puppy barking

[MrsLargeEmbodied]

puppy that i walk barks very much at trucks going by, also cyclists, joggers, people in disability scooters.

what is the best way to stop this
more experience or avoid?

How old is the puppy?

7 months

Well clearly the puppy hasn't had much in the way of training up to now.

When puppies are young and just starting to go out into the world, it's important to gradually expose them to things that might be scary, like cars, bikes, pushchairs, noisy things.

This is done by carrying them around and exposing them gradually in a reassuring way, while they're still in your arms and feeling safe, and building it up slowly. When they're a bit older and can walk on the ground post vaccination, it's a case of keeping their focus on you by talking to them as you walk, giving them treats for focussing on you (just kibble from their daily allowance) and gradually building up to walking in busy places. You're basically desensitising them.

Is this your puppy or are you walking it for someone?

not mine no, walking for someone else

so perhaps we can desensitize by treats and a calm reaction?

You need to do some desensitisation using high value rewards for ignoring a trigger. The trick is to get the timing right so you don’t reward the reaction accidentally. You can look at YouTube videos but I’d get a behaviourist/trainer to help while the dog is still young.

thank you

As this isn't your dog, you're unlikely to get much, if any, success unless the owners are doing exactly the same things as you are.

Has the puppy had any training? What socialisation did he/she have in the early weeks?

What breed is he/she?

oh, so it is not worth me even trying?

my dog used to react but where we walk there are plenty of cyclists and joggers so i guess she became desensitized,
i think this dog's owners avoid these areas.

You could try but unless everyone is consistent you will struggle, I think.

It's the difficult bit of walking other people's dogs, unfortunately. It's hard to train dogs when everyone isn't on the same page and people are doing all different things.

You see it on here a lot between couples - one person does x, the other does y and the dog doesn't know whether it's coming or going, lol.

Some breeds are more reactive to traffic and movement than others - especially herding breeds so if she falls into that category it may be especially tough.

The best thing would be to get a qualified trainer in and to work with the owners so you're all following the same, consistent advice.

@MrsLargeEmbodied

oh, so it is not worth me even trying?

To be dead honest... probably not, some things you absolutely can have one person training and it’s not an issue - me and my DP have different recall cues for our dog for instance, because he can whistle and I can’t, lol

But reacting to traffic is likely to have at least some basis in fear and what you need to change there is the emotion, not just the behaviour and that needs consistent work.

Blimey some negative replies on here.

It is not to do with poor socialisation. It is very common for puppies in the 6 month and above age to become wary of things. Cars etc are a prime trigger for this.

I woud work on it even if it is you that is doing so - it will help the dog a lot. He will learn that your walks are calm works and that in itself will make things easier for you and the dog.

It will be fine if you work on it when you are out and about. Dogs are amazing and you will probably find that when the dog is walked by you there is less of a reaction than when they are walked by someone else who has not done any desensitisation.

So initially increase the distance from the trigger (this can be the hard bit and you may need to alter where you walk for a bit) So if possble see cars and reward when there is no reaction.If there is a reaction you are too close. Same with whatever triggers the dog so people other dogs etc. The dog at the momet is getting hypervigilant and looking out for things that are scary. If they get used to walking and the scary things are a long way away the dog will relax and that alone will make the scary things less scary.

So lots of treats for seeing things but not reacting is the way to go and increase distance if the dog does react.

If you work on this you will see a difference and then can show other walkers how to do it. So the dog has calm walks everytime not just out with you.

Dont give up, give it a try and make some of the dogs walks calmer

thank you so much @PollyRoulllson

What I’d add is most dogs are pretty clever and can learn what is acceptable for one person isn’t ok with another. So even if the owner isn’t training or maintaining your efforts I would bet the puppy learns not to bark with you.