Barking at other dogs - not sure how to deal with...

[jumpthemoon]

Hi

My dog has taken to barking at other dogs we pass when we're out walking. She isn't agressive - if they come and say 'hi' she just wants to play - but people think she's being agressive and it's getting embarrassing

She does it walking down the street or in the car and I have no idea how to deal with it - can anyone help????

 

[Stacie_and_Jed]

I would make a loud noise when ever she starts, but try to avoid shouting at the top of your voice as this too could be embarrassing too.

Maybe take a tin with some nails in to shake at her if she decides to bark?

 

[jumpthemoon]

Oooh do you think that might work? I've tried shouting at her and you're right - it is embarrassing! The annoying thing is she only really wants to play with them - but people look at you as if you are some sort of dog fighting enthusiast!!

 

[samstar]

My dog is exactly the same, I've been told by a behavourist not to shorten up the lead when walking towards another dog as they sense it that your worried and will go for the other dog to guard you, and also ignore the barking as they are then waiting for a response from you. It is hard but a few sharp tugs and then relax seems to do the job. Good luck

 

[Stacie_and_Jed]

[ QUOTE ]
Oooh do you think that might work? I've tried shouting at her and you're right - it is embarrassing! The annoying thing is she only really wants to play with them - but people look at you as if you are some sort of dog fighting enthusiast!!

[/ QUOTE ]

My Aunts dog used to go crazy when anyone left the house (odd i know) so she was told to use a tin before or just as he started to bark and it worked wonders. All dogs are different though.

 

[CAYLA]

BE FIRM......as samstar suggests, a good check chain and training lead, u would be suprised what using the wrong impliments in regard to training aids can hinder your control.
A nice slack lead, then a firm check, dog on left , lead in right hand, check chain high up.....and a firn NO, LEAVE IT!!
If u use a check chain, use it so the chain run against the top loop, this way it will release a soon as checked.
Or impliment a rattle bottle or a treat based distraction, ie chickem in the palm of your hand when the dog is nearing, let your dog get a wiff of the chicken, but dont allow her to take it until u pass the dog, to get her complete focus, turn her in a tight circle arounf your leg, by the time you turn full circle, the dog will have passed, use the treat to guide her round, this also takes her direct focus of the dog, and she gets a reward for ignoring, and will begin to assosiate this with passing a dog, u could also introduce a clicker, to click and treat.

Im asuming it's the airdale, if so....be firm.....they are a strong willed breed, with immense strength, they can take the firmness

 

[jumpthemoon]

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Im asuming it's the airdale, if so....be firm.....they are a strong willed breed, with immense strength, they can take the firmness

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You're not wrong!!!

Thanks for the advice