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Aggressive barking at other dogs

7 replies

Hyacinth88 · 30/07/2021 16:15

Looking for some help.
I have contaves a few experts locally but no one gets back to me.
So we have a 2 year old whippet / Italian greyhound cross.
When I take him a walk if we meet another dog he pulls to get to them.. Obviously I don't let him as he is barking and snarling at them..
He sometimes doesn't if I repeat no.. No and then reward with a biscuit
He also plays aggrwsicly at times too.
Any idea

OP posts:
DogsSausages · 30/07/2021 16:18

Has he been to a behaviourist, I would muzzle him when you walk him, what do you mean plays aggressively. What's the set up at home. You need to get control of this behaviour before someone reports you to the warden or someone gets injured.

welshdaisy · 30/07/2021 17:31

@DogsSausages I'm assuming her asking for help is her trying to get it under control.

Hi OP. I would consult with a behaviouralist as they will be able to help you with this. Sorry, don't have much to add because I haven't experienced it. I do hope you're able to resolve it Smile

Hyacinth88 · 30/07/2021 17:38

Thanks Welsh daisy
Yes dogs sausages I agree with some of what you say. He is small enough I can pick him up easily so I know he won't injur another dog

OP posts:
StillMedusa · 30/07/2021 19:41

It's fear..and/or frustration.
There is LOTS you can do to improve this and contrary to Dogsausages assumption, he is very unlikely to be a dangerous dog..he's a nervous one.
You do want to find a trainer but you need a postitive reinforcement only trainer (not the 'dominance theory' type.. that myth has been debunked years ago)

Meantime.. join ReactiveDogsUK on fb...
www.facebook.com/groups/605603546664098
it's a fantastic group run by people who know what they are doing, and also a huge source of support..and there are files detailing exactly HOW to help your dog... however a trainer is really useful because the timing of positive reinforcement is crucial.. and you aren't using treats to distract your dog, or sooth his.. the CARE aproach actually teaches your dog to associate scary thing (other dogs) with the best treat ever..and gradually it actually changes their emotions towards other dogs. (This also works with anything else they are reactive towards.. my dog is selectively dog reactive and too full on when playing, and also hates vets, and anyone in a black hoody.. long list!)

Grab a cuppa.. and read this first.
[http://careforreactivedogs.com/start-here/]]

It's not a quick fix.. (sure you can yank your dog, make them sit etc but that only supresses it.. ) but it CHANGES how your dog feels and trust me when it starts to work it is amazing. You may find you have to be a long way away from other dogs at first.. the distance where your dog is TOTALLY unbothered by the sight of another dog is where you start..and that will a lot further than you may suppose!

When I see another dog and we are too close for my girl to be totally relaxed I watch her body language.. the second I see her spot the dog (not tense, or pull.. just LOOK) I mark it with YES!!! and shovel high value treats til the other dog is out of sight. The second they have gone the treats stop.
See a dog? YES!!! Duck rains down on me (her fave) Dog gone?! Cu[board closed. Now if she sees another dog she tutns to me for her treat.. and we can pass dogs WAY closer than a few months ago.

It works. And it's kind, it's bonding and it takes a LOT of stress out of our relationship!

Sorry this is so long, but I am passionate about positive training for nervous (and bolshy playing dogs are generally always nervous)
Have a read, find a good trainer... (accredited force free)

Oh and it's OK not to walk your dog.. if he's had some bad reactions.. give him a day off, let his cortisol levels settle.. it really helps!

StillMedusa · 30/07/2021 19:42

careforreactivedogs.com/start-here/
Sorry the link works now!

welshdaisy · 30/07/2021 19:53

@StillMedusa this is actually really helpful for me too. I'm not going through the same thing but my dog is very nervous of anyone who comes in the house that he doesn't know. It's a working progress and he's getting there but I love a good read, so thanks for posting Smile

StillMedusa · 30/07/2021 21:43

It works for house visitors too... (can you tell my dog is a pain in the ass?!)
I also find for visitors I KNOW are coming.. I meet them outside the house.. just the end of the street and then mine is MUCH happier about them coming in than if she is startled by a knock at the door. And I either pop her in another room/behind a babygate with treats or, if she's not too barky I tell my visitors to totally ignore her while I treat her.

But the CARE protocol works the same... see scary thing (dog MUST see them first so don't hold out a treat ready) then rapid fire the best food ever . The RDUK has a file on visitors that is worth a read....

PS I'm no expert.. I just have a dog who was always timid and post adolescence and a couple of slightly scary experiences decided most dogs, most strangers, and all dark haired young men in hoodies..are SCARY...which as she looks and sounds like a wolf... means we really needed to help her feel better about these things! It's a work in progress, but it DOES work!

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