Dog barking on the lead.

[carl carlson]

My lab has developed a nasty habit of barking at other dogs while he is on the lead. I am trying to think back if there is something that started this behaviour but can't think of anything. Thing is though, if he is off the lead he doesn't bark at dogs as we walk past, just kind of ambles along in his usual way. Any ideas of how I can stop him doing this. I have tried the treat in my hand as we walk past which he will stare at but at the last minute he will turn and bark again.

[oola]

I think proper training is the only way to break the cycle, which is what I'll be doing soon. I say this as I am in exactly the same position with our 20 month old Rhodesian. I know when it started ... he went to sniff a couple of black labs up the road from us when out walking last year ... one of the labs went for him and all hell broke loose and now he always barks when he sees another dog whilst on the lead.

Because of his size and strength (he's about 8 st), I'm the only one who can now walk him. He's so soft but looks menacing when he's barking and carry on. When I actually get him face to face with a dog who he's barked at, he doesn't do anything ... in fact he usually ignores it.

[parakitaMol.]

I've just started training one of my dogs with a behaviourist. He developed an anxiety issue with other dogs which resulted in barking, growling and lunging to snap whenever he saw them (on or off lead).

Slow de-sensitisation and re-educating using reward based methods is the approach we are taking. She uses a stooge dog and handler in the early stages.

I would suggest you see a veterinary recommended behavourist though, there is lots of advice on the web but it's not all good, or right for you and your dog. Some insurers will cover this, depends who you are with and which association the behaviourist belongs to.

[Jasandjules]

Is it aggression or excitement?

[parakitaMol.]

It's fear and anxiety agression.

He has realised that he can 'get rid' of things he is anxious about by doing this. He is doing very well on his programme but it is hard work.

[carl carlson]

Jasandjules said:

Is it aggression or excitement?

Not sure. I think its excitement and he just wants to say hello but being on the lead he can't, so he barks instead. Like I said, off the lead he is fine around other dogs.