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Why is my dog barking at dd?

22 replies

fairplay · 18/01/2021 15:34

We've had our lovely dog since last May. He is a rescue dog and was very quiet and gentle when he arrived.

We've worked hard together and it's great to see ddog grow into a confident boy but he has found his voice and I don't know what to do about it.

When out walking off the lead he will keep running up to dd and barking at her. Dd is 10 and they have a lovely relationship. Ddog doesnt bark at me, dh or ds (8). We've tried putting ddog back on the lead and he walks nicely but as soon as he's off the lead he's barking at dd again. The only way to make him stop is if dd walks a few meters ahead of us.

How can I work out what he's trying to say/do? He's not aggressive when he does it but he is overly excited. Dd has tried throwing a ball but he's not interested in anything but dd!

For background ddog is approx 2 years old, a mix but we think there is some collie, lurcher and some sort of shepherd in him. He was sent to a rescue because of separation anxiety and has shown no signs of anything being amiss. He's a pleasure to train etc but I can't figure this one out (this and overly exited barking in the car when going for walks).

Any ideas and help would be greatly appreciated - thanks in advance.

OP posts:
PollyRoulson · 18/01/2021 19:49

I hate to stereotype but not surprised you said collie!

You are totally right he is over excited and sees your DD as his entertainment manager. It may be that she is faster moving than the adults, a higher voice more exciting, or we may never know.

I would initially try that everyone, especially your DD stands still the second he barks, no eye contact nothing. He may bark louder, may jump up, if you can just turn away but stand stock still. As soon as he is quiet no praise just start moving again.

You will have to do this time and time again. Hopefully though he will get the message soon.

Ohalrightthen · 18/01/2021 19:51

Our spaniel does this. He's identified certain members of his "pack" as being vulnerable or more in need of looking after, and he gets really stressed out and barky if we're out of the house and he can't see us all.

percheron67 · 18/01/2021 20:08

If he is a well behaved and well mannered dog in every other way just make him sit and say Stop. He will soon learn that this n ot the way to behave. Not a difficult problem to overcome.

fairplay · 18/01/2021 20:36

Thanks for all your comments. We've been stopping as soon as he barks and putting him on the lead. We'll try the ignore and continue rather than the lead.
@percheron67 he is a well mannered dog at all other times but stop means absolutely nothing when he's barking at dd, that's why I'm so floundered but back to basics - stop, ignore, continue when the behaviour stops.

Thankfully there aren't many people out at the moment as he's quite a big dog and could look like he's threatening dd if seen from a distance Blush

Why is my dog barking at dd?
OP posts:
PollyRoulson · 18/01/2021 20:46

He is a handsome smiley boy Grin

Happenchance · 18/01/2021 20:48

Your dog is gorgeous OP. If he stops barking when DD is walking a few metres in front of him it sounds like he is trying to herd her (to some extent). Has he ever nipped ankles or other body parts?

Girlintheframe · 19/01/2021 06:24

Our dog does this with eldest DS. He sees him as a playmate and will bark bounce and play bow. Essentially trying to get his attention and get him to chase him.

Bluntness100 · 19/01/2021 06:28

If he does it when she’s next to him, he’s excited and he’s off lead I suspect it’s because he wants to play with her. That’s why he stops when she moves ahead, as it tells him she doesn’t want to play

fairplay · 19/01/2021 07:44

@Happenchance he's never nipped ankles and shows no signs of wanting to nip. Just runs at her barking and jumping around. He will run in circles around us though so could be a herding behaviour? She feels very special that he only wants to herd her Grin

OP posts:
Happenchance · 19/01/2021 09:48

If it is herding behaviour (which it sounds like it may be) I would be mindful that if the barking behaviour suddenly stops working, because your daughter is stopping and ignoring him rather than walking ahead, then he may try a different behaviour, such as nipping.

Does your dog reliably sit-stay, down-stay or settle if asked by your daughter? If he does, does your DD spend much time practicing and rewarding him for these behaviours? If she doesn't, it might be an idea to start so that your dog gets to practice and be rewarded for staying still and calm whilst your DD moves around.

WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants · 19/01/2021 09:58

He just sounds like he wants to play!

Does he have a tug rope?

fairplay · 19/01/2021 10:25

He has a fab sit stay with me and dh but I'm not sure about dd. We'll give it a go at the beginning of his walk this afternoon. We don't want him to start nipping so it would be good to get to the bottom of it!

He does have a tug toy which he loves but we hadn't considered taking that on a walk. The funny thing is at home it is ds that always plays with ddog. Dd and ddog tend to cuddle rather then play.

OP posts:
samanthawashington · 19/01/2021 11:14

Maybe he is protecting her and sees her as more vulnerable?

Happenchance · 19/01/2021 11:28

@fairplay

He has a fab sit stay with me and dh but I'm not sure about dd. We'll give it a go at the beginning of his walk this afternoon. We don't want him to start nipping so it would be good to get to the bottom of it!

He does have a tug toy which he loves but we hadn't considered taking that on a walk. The funny thing is at home it is ds that always plays with ddog. Dd and ddog tend to cuddle rather then play.

I would try one or the other (ragger or training at the start of a walk) rather than trying them both on the same walk. Training will hopefully tire his brain and help him calm down before a walk whereas ragger play may give him an outlet or could arose him even more.
Happenchance · 19/01/2021 11:29

Arouse

briebuiltthiscity · 19/01/2021 21:38

My dog does this to almost all children of a certain age. I have to put him on the lead if one comes near. He simply thinks that they are there to play with him.
Sorry no solution - just solidarity!

BarryWhiteIsMyBrother · 19/01/2021 21:44

I think he will be impossible to train,and that you should give him to me Grin

sillysmiles · 20/01/2021 14:32

@barrywhiteismybrother
Grin

I think working on her training relationship with him is really important so he does what she says too.

BarryWhiteIsMyBrother · 20/01/2021 14:47

@sillysmiles I still think he's untrainable, a lost cause, and I should have him Grin Grin Grin

fairplay · 20/01/2021 17:13

@BarryWhiteIsMyBrother Grin I'm sorry to tell you but he has just had a perfect walk! Dd and ds did some sit stay training at the beginning of the walk and ddog did not bark at all!
Thank you @Happenchance for the suggestion.

Here's another photo of him to say thanks Grin

Why is my dog barking at dd?
OP posts:
briebuiltthiscity · 20/01/2021 17:39

Oh he is stunning!

BarryWhiteIsMyBrother · 20/01/2021 17:50

@fairplay Bummer. I had already gotten a bed out for him. Oh well. Gorgeous boy x

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