zak and barking dogs

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Sumac3890

Forums Sage
I took Zak to a dog bakery and there was a dog in there that was barking and I notice that he gets a bit unsure when he hears other dogs barking. I need to start taking him to Pet co or petsmart. He starts classes in March and I need to get him used to barking dogs. Anyother ideas?
The lady at the bakery owned the dog and she also has a sheltie that Zak knew right away that it was a sheltie. She said I can bring him back any time and just sit with him there for a while.
 
Exposure is the best way. Be sure to go at his pase. it doesn't sound like it's over the top.. i.e. he's not freeking out, just noticing. Do not reward/comfort him for skidding away.. saying 'It's ok good booy.. you'll be all right' in a calm soothing voice is NOT the right thing to do.

Ignore the fear reaction. Distract him and reward him when he doesn't react to dogs barking.. reward the good, ignore the bad.
 
I think this is pretty normal around this age. As long as they are really freaking out, they are just a bit unsure. I noticed this the other day when I was walking Lexi. We heard barking and Lexi just stopped walking and looked around. I had to talk to her to keep moving. Not rewarding her behavior or anything, just keeping up the positive talk "Cmon cmon! Let's keep walking!" so she knew it was nothing to fret about.
 
I think the best medicine is to get him out in public,in all sorts of situations. And also differant surroundings,with differant noises.I know it hads done a huge advantage for Trapp,and Jasper is going thru this training and socialization now.

Trapp has yet to bark at another dog he sees,nor does he bark when he see's one if we are on walks.

As long as they are not wigging out and going freaky,I think being positive with him in the situation helps.

I have to admit,I thought with all that I have read here and in books,that Trapp would somehow be worse than a chihuahua in the area of barking.But he has proved me wrong.and as it stands today..Jasper still has not barked,but I'm sure once he finds it,it will probably be in overtime~
 
I agree, lots of exposure, what he is doing is not unusual - just as he doesnt start barking back. Sitting in the bakery with him and giving him treats, maybe even trying some obedience training (just a few little commands) will help him learn to ignore the barking and focus on you.

PS - how lucky you have a dog bakery! I've never heard of them.
 
Strider said:
I think it's creapy.. can you imagine sitting there with your dog while they bake other dogs.. sick..
Click to expand...

I advertise doggy bithday cakes on my site~And also dog treats.I have quite a few recurring orders from local folks here in town.
 
Che and I agree- first never get tense yourself, treat it as nothing...
second - every bark is different, some dogs bark because they want to play with your dog and some bark because they want to tear him apart, it is ok for your pup to learn to understand the difference.
Some doggie care have playdates if you do not have a doggie park nearby. If your pup is too small and you afraid of exposure, bring it close to fence and see how other dogs play- most of them are quiet...
third - try playing some animals noises on computer/ tape at low sound first then increase, give treats at same time...
 
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