I mean someone who is CCAB or APBC accredited. Any idiot can themselves a behaviourist, and some of them will inadvertently mess your dog up for life through their own incompetence, so the accreditation is very important.

In the meantime, however, stop walking in dog heavy areas. All that's happening right now is that he's rehearsing feeling scared of other dogs and kicking off about it.

Have you joined the Reactive Dogs UK Facebook group?

I don't usually walk him where there are lots of dogs in all fairness, the beach was the first time I'd ever taken him somewhere so populated and I admit I messed up by doing so.

The accredited behaviourist is a good idea, thank you. I will look into that tomorrow.

I don't have Facebook unfortunately so can't join that group.

Thank you for your reply Avocados.

Enlist you friends into his training!! Have them knock, if ddog tries to jump up they leave.
Repeat as necessary.
Saw that on Cesar Milan program also!

Dog socialisation classes. Not training. Socialisation where they just learn to sniff and move on.

Have a look at careforreactivedogs.com/teaching-key-dris/

We have similar issues and definitely recommend finding a good behaviourist.

If you live anywhere near me I would be happy for you to let yours off the lead and see what happens with my bouncy labrador!