Dog barking other dogs.

[Fragglerock]

My parents have taken on a rehomed dog. It's very early days and they hope she will settle over the next few weeks. Although they knew she wasn't keen on other dogs it appears she is far worse than they were led to believe. Meeting the dog next door was not a particularly promising experience where she lunged for the fence despite not being able to see the dog the other side (he always used to bark at their old dog who ignored it). They were hoping to let this one off the lead when taking her for a walk but now it looks like this won't be possible. As I said, they do hope things will improve as it's still all very strange but any suggestions to improve the behaviour would be appreciated, or is it too late with a 7 year old dog?

 

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Depends on what breed it is etc? I had a re-homed greyhound at 5 1/2 who was completely institutionalised when I got him, he had never seen another dog other than a greyhound, he was very aggressive towards other dogs especially small ones, and really didn't understand what other dogs were!

I won't lie, it didn't happen overnight, but he changed into a lovely dog who coped very well with other breeds and was not aggressive in any way - so it definitely can be done

 

[Pearlsasinger]

It might be that she is terratorial, rather than aggressive. What does she do if she sees another dog when she is out for a walk on the lead?

 

[pippixox]

I would recommend a long line so they can have a lose lead when meeting other dogs. My old dog was reactive to some other dogs, but not all of them, I felt a lot down to lack of socialising for his first 2 years before we got him.
we was always worse if held on a tight lead as he felt restricted. but as he was unpredictable he obviously needed to be on a lead just encase. on a long line he could remain more relaxed.

as above: they can be different out, as their garden is their space.

 

[Fragglerock]

It might be that she is terratorial, rather than aggressive. What does she do if she sees another dog when she is out for a walk on the lead?

Barks It's a bit more of a problem as they and their neighbours back doors are actually on the side of the house and face each other. I'm sure she will settle down a bit but the information that came with her suggests it has always been that way. At least I have a field she can come and run around it sometimes.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Going to be difficult with a dog of that age. Breed?

I've got new neighbours this past month or so with a GSD (I knew what it was before I saw it because of the bark ). When my dog is in his own garden it barks like crazy (no visuals...high fence and trees) in fact it barks at anything. My dog doesn't acknowledge there's another dog. Not on his radar, he's just going to the loo.

The trick will be to make the dog feel secure and not feel the need to defend itself and it's boundary.
This is an insecurity thing by the sounds of it, which works and is self-satisfying for the dog. Your parents need to work out what will make the dog feel more comfortable.

 

[Fragglerock]

I have a feeling it's going to be tricky as the dog the other side was the same for my parents' previous dogs - he is a bit of a big dog and made a hole in the fence where he kept bashing against it. Parents have got a Weimeraner - they are experienced with the breed as they have had them before but none were a problem with other dogs.

 

[Blazingsaddles]

My parents have taken on a rehomed dog. It's very early days and they hope she will settle over the next few weeks. Although they knew she wasn't keen on other dogs it appears she is far worse than they were led to believe. Meeting the dog next door was not a particularly promising experience where she lunged for the fence despite not being able to see the dog the other side (he always used to bark at their old dog who ignored it). They were hoping to let this one off the lead when taking her for a walk but now it looks like this won't be possible. As I said, they do hope things will improve as it's still all very strange but any suggestions to improve the behaviour would be appreciated, or is it too late with a 7 year old dog?

I had a neighbour once, who could be heard & not seen. My initial opinion of him was of a rather large bum hole. And then we were introduced & I found out he was actually an ok guy. Has your parents dog been correctly introduced to their neighbours dog? If someone was yelling at me behind a fence it would be very tempting to shout back. The dog is adapting to a new home with strangers & some yob yelling at her will not be helping her anxiety. Perhaps speak to the neighbours & ask if both dogs (on lead) & owners could go on a walk together? Let them get to know each other on neutral territory.

 

[MissTyc]

I would recommend a long line so they can have a lose lead when meeting other dogs. My old dog was reactive to some other dogs, but not all of them, I felt a lot down to lack of socialising for his first 2 years before we got him.
we was always worse if held on a tight lead as he felt restricted. but as he was unpredictable he obviously needed to be on a lead just encase. on a long line he could remain more relaxed.

as above: they can be different out, as their garden is their space.

^ Exactly same with my GSD X Rotties. Sadly she seems to attract trouble and has been attacked a few times since we got her. She's reactive but much better on loose long line which has enabled her to make doggy friends to play with over the years.