Barking On Walks (Non-GSD)

[Melina]

So Layla, our foster Coonhound mix, is starting to show her true colors. She was fairly quiet at first, now she's getting more vocal and it's not so much of a nuisance around the house, but on walks it's absolutely ridiculous. She's barking at people walking, running, other dogs, bikers...Essentially anything that breathes or moves. I don't even know what to do, I've never had this problem with a dog before. I've tried turning around and walking the other way for a number of steps, then turning back. She tries to look over her shoulder, put on the brakes, and keeps barking. I've tried to get her to sit, keep her attention on me, and be quiet. That seemed to work the first time, she only let out a small bark, but on tonight's walk it failed miserably. I've tried to walk through it and let out little "Pssst!!'s or No!'s" and get her to focus on me, that hasn't worked either. I've tried crossing the street in hopes whatever it is that she's barking at will then be far enough away. It's really, really ridiculous as she's part hound and not only barks, but howls, too...so it's loud. She's good in that at least she doesn't pull on the leash, she knows better, but she's still so loud, it's embarrassing. How do I remedy this?

[jsherry]

Have you tried treats when drawing her attention to you when barking? Maybe a treat will distract her. Can you tell what is going to trigger her barking before she does it? Perhaps a treat then to prevent it will help.....

[Melina]

I haven't yet tried treats, but it's definitely worth a try. As I said, anything that breathes or moves will trigger her to bark. People walking, running, biking, other dogs, kids...Anything that's alive, essentially.

[MaggieRoseLee]

Here ya go!

You Tube

You Tube

[Gib Laut]

yup, feel your pain and embarrassment on this one....this kind of behavior requires a great deal of time, patience and practice....high value food or a high value toy (that is only used for training and never given otherwise) was very successful for me....mine had over the top, melodramatic tantrums!!! It was like a kid throwing themselves on the floor, pounding the ground in Walmart LOL....You need to determine the "safety zone" first...that is the distance you can be near a trigger with no response....start there and praise and give reward for the desired behavior....slowly move closer to the trigger and distract and redirect....praise the desired behavior......it's time consuming but worth it; you will de-sensitize the dog to the trigger......I've had a cop stop issuing a ticket to someone bc of the insane meltdown Dex was having; I'm sure he figured I was beating him!!!!!......also, an unorthodox approach that was extremely effective for me: if you are a runner (you don't need to go far or fast), take the dog running in areas where triggers are....ensure you have a GOOD collar on for control and a safety line/collar if required....as you run by triggers from your desired distance, there is little time for the dog to obsessively focus bc you are in motion, as soon as you see any response to the trigger, redirect ....just keep moving.....lots of verbal praise and direction is what Dex responds too.....whenever you pass a trigger and get your desired response tons of praise and some play with the toy if you can and like.....

[shilorio]

i defenatly feel that pain haha! shilo is the same way! when ever a dog comes around "bark bark bak!!!" constantly! but its because shes affraid i guess,, its so embarrassing! haha

[Melina]

Originally Posted by Gib Laut

if you are a runner (you don't need to go far or fast), take the dog running in areas where triggers are....ensure you have a GOOD collar on for control and a safety line/collar if required....as you run by triggers from your desired distance, there is little time for the dog to obsessively focus bc you are in motion, as soon as you see any response to the trigger, redirect ....just keep moving....

Haha, I'm not much of a runner, I go to the gym for exercise...But I thought of getting on my bike with her, then she wouldn't have any time to get the barking in. If she stopped, she'd get dragged.

I appreciate the advice, and thank you, Maggie, for the video...I'll try these things!