Oh, FFS, really?!

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

Jasper has started barking at traffic. Specifically lorries/ambulances. They go past, and he barks and lunges. He caught me unawares the first time and nearly got flattened for his troubles. This has literally started this week. I suspect he has been spooked on a walk with my DH, although DH can't think of anything that will have caused this. I could really do without him developing another neurotic behaviour. Any advice?

[Doggiedodo]

Avoid traffic for a few weeks.

[foolonthehill]

foolish dog did this with bikes...suddenly they were what she wanted to play with....but it passed quickly by avoiding bikes and being able to distract with her ball.

I expect it's the noise and rush....we now have an issue with tractors which I hope will pass too.......Spaniels you gotta love them! (sometimes)

[TantrumsAndBalloons]

I am watching with interest because in the last week LittleDog has developed a thing about bikes.
They have never bothered him before, now if we see a bike,he barks and howls and tried to chase it.

[Loveflowersandveg]

Your dog seems to cause you a lot of stress. Have you considered guinea pigs instead?

[LesserSpottedNeckSnake]

Helpful. Thanks

[HopeForTheBest]

Have you tried going up to a lorry with him? Letting him have a sniff, get in it if possible etc. I find that sometimes helps.

[LesserSpottedNeckSnake]

I could try that. He's a very fearful dog in general, and gets stressed easily. I remember people telling me that spaniels could be neurotic. Nah, thought I....

[idirdog]

Lesser this is an easy one to sort.

Get clicker
Get Treats
Get Jas

Go to a busy road (usually busier the better as the dog can not then fixate on one vehicle but if this is not the case for Jas obviously go to a quieter road)

Every time a car passes click and treat Jas. At this stage what ever he is doing it is better if you can click before he reacts but you may need to work up to this. Very quickly he will look at you when he hears, sees a car etc.

On a general note have your tried any calming techniques on Jas eg T touch, or zyklene?

[LesserSpottedNeckSnake]

I haven't, idir. I'm off to google.

[Loveflowersandveg]

what a kerfuffle...mollycoddling....i'd either ignore or a firm no and move on...

[LesserSpottedNeckSnake]

Have ordered some serene um, just to see if it works. The zylkene is a bit pricey, so I'll try the cheaper stuff first. It would help training massively if I could take the edge off his anxiety when we're out. He gets so stressed he just 'shuts down' so won't eat treats, just pants and throws calming signals about. It's a good job he's cute.

[idirdog]

Loveflowersandveg mollycoddling - no just proven positive training methods that work and last.

I will remember your words though and if you are in a middle of a panic attack I will say " No Just stop it Loveflowersandveg" I am glad that will do the trick

[WhereBeThatBlackbirdTo]

I'm confused - chickens are you now LesserSpotted?

[LesserSpottedNeckSnake]

Yes. But shhhhhh, it's a secret

[WhereBeThatBlackbirdTo]

No probs, secret's safe here

[thwinka]

loveflowersandveg I assume you have never had a fear aggressive dog? I can assure you, your advice would be very counter productive in dealing with a fear aggressive dog
chickens I also have a fear aggressive dog, he is very nervous in general about anything new and we were recommended Zylkene by our behaviourist. It has been fantastic for our dog. We kept him on it for 4 months and noticed a huge difference in his tolerance levels and reactivity.
He is still a reactive dog and is by no means cured( I wish!!) but he can tolerate situations a lot better now. He used to go bonkers if he was within a few metres of a dog. Now we can walk past 90% of dogs and he will not react( unless a dog starts pestering or pays a bit to much attention to him- he still prefers for other dogs to ignore him ) He is not as vocal as he was and generally seems more relaxed.

I would definitely recommend it

[Kaida]

Definitely agree with the clicker suggestion. I have a Cocker Spaniel who was terrified of other dogs since being attacked as an adolescent and she's so much better since introducing the clicker. You have to be hyper-vigilant and get in in the split second between the dog spotting the trigger and their reaction, and gradually that interval lengthens. I am less vigilant now, and sometimes she sees other dogs before me - I notice because she's looking expectantly for a treat!