Discussion
We have a 6 month old springer cross who is very nervous at home and seems to be spooked by every little noise. It could be my partner upstairs, door bell, someone walking past the window.
As my partner and I are both WFH its become a challenge as he will be fine and then suddenly gets spooked and starts barking. We have tried reassurance, telling them no, and while he does calm down he can get himself worked up and the slightest thing can set him off. Our older Cockapoo, never barks or gets spooked.
The puppy is also like it on his walks with other dogs, although this has slightly improved. He has been socialised, and meets other people/dogs on walks.
Any recommendations on how to improve his confidence and stop him from barking all the time?
As my partner and I are both WFH its become a challenge as he will be fine and then suddenly gets spooked and starts barking. We have tried reassurance, telling them no, and while he does calm down he can get himself worked up and the slightest thing can set him off. Our older Cockapoo, never barks or gets spooked.
The puppy is also like it on his walks with other dogs, although this has slightly improved. He has been socialised, and meets other people/dogs on walks.
Any recommendations on how to improve his confidence and stop him from barking all the time?
makaveli144 said:
Have they always been this way? If not and its recent it could just be the second fear phase which is normal.
Also at what age did you get the pup?
We got the pup at 12 weeks, and initally didn't seem to have an issue but appears to have developed over the past month of so. Also at what age did you get the pup?
Not heard of second fear phase, but after doing some reading it does sound exactly how he is behaving.
Challo said:
We got the pup at 12 weeks, and initally didn't seem to have an issue but appears to have developed over the past month of so.
Not heard of second fear phase, but after doing some reading it does sound exactly how he is behaving.
If you have googled that should have provided you a bit of info. It should pass but dont comfort the pup as you dont want to reinforce that something is bad. Not heard of second fear phase, but after doing some reading it does sound exactly how he is behaving.
makaveli144 said:
Challo said:
We got the pup at 12 weeks, and initally didn't seem to have an issue but appears to have developed over the past month of so.
Not heard of second fear phase, but after doing some reading it does sound exactly how he is behaving.
If you have googled that should have provided you a bit of info. It should pass but dont comfort the pup as you dont want to reinforce that something is bad. Not heard of second fear phase, but after doing some reading it does sound exactly how he is behaving.
I’d recommend buying this book and working your way through it with your dog.
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Behavior...
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Behavior...
makaveli144 said:
Challo said:
We got the pup at 12 weeks, and initally didn't seem to have an issue but appears to have developed over the past month of so.
Not heard of second fear phase, but after doing some reading it does sound exactly how he is behaving.
If you have googled that should have provided you a bit of info. It should pass but dont comfort the pup as you dont want to reinforce that something is bad. Not heard of second fear phase, but after doing some reading it does sound exactly how he is behaving.
It might be worth buying a couple of Pet Remedy plug ins very useful in reducing stress. Available online so easy to purchase and not too expensive. Not going to make things worse so definitely worth a try.
Obviously in normal situations (ie when vets aren't emergency only) medical reasons should be ruled out first. This is what any good bahviourist would want to do before starting behavioural training so should be considered here as well.
It is definitely good to start looking into it now before the behaviours become too established.
Obviously in normal situations (ie when vets aren't emergency only) medical reasons should be ruled out first. This is what any good bahviourist would want to do before starting behavioural training so should be considered here as well.
It is definitely good to start looking into it now before the behaviours become too established.
Thanks all. Will take a look at the book and try those plugs in.
Been trying a coupe of things when he has barked and got worked up. A firm no at first, then comfort and showing him the thing he barked at is fine.
A few seconds after the barking he is fine. Will keep monitoring it and see how we go.
Been trying a coupe of things when he has barked and got worked up. A firm no at first, then comfort and showing him the thing he barked at is fine.
A few seconds after the barking he is fine. Will keep monitoring it and see how we go.
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