Barking at people/other dogs

[fessmess]

My 13 month standard poodle cross has recently started barking at people/dogs if they surprise her. Ie if someone comes in she wasn't expecting or in a pub if she suddenly noticed a dog nearby. Today in pub she was horrendous and the man she barked at was a twat who thought it funny to bark back. Any advice? Do not want this getting worse, I was mortified today and if we hadn't already ordered I'd have left.

My dog does this. It's a fear thing for him, we think, so we try to calm him down with a cuddle or some reassurance which does help. We've also used some of the CARE for reactive dogs ideas which has helped so that might be worth a look. http://careforreactivedogs.com/

I've had someone bark back as well! It's so ridiculous.

Look up teenage fear phase as this is likely to be it. The good news is that if you give her space, patience and gentle encouragement it should only last a few weeks before she comes out the other side.