Talos is just turning eight months old – an adolescent. And just like human teenagers, we're seeing some behavior changes. Some are good, some not so good.
One not-so-good example: he's barking and lunging at other dogs. He wants to play, but is getting frustrated because I won't let him go to the dogs right away.
I don't let him visit the other dogs for a number of reasons:
- When he's with his for-good person, he can't visit every dog he sees.
- Not every dog wants a huge cow-like dog in his face.
- He can't visit another dog if he's going to pull me to get there.
That's enough reasons, right?
It's very difficult for me to find a training class during the day. I teach classes every night, but can't take him because I'm working – I've got to work with my clients.
Thankfully, one of my dog-training friends (who is an excellent trainer to boot) offers daytime classes and offered us a spot in her beginner level course on Fridays. So starting tomorrow, Talos is enrolled in remedial good manners classes!
I think it will take several sessions for us to get this behavior under control. But at least we're starting early. If you notice a behavior you'd rather not see in your dog, don't wait to see if it will get better! Talk to a qualified positive reinforcement trainer and enroll in a class or get some in-home training.
Behaviors don't get better with time. In fact, they normally get worse. So do yourself (and your dog) a favor and nip it in the bud before the problem grows into something unmanageable.
Hi, It’s Kasha’s mom here,
I would be very interested in hearing what you do to resolve this problem of barking and lunging at other dogs so I hope you’ll share what you learn. Kasha has some of these issues as well and since she is a rescue and almost 8 yrs old, it’s hard trying to fix it now and I’ve been to 3 trainers so far. Thanks for sharing and hope Talos does well in School.
Denise (Kasha’s human)
Ha! I feel for you 🙂 I had exactly the same behaviour emerge with Harley around the same time, only he wanted to say hello to every dog and every human. A strong social drive is great but god does it give a challenge 🙂
My approach was ahem quite unique, for sure I went to town on the premack, however in addition I switched to a hands free bungee leash and when necessary would plant myself in the ground assuming what can only be described as a sumo position 😀
Gradually he got the idea, sit and attention first, then go say hello(if appropriate).
Your situation is quite different though as Talos needs to differentiate work mode form chill mode. I guess his harness and vest can maybe be used as part of a cue for work mode 😀
Angela
http://www.fun4fido.co.uk
I have the same problem here w/ my 3-year-old rescue dog. I’ve had her a year and have made so much progress with her, but when she sees another dog on our walks, you would never know it. She will sit but is still very hyped. I live in a small town and am not sure if we have any professional trainers, so any input is appreciated!