Cairn terrier barking at other dogs on walks, what do I do?

[beatfreakman]

I have a lovely 2 year old Cairn Terrier called Ruby. As some of you may know the breed, she is 'strong willed' and it was really hard work for the first 12 months but she is a lovely, friendly and well trained dog...apart from one problem!

Ruby is reactive, she tends to bark at random things but I understand that is a trait in her breed so I never tell her off. I've been able to prevent her barking at bin lorries etc. by pre-empting it and saying "no bark" before she starts which works 50% of the time!!

Ruby loves other dogs and has never shown any sort of aggression towards them. When we pass one on the road, and as long as we're on the same side of the street, she'll want to say hello and is generally submissive towards the other dog.

However, when we're on the opposite side of the street she goes crazy and barks like mad! She has a loud and aggressive sounding bark, so some owners near us look worried and rightly annoyed when she starts. I've been able to talk to a couple and they let me take Ruby over to them and she stops barking and says hello. She now, subsequently, does not bark at those dogs.

There are still a few dogs (and owners) in the area that are not approachable and I'd like to understand how best to approach the issue of her barking at them.

Generally, I'll turn around and walk the other direction but that is not always possible. I'll try and stay behind a van or a car but Ruby picks up the scent and will bark.

Should I be telling her "no" or some other command? At the moment, I stay quiet and lead her past them but she pulls and barks like mental for a good 30 seconds after we have passed the dog.

Other problem is some selfish owners walk their dogs off the lead by me and if she kicks off, there is always the danger of them running over to her.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Training tips?

Cheers and sorry for the essay!

 

[gypsysmum]

This kind of behaviour is commonly caused by anxiety. Ruby is not sure about the do on the other side of the road and so goes into Fight/Flight mode. As she is on lead she cannot flee so has to put up a fight. This behaviour is successful, in Ruby's eyes, as the threat goes away and this makes her feel better. Feeling relief is a wonderful feeling and so she does it again.

One method you can try is the "Bar open - Bar closed" technique. As you see another dog approach you open the "bar" and dispense lovely treats one after the other until the dog, or other perceived threat, has gone. The bar then closes. The treats must be really tasty like chicken or cheese etc in order to capture her interest.

After a while of this you should see her start to look towards you when she spots another dog. Keep up the feeding non stop until you are past the dog. In the long term you can reduce the number of treats to several and then down to one or two until she will walk past for just one treat.

Alongside this do try to socialise her with all the strange dogs that you can. Off lead play is, where safe, the best but any enjoyable contact is good.

Do be very careful not to tighten the lead when another dog approaches. It is socially unacceptable, I know, to not "do something" about our naughty dog but it really does send "look out it's dangerous!" signals down the lead. Turning and walking away is, as you have been doing, a good strategy if you cannot distract her with treats or you have run out! Keep your tone light and just "oh look! let's go this way instead".

 

[beatfreakman]

Thank you for your advice. We try and socialise Ruby via a weekly dog walker and she is fine with other dogs when up close and personal, it's just the leash walking that's the problem!

I do try and avoid dogs on walks but it can be unavoidable, like this morning! 50% of the time, once we come out of the house, we see a dog on our road and then she's off! It does not matter what treats I try and get her attention with, it does not work! It's like she's in a zombie trance until she's seen the dog off.

Maybe I am doing it wrong?

 

[gypsysmum]

You are doing it right. The trouble is that what she is doing, i.e. driving the other dog away, is working for her. It gives her a huge sense of relief when the other dog goes away and this is highly reinforcing to her.

You just have to work with her when and where you can. Distance is very important. If you can find her "critical" distance where she can watch other dogs but not be triggered into barking and then reward her that would help a lot. Gradually reduce the distance but be prepared to go back a stage.

The chance encounters cannot be helped. Do try not to tighten the lead or tell her off as she will assume that you are reacting to the other dog too!

Stay calm and move away with your body first and encourage her to follow you, rather than pulling on the lead.

A trainer from the APDT may be able to come out with you and help you.