barking on walks

[Bjarnum]

My dog barks at other dogs and it is getting steadily worse. She doesn't growl but she pulls towards them and she is loud-she is spaniel sized but barks at all dogs of all sizes. It is hard to find people with dogs to socialise, but when I do she can keep the barking up for over an hour. We separate the dogs till the barking stops and then we walk behind the other dog and for a while she is fine. Then she starts again. Originally she only barked if in close proximity-now she will start at 20 feet.Any advice would be very appreciated

What's she like off lead with other dogs, if you've tried that?

This sounds like it's either fear based reactivity, or a frustrated greeter - hard to tell from your description to be honest.

I would take a bag of treats and get her attention in presence of other dogs. Once she looks at you, click and reward. Make passing dogs a positive experience

@SnotRags I've done that consistently with my Jack Russell for the past 2 years and he still barks at other dogs

[quote tinkywinkyshandbag]@SnotRags I've done that consistently with my Jack Russell for the past 2 years and he still barks at other dogs [/quote]
He will do if he’s over threshold. You need to work on keeping him out of threshold

Thanks for your replies. My dog is not interested in any food - even roast chicken/cheese/dog treats when she is outside. She sniffs but won't eat. Unlike at home where training her is easy because she really goes for the treats. If off lead she will dance round them barking . Once she chased an Alsation - but he was too fast for her so we will never know what would have happened if she caught him. She does not seem to be frightened - if dogs visit us at home she barks herself silly for 20 minutes then just ignores the other dog. Even if the dog then approaches her for a sniff she just looks then moves away. She lives next door to 2 dogs and is fine with them - though they play with each other she rarely joins in. But at night she will happily snuggle up to one of them and let them groom her (though she does not return the favour) user313213521 perhaps you could describe the different characteristics of those responses and I may then be able to match them to her?

Ah that’s a pain OP, I worked with a French bulldog that wasn’t into treats or toys outside - therefore I’m out of ideas! Hope you find some help - walking a reactive dog is a pain 😔

Our little Maltese/Poodle cross does this, although he is improving.

A fellow dog walker with two Scotties recommended the following, and it is actually working, even for an oldish dog.

If he starts barking at another dog I make him sit facing away from the other dog, so he can't see it. I praise him for being good and not barking. If I let him see the other dog again he usually just looks.

It is actually working very well . He is about 80% better.

Good luck!

snotrags I am having a similar experience as tinkywinkyshandbag with my JRT. I assume you work with dogs. I know you're trying to help but it came across a little like 'that's because you're doing it wrong'. What do you mean by 'over threshold'? What do you suggest for when the treat and click technique doesn't work?

I am not an inexperienced owner, I have had terriers, including JRTs for many years. My experience would suggest that JRTs are strong willed little buggers and it takes more than a few well times treats and clicks to sort them out!

@Throwntothewolves

snotrags I am having a similar experience as tinkywinkyshandbag with my JRT. I assume you work with dogs. I know you're trying to help but it came across a little like 'that's because you're doing it wrong'. What do you mean by 'over threshold'? What do you suggest for when the treat and click technique doesn't work?

I am not an inexperienced owner, I have had terriers, including JRTs for many years. My experience would suggest that JRTs are strong willed little buggers and it takes more than a few well times treats and clicks to sort them out!

Ah no I didn’t mean to sound like that! What I meant was reactive dogs will always react if they’re over threshold.

There is a point in the vast majority of reactive dogs where they become too close to their “stress” to focus on anything else. For example - Labrador … could walk along and the dog would see another dog in the distance … although he could see it, he was still far enough away to take treats from the handler … walked closer … dog still taking treats but becoming more fascinated by the other dog … walked a bit closer … dog no longer taking treats and is focussing solely on the other dog - the dog is now over threshold. He’s too close to the stress, reaction imminent.

Dog must be kept out of this threshold. From here you can work on feeding treats with other dog present, doing a bit of obedience work, have a play … anything. Make it a positive experience. In time, threshold should become smaller. Labrador mentioned above can now pass another dog at a distance of around 10 foot without kicking off. A couple of years ago he couldn’t pass a dog at the other side of the street without going wild.

@SnotRags

You've described my Labrador perfectly there

It's hard going as it's just me who can walk him... can't let the older teens do it

I was wondering if he was guarding his treats. I have to resort to find it games on the floor when dogs are too close.

Ah, I see what you mean now, thanks snotrags. My JRT threshold has decreased, the problems now mainly occur when we have to pass a dog and there is no option for more space, he goes berserk! I worry he would bite the other dog if he could get close enough. I've tried turning and walking the other way, but then the dog is following him and he continues his carry on. Besides that isn't really a solution as eventually I have to turn back around or we'll just be walking back home again!

Sorry OP for hijacking the thread a bit. Your dog sounds like it has similar issues (without the crazed terrier part!) so hopefully snotrag's advice will help you too.

@Throwntothewolves Yes my dog is exactly like that, weve worked really hard but he is generally just an excitable dog, the moment we step outside the door and he sees a bird, or a cat, or another dog, his excitement levels go away up straightaway. We reached a point where if he sees a dog from a distance I can say good boy, give treats say no barking, position myself between him and the dog et cetera and he is very good, in fact we are currently on the field and a big malamute just walked past and he was absolutely fine! But if we see a dog in the village or if he is surprise go round the corner and there is another dog, then it's full on barking. I really think it's just excitement rather than aggression, but not surprisingly the other dog owners step away. I think some dogs just are more highly strung than others.

I have done a lot of online training and I've done the thing where you don't walk them at all for two weeks, and a lots of indoor enrichment et cetera. It worked up to a point! OP It is really difficult if your dog is not food orientated, what about a toy with a squeaker or something like that? I take it you've tried all the really tasty treats like hot chicken and cut up sausage! I even tried a squeezy tube of primula cheese cheese at one point! @SnotRags Thanks for your advice it certainly does sound like you're experienced, are you a trainer? I looked into the cost of getting a trainer who specialises in reactive dogs, but it was going to be hundreds of pounds and I can't afford it at the moment.

[quote tinkywinkyshandbag]@Throwntothewolves Yes my dog is exactly like that, weve worked really hard but he is generally just an excitable dog, the moment we step outside the door and he sees a bird, or a cat, or another dog, his excitement levels go away up straightaway. We reached a point where if he sees a dog from a distance I can say good boy, give treats say no barking, position myself between him and the dog et cetera and he is very good, in fact we are currently on the field and a big malamute just walked past and he was absolutely fine! But if we see a dog in the village or if he is surprise go round the corner and there is another dog, then it's full on barking. I really think it's just excitement rather than aggression, but not surprisingly the other dog owners step away. I think some dogs just are more highly strung than others.

I have done a lot of online training and I've done the thing where you don't walk them at all for two weeks, and a lots of indoor enrichment et cetera. It worked up to a point! OP It is really difficult if your dog is not food orientated, what about a toy with a squeaker or something like that? I take it you've tried all the really tasty treats like hot chicken and cut up sausage! I even tried a squeezy tube of primula cheese cheese at one point! @SnotRags Thanks for your advice it certainly does sound like you're experienced, are you a trainer? I looked into the cost of getting a trainer who specialises in reactive dogs, but it was going to be hundreds of pounds and I can't afford it at the moment.[/quote]
I’m not actually a trainer but I do have a lot of experience with dogs. My own current dog is very hard work (was extremely reactive) and she has taught me more about dog psychology and canine behaviour than any book could have done. I’ve managed to bring her reactivity right down but it’s been two years of hard constant work. Where in the country are you (roughly)? I know a fantastic trainer in Manchester who also does free online training and advice

You have a reactive dog and you need a dog behaviouralist.

Ours was like this too and it doesn't go away, it gets worse.

Best advice for right now - have a solid harness, keep her on a tight, short leash, and pull directly upwards when she starts reacting, say a sharp 'no', make her look at you, and reward. Then carry on walking, repeat as necessary.

@SnotRags thanks but nowhere near Manchester sadly!

@LoveFall. Thank you ! will give this a go. @tinkywinkyshandbag Yep, tried all those treats. Unfortunately although she loves them in the garden as soon as we get outside she refuses them. The only toy she likes is a ball so will give that a go too. Once Freya sees another dog she is totally focussed on it - trying to block her view is impossible. I can avoid the issue to some degree by spotting the other dog first and taking her off into "hiding". About 80 feet will do it. Of course this isn't really dealing with the problem. And if a dog suddenly appears round a corner I'm screwed. Yesterday I was just congratulating myself for spotting a lab and ducking down a side path when a dog walker with 6 dogs emerged behind me. It was really embarrassing - not a peep out of the 6 dogs just mine barking her head off. @thisplaceisweird I'll have a go at this . What I really need I think is a very patient owner who will stick with the barking and walk up and down till it's subsided. From experience this works eventually then Freya is alright with that dog going forward but it's a big ask.

I had a very reactive dog, took over a year of my life until we sorted it. Still not 100% but walks aren't a total nightmare anymore. Keep at it!

@thisplaceisweird Tries the short lead - can't rewards as she point blank refuses all treat when out. And believe me I tried all treats!
From the local "paper" a neighbour spent a small fortune on a behaviourist - and nothing changed. So, not being that wealthy I am disinclined to spend a lot to hear advice I've already tried (and for months - she is now 4 years old) @SnotRags I live near Swindon. What I really need is some helpful dog owners who will spend 15 minutes with us - but so far few offers. Not enough to break her habit.
Someone suggested we employed a dog walker as that helped their pup. I'm seeing the vet tomorrow and if she has no more advice will try the walker. Aside from this she is the most loving adorable dog ever. If I find the magic bullet I will post here. Thank you for taking the time to respond

Not read all comments.

I had this for years!! Trainer showed us what to do - never worked for us just the trainer 😁

What did work - and has been LIFE CHANGING - I watched some youtube videos on how to train dog with use of pet corrector (buy it from pets at home and amazon). It's an aerosol can, makes a high pitched hiss sound. My dog Hates it 😂

That, with using the training videos on how to command him on lead etc works wonders.

We can now walk him with NO barking. Took about 2 weeks, then intermittently correcting any behaviour. Now just carry can as makes me feel better, but never use it.

Will say, my dog is quite a nervous dog, so being told off with the PC works.