Barking on lead

[sezcowley]

Hi I have an 8 year old red Labrador cross Collie called Oz, I got him as a pup from a rescue. At 2 years old while walking on his lead one day a small Poodle cross ran from it's house and attacked Oz, it grabbed his hind leg and WOULD NOT let go! Ever since that day he's barked as soon as he sees another dog approaching, once close enough to sniff the other dog though he would be okay. He is a really well behaved dog in all other aspects and listens to me intently but when he sees a dog while out on his lead he just gets complete tunnel vision. I've tried different ways to distract him over the years but nothing worked. Now at 8 years old he seems to be getting worse, where as before once sniffing he'd be okay with certain dogs now he will sniff then start growling and if the other dog growls back he'll snap. Other people avoid us because my dog is barking at theirs and I feel so bad. He is completely fine with other dogs indoors. I just don't know what to do, does anyone have any advice for me?

 

[gypsysmum]

You have spotted the reason for his behaviour. It is because he is fearful of being attacked. The treatment is to try to address his fear of other dogs. Barking is a way of driving other dogs away from his personal space. When they go away (which most of them will!) he feels better and so this reinforces his behaviour.

In order to get better he needs to learn not to be afraid of other dogs. This means re socialising him in situations where he can learn. Anxious dogs cannot learn so it is useless trying to teach him when other dogs are too close.

Try to arrange for him to go places where he can see other dogs from a safe distance. It will be trial and error to find what is the critical distance for him, where he feels relaxed but can still see other dogs.

Dogs feel trapped when on lead and we make it worse if we tighten the lead. There will be times when you are not able to move outside his critical distance so that he stays calm but it is important to not tighten the lead. Try to move away from the other dog by calling your dog and rewarding him for moving away with you. It is socially unacceptable to be seen to allow our dog to lunge and bark without controlling him but lead tightening will only make him worse.

Some dogs react to wearing a headcollar by relaxing. It is thought it mimics the feeling of their mother carrying them gently in their jaws. It might be worth trying one to see if it has a calming effect. Introduce it slowly so that he learns to accept it around the house and garden.

There is a movement called Yellow Dog that sells jackets and bandanas for dogs that need space. Worth checking out.

You could also try the "bar open - bar closed" technique. This is where every time you spot another dog you open the bar and dispense treats to your dog. Keep feeding lots of treats until the other dog has gone and then close the bar. After several repetitions you should see your dog look at you for treats when another dog appears. Over time this should help to change his opinion of other dogs.

You might also like to seek help from an APDT trainer who could show you how to clicker train him.

 

[genghis]

Have you tried using a half check collar?
I use one for Genghis and I have trained him to sit everytime you pull on the lead so that the collar tightens and clicks together, but without chocking him.

This is where I got mine from, https://www.contactleft.co.uk/ukom-half-check-dog-training-collar.html

Had it since he was a pup and its still in really good condition and he looks gorgeous in it

 

[125penny]

I'm having similar issues with my 9yr old Jack Russell.

I rehomed him in January. His social skills were zero, although he did live with 1 other dog.

He was great when he met my dog and gets on fine with her. First 2 weeks he wasn't to bad, he then became very ill and spent 2 weeks in the vets, ever since his behaviour when he sees another dog is awful.

He barks like crazy, and half howls as well. He pulls me towards the other dog, at first I thought it was because he wanted to play and let him go to them, but no, he attacks every time.

Like you say Sezcowley, people are beginning to know him and avoid us, it's embarrassing. I end up dragging him on past with him pulling, straining and barking.

I've tried remaining calm and using a calm voice, I've tried lifting him, I've even (much to my distaste) tried a choke chain to 'jerk and shock' him out of that attack mode, but after 2walks I could do it no more.

Sorry for hijacking your post! But any advice on this similar problem would be appreciated!