How to stop your dog barking at another dog!

[buffymad]

Hi

I have a jack russell (not your "typical" jack russell, he's pretty quiet usually!) which I got from an animal shelter so no idea of his background etc. Fitted in at home absolutely fine and can leave him on his own without anything being chewed or weed on etc etc. Had him for about 7 months now.

The only thing that's not 100% perfect with him is when he gets taken for a walk, he always starts barking and going mad if he sees another dog - which can be coming towards him or on the other side of the street. He gets so agitated that he spins round and round on his lead and practially stiffens up like a corpse (!) if you try and move his head!

I've read all the blurb - how you should try to take his attention away from the other dog, stand in the way so he can't see the other dog, just walk on by etc etc - but it doesn't always work! At the moment I'm bending down to him and staying "stop it" (in a stern voice!) and walking on while still saying stop it. Sometimes this ends up with him whimpering but not barking (better!) but sometimes he just continues barking! He's a little bugger coz when we finally get past the other dog he's wagging his tail like he's been clever!

Daft thing is, if he meets another dog OFF the lead (the other dog off the lead, not him), he's absolutely fine with it !!

Any ideas as to what you can do to train him/retrain him?

As it goes, I'll put up with him barking like that coz its such a small thing considering he's so lovely in every other way - but would be good to get more ideas on what else I could do.

All dog socialising classes too far away from where I live by the way and I have no transport!

[tamborine]

he's warning the other dog off his territory = you!

If dog sees you being friendly/welcoming to other dogs, he will learn they're not a threat and probably quieten, so's you dont invite them over.

[woofgang]

mine, two GSP weimaraner crosses were little b's at barking at the ponies and cows in the new forest when on the lead. I used to have them sit next to me then just stand there and go into boredom mode. At first they wouldn't even sit so rather than argue I'd just ignore them and let them go crazy. Eventually they'd stop even if only briefly and I would immediately reward with calm praise and a treat. They key things IMO are stop walking, if he will sit by you then ask for a sit otherwise just stand there and ignore him. keep the lead short but relaxed. If he tries to tear off a quick jerk on the lead no verbal correction then ignore him again.
Baseline is that he needs to get is that playing up gets the walk stopped and the boss ignores you, escalate the bad behaviour and you get a correction, quiet good behaviour equals the bosses good books.

[B00]

Ahhh, welcome to the wonderful world of JRT's- the ankle height dog that thinks its a rotweiller.

[jess1]

Hi, I am a dog trainer. Despite most Jack Russels having this natural instinct to bark, it is their way of making up for their lack of size! However mos annoying for their owners! When he is in mid rant, DO NOT bend down to him and say "NO", as this only gives dog the idea that you are pleased (any attention to a dog is good attention), all dogs behave much worse when they are on a lead, as they feel constrained! When your dog is barking at another dog, do not tighten your grip on the lead, keep it lose, as any tention from you can be felt through the lead to the dog, buy a water spray bottle, fill with water and take this out with you, when he is barking, losen your grip on the lead (taking care not to let go completely) spray the water at your dog, but say NOTHING!!

Keep spraying and walking at the same time, all the while saying nothing. After a few attempts at this the dog will realise that he isn't getting any attention for his behaviour and that you are not stressed at him barking, as the lead is not tense.

This may take a few trips to the park, but persevere, as dogs are persistent and hope that you will give in first.

Good luck

[buffymad]

Thanks for all your answers! I will try my very best ...

B00 - yep, its quite amusing when he's barking at a mastiff or bigger - who just ignore him by the way! Worst one yet was walking round the corner to find a guide dog there (with his owner!) and him setting off at the guide dog!

The good thing (if you can call it good!) is quite a few other pet owners (usually with small terrier type dogs) just smile and roll their eyes as their dog is doing exactly the same thing back ... !!!

[woofgang]

Jess that wouldn't have worked with mine, both love sprays and fight over who is going to catch the droplets!!

[drumallday]

I had a very similar problem and a very treat motivated dog. I kept a pocket full of treats and a good eye out for any other dogs. As soon as I would see another dog, I would start feeding my guy treats and praising him. When he started barking, the treats went away. Within a few days he would look at the other dog, but I could see he was trying VERY hard to control himself because he was really enjoying the treats.

I would be careful with the spray bottle suggestion. Your dog is already stressed. It doesn't sound like he's barking because he wants your attention. He's barking because he's uncomfortable with the other dog and because he's on a leash, he is constrained. Spraying him wiht water could just make things much worse - so if you do go that route, make sure you are watching your dog's stress level carefully.