Terrier Behaviour

[katemiddleton]

Hi,

I have an 8 month terrier bitch who has started growling/barking at other dogs. This is when she is on the lead mainly. She has been well socialised since a puppy and loves playing with other dogs. She is fine with people. There has not been an incident to trigger this (another dog being aggressive or anything).

She is being very good otherwise - has basic commands sorted (recall, sit, leave), but when she sees another dog on a lead she has to get involved and starts growling/barking at them, sounds scary (even though her tail is still wagging!).

Any hints or tips? "Leave" doesn't work even though it does in other situations, distracting her, walking away, etc, nothing! She knows she isn't meant to be doing it but it's as if she just can't help herself!

Thanks

 

[CorvusCorax]

Do you back up the leave command with anything? Like a lead pop?
I would walk her hungry and see if feeding from your hand distracts her.

 

[dingle12]

Ive given up trying to get into there heads gizmo is a little sod on the lead barking at other dogs, he has been mixed with so many dogs too, he is also at the stage now where he goes up to other dogs makes out he loves them then wants to play only to turn around and give them a nip first

We have been working on this for the past few weeks and he is slowly getting better he is 2 in oct.

Its def little dog syndrome they are in a world of there own.

 

[echodomino]

Echo dingle12 lol it's little dog syndrome

My JRTs can be little sods. Millie's not always bad, Mouse tends to ignore most things most of the time - she thinks she's above everybody. And Jimmy is just a nightmare, he pulls towards the dog (or tries to, I reel him in lol) and growls. He never used to do it until I started walking regularly with a friend and her Lancashire Heeler does it so he started copying.

I just keep out the way of folk lol. Maybe I'll get it right with Dora and Risk lol

 

[katemiddleton]

Once she has learnt the commands tend to follow 1. Ask, 2. Tell then 3.Then make. If required. Only need to ask with most things - backed up with treats/toys/tug on lead/change direction/etc as and when necessary to reinforce the behavior/command. However sometimes nothing works - even food (and yummy stuff - not those boring biscuits!) even when hungry.

Definantly agree with the little dog syndrome. Have spoken to someone as well - they have suggested is more of a fear growl/bark and possibly protecting me. Still sounds scary tho - just have to keep trying as she was a very socialable dog, on the yard, pub, etc!

As my friend puts it - "Little one has some attitude!"