Excessive Barking when on lead

JanW · Master

Excessive Barking when on lead

Dave · Enlightened One

A Water pistol sounds rotten but it doesn't hurt, they just get a wee shock when sprayed at their face, perfect for problems with dogs, cats, food, furniture etc however I'd advise getting some advice from Carole our follow up co-ordinator in this case first!

CAROLE ROBINSON · Old Hand

Because Mr Spoons hasn't been with you very long, I think it would be better not try deterrents just yet. He's probably feeling a bit anxious and a bit insecure and barks at other dogs in the hope that they will go away. The best thing is to be calm and matter of fact when he starts to perform. If you come across people with dogs, during your walks, ask them if they mind just stopping and chatting for a moment or two (not too close), tell them Mr. Spoons is feeling a bit insecure and your trying to socialise him. After a minute or two of ignoring the barking, he will stop - honest! Give me a call and we can go through the various things you can do to help him during this settling in period.

JanW · Master

Hi Carole

That's a nice idea, but people are running for the hills when they see us!

I could try and engineer a set up with a friends dog. I'll give you a phone later.

Janet

quote:
Originally posted by: CAROLE ROBINSON
" If you come across people with dogs, during your walks, ask them if they mind just stopping and chatting for a moment or two "

Janice · Old Hand

Snap Janet! We are having the exact same problem with Jacky who we've been fostering since Sunday. Took him to vet this morning for a checkup and as soon as he clapped eyes on a Yorkie in the waiting room all hell broke loose. Bigger dogs he didn't mind at all but he barked non-stop at this poor wee thing. Didn't seem to notice other things such as cats, lizards and a huge falcon sitting on a guys hand!

Got the all clear from the vet but it's a bad day when your 8 year old says "I'm never showing my face in there again!"

Janice

Dave · Enlightened One

sounds like a pair of ideal candidates for training classes.....

JanW · Master

quote:
Originally posted by: Dave
"sounds like a pair of ideal candidates for training classes....."

I had initially planned to bring Ruby to training classes, but on reflection you could be right!

There is a Yorkie-cross owned by an old woman in the area, and as soon as it sees the hounds it barks and tries to drag the poor old dear accross the road to us. Unfortunately they do the same! I don't dare stop to chat as it looks as if the other owner is about to go flying (it's quite big for a terrier)

I'm keeping an eye out for her when I don't have the dogs to suggest an arranged meeting one hound at a time with muzzles.

Janet

lizzy · Graduate

We have the same problem with Jasper and Dornie, Dornie is the main culprit and goes mental at anything with fur and legs. Jasper was much better behaved but when Dornie started he would loose the plot as well. We discovered that she will do anything for Markies treats so out on walks we go armed with pocket full of treats we let her know that they are there and keep reminding her during the walk. When another dog approaches out come the treats and they are held in closed hand so that she can smell but not quite reach we also stand infront of her to get her full attention,9 times out of 10 this works and she is so intent at getting the treat she totaly ignores the other dog. If she is quiet then Jasper will not react either.

This has not been an overnight success and has taken about a year to achieve, she still has a black Lab that she hates with a passion and a couple of others but we are getting there, the majority of dogs that we pass are no longer scared out of thier wits when we meet them. Thier owners comment on how they have improved very embarrising!

The only animals left that need to worry about thier lives are squirrels and seagulls Jasper can spot them a mile off and drive him to distraction, he is a champion at walking on his hind legs!!!!!

Good luck with the training.

JanW · Master

thanks for the tip Lizzy, I am perservering with training them out of this and will definately try some treats. I have been having some success by saying their names to distract them, but that has been a bit variable (and doesn't work with cats)

Janet

CAROLE ROBINSON · Old Hand

Hi Lizzy - I am so glad that you said you have progressed with Dornie but that it has taken a long time. That's what I always ask, give them time, be consistent and the behaviour will change. I had a moment of vivid recall when you mentioned Jazz and walking on hind legs - my first sighting of him was at the college many, many months ago and he came in straining at the leash, walking on his hind legs, so keen to get to where it was happening! Give them both a big hug from me. heart:

JanW · Master

We had a breakthrough in Mr Spoons behaviour yesterday!

He met two dogs and politely sniffed etc without lunging

He also stood quietly with a small fluffy terrier pup and a miniture poodle within a few metres

Over the last fortnight we have been taking the dogs to the park (one that's not too close to home!) whenever both of us were available. I let Ruby meet dogs first and explain to owners that we've not had Spoons for long, he's insecure and needs to get used to other dogs. Meanwhile Murray and Spoons hang back, and Spoons gets lots of hugs and attention for standing quietly.

Next other dogs slowly approach and pass by while Spoons is comforted. If he tries to lunge or barks we walk on a bit until he quiets then he gets more hugs for being quiet again. We tried treats, but he doesn't care when there are other dogs around.

Other owners have been very understanding, big thanks to all spaniel/lab/terrier owners in Barshaw Park, Paisley. We never seem to meet any greys/lurchers or German Shepherds which is unfortunate as he likes these - only small to medium dogs!

It's clearly not the end of his socialisation, but it's nice to see some progress.

Janet

bluesmumanddad · Master

That's great news well done all of you. Hope the progression continues!

Jay · Old Hand

Good to hear you are having a breakthrough. We have had similar problems with Denver. At first he was diagnosed with high prey, but I am still not too convinced about that. I think it is fear agression 99% of the time. Since we switched from the water pistol to using treats and training I think he is finally making some progress.

He is planning to come along to Strathclyde Park tomorrow, so hopefully won't give is too much of a showing up!

JanW · Master

Hi Jason,

We'll be at Strathclyde Park tomorrow too, maybe we can swap notes!

Janet

greyluvver · GAL Membership Co-Ordinator

We were interested to read Lizzy's post about using treats. We think we'll try this with Max (our foster dog).

We've been off on holiday this week and were surprised with Max as we've been taking him to different parks instead of the local park beside our house, and he was extremely good with other dogs!! We've came to the conclusion that it may be territorial with him claiming the local park where he goes twice daily, as 'his territory'!!

Jay · Old Hand

Will be pleased to swap notes, but by the time we got the Strahie Park - everyone was gone...

JanW · Master

Sorry Jay,

It was VERY wet while we were there - also Murray had to goto work as he was meant to start at 11 (not sopping wet after 12)

Mayby see you next time.

Janet