Barking While Walking

J

JoonieB

Forums Regular
Would love some advice!

So I have a potential problem on my hands and would love to catch it before it actually becomes a consistent behavior. I have a 12.5 week old Sheltie who is super bold and naughty. I've started taking him for short regular walks now and he's starting to become VERY barky - even for a Sheltie. Right now it's mainly barking at dogs that are barking at him from their yard, but he has also started barking just to bark. Walking down the road....bark bark bark...I stop, say "quiet" and continue on when he shuts up and sits.

What should I be doing when he's fixated on something and barking? He's not fearful at all. If anything it's a "come on over here and say that" sort of behavior. I can't put a lot of distance between him and other dogs as the roads are very narrow and I can't see in advance if a dog is out in their yard. He knows "quiet" when in the house but really he could care less when walking. I've tried stopping when he's barking but I can't do that if there's another dog there - it just escalates. Any advice?
 
Take some high value treats with you. As you come to the yards with dogs tell him "look at me" (reward) then try keeping his focus on you as you pass by. Reward again when he is successful. This will be difficult, because of the other dogs. You'll need to begin by practicing the "look at me" for longer and longer times in the house and then outside w/o distractions. Good luck!!
 
Like Dawn says, take treats with you. Take a squeaky toy too. Atm he's making his own fun because walking with you is pretty boring. As you walk have regular play and fun times, run in a circle, run away, play tug, get out his squeaky toy, make it fun to be on a walk with you. Call his name regularly and when he looks at you give him a treat. If you make it a smelly high value treat (like salami) he'll be constantly reminded while you're walking that you've got something yummy tucked in your pocket.

As for barking for the sake of barking. Unfortunately he has found his voice so it's a matter of removing the thing that's making him bark (or remove him). So when he's in the yard and he's barking he gets put on his lead and led back inside so you can't bark anymore. Don't yell or make any noise - at that age he'll think you're joining in. I actually wouldn't let him in the yard unsupervised until you can get that barking in check. Any chance he gets to reinforce the behaviour will make him worse. Also a good time to work on his recall so you can call him inside if he is outside barking.
 
Get a copy of Control Unleashed, the Puppy Program and work on the "Look At That" Game. Look at the other dog get a cookie, preferably w/o barking. If he is barking he is TOO CLOSE back away until he gets back into his head and play the Look At That game. Seriously, it works. :yes:
 
Great! Thank-you! I'll take your tips and tricks and see if I can't make this work. He's had his voice since he was 3 weeks old howling at the breeders so I know he's a vocal guy. I just don't want to create a reactive barker. I appreciate your advice!!
 
I've had 8 Shelties and their are strict rule to stop barking or any other incessant behavior:

Do not stimulate the dog in any way. No tug toys, throw toys. No rides to see the Deer come evening time,

Use one word commands.

NEVER tie a Sheltie up outdoors.

Remember that they are smart and obsessive. They are INSIDE animals.

Don't take your hearing aids out and ignore them. The rest of the word still hears the annoying critters!
 
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