u/Electrical-Aide-9307

Did anyone else hear popping at Lynn valley centre just now?
Could be firecrackers or something else

I’m looking for advice for a dog that I walk. I’m not the owner, so my ability to do extensive training is limited. The dog is 2yr old and 70 lb. She displays aggressive or reactive behaviour toward unfamiliar dogs both on and off leash. During our 90-minute walks, my priority is keeping everyone safe while still giving her the exercise she needs.

Off leash, she will stalk, charge, chase, and snap at other dogs’ faces. She has never bitten or injured another dog, but I know that doesn’t mean she never could. Even without biting or injuring other dogs, her behaviour is very frightening.

On leash, she has also lunged at dogs with enough force to pull me over once.

Sometimes I’m able to interrupt her by recalling her or using her e-collar, but once she becomes fully fixated, there are times when she ignores all commands completely.

To reduce the chances of encounters, I’ve stopped using popular trails and instead walk her on quiet game trails where we rarely see other dogs. She really benefits from being able to run off leash, as that’s how she burns most of her energy.

One thing I’ve noticed is that once she’s familiar with another dog, she’s generally fine. I’ve introduced her to several dogs that I also walk. Her initial reaction has been to attack or aggressively confront each of them, but after that first interaction, she plays appropriately with them.

The owner believes the behaviour is likely fear-based and has had many negative experiences with other owners yelling at her. Please don’t criticize the owner—she’s aware of the issue, but due to life circumstances hasn’t been able to pursue behaviour training yet. I’m simply looking for advice on how to manage the dog safely during my walks.

My questions are:

Would you recommend conditioning her to wear a basket muzzle during off-leash walks, even if it’s primarily for safety and to give other owners some peace of mind?

Do you think controlled exposure to unfamiliar dogs would be beneficial in this situation, or would that be more likely to reinforce the behaviour? (I’m not talking about throwing her into a busy dog park, but carefully managed introductions if appropriate.)

Given that I’m “just” the walker and not the owner or trainer, what management strategies would you prioritize?

I’m interested in hearing from people with experience managing similar cases. My goal is to keep everyone safe while still providing this dog with the exercise and enrichment she needs.

To all who walk after I do,
You’re welcome for clearing all the spiderwebs (I walk through them face first :/ )

To the girl in a silver suv who pulled over after getting rear ended by a dump truck (black cab, silver bucket, unbranded) after merging onto hwy 1 (eastbound) from Lynn valley entrance and he didn’t stop
DUMP TRUCK LICENSE PLATE IS WR-0379

Happened around 4:15pm pst

UPDATE: I reported a witness statement to icbc

I’m looking to make a flat lap, I have a dremel with some diamond tips but I find it’s very hard to use. I’m looking to build a flat lap somehow and would love to see your diy machines. Thanks all!

Found keys and tag near bridge

Unsure of name, possibly Bella, collared, ran into owner on the trail. LARGE BLACK DOG.
Call number on collar if found