Zak barking at new people-- help

[Sumac3890]

We were on vacation in Savannah and my cousin and her family came to visit at my sisters. We took Zak and Maggie out on a leash to welcome them and Zak started barking and barking. Would not settle down so he ended up in his crate. Took him out later after dinner and he was okay till my cousin picked up her daugther and put her on her lap and he started up again. He did great at Forsyth park with all the dogs, people and kids but I have got to get him to not do this.
He also barked when anyone put the recliner foot rest up or down.

 

[take4roll10]

hmmm that's a toughie. I'm sure the more experience members will have better advice than I would.

I would try putting him in a sit or down / stay for a few minutes and reward him for his good behavior. You can also try a "watch me." A squirt water bottle might help as well.

 

[OntarioSheltie]

How about distracting him with treats? When he goes crazy barking stick it under his nose and lure his head away from what hes barking at. This gets him using his sense of smell instead of sight and hearing.

Our trainer has me doing this with Sadie. She's developed this annoying nervous bark when she nears sounds outside. The trainer said to keep treats on me and when she does it to either stick one in front of her nose or throw one on the floor near her (something smelly but not loud, lol)