Barking at dogs question ?

[kingkong]

Hi gang, a belated "happy new year" to all. (i personally had a horrid festive time but thats another story)

My pup Buster is 9 months old in 2 days and i have a question for the gallery.

I have noticed when on his lead and on walkies that when we meet other dogs and owners also on walks that after the usual sniffing of nose pleasantries my Buster steps back and starts to bark his head off.

It is most embarrassing and usually the dog owners after saying hello then say "well best be off now bye".

Whats the deal with him?

He was socilised proper during the important early stages with everything and with humans he is GREAT!

But i am starting to see a low tolerance for other dogs while on walks.

Easy solution is to wack him on lead as soon as i see another dog in the mist but it would be nice not to have to do this.

[Ilovemypuppy]

Originally Posted by kingkong

Easy solution is to wack him on lead as soon as i see another dog in the mist but it would be nice not to have to do this.

Can you clarify what you mean by this ?

[kingkong]

Originally Posted by Ilovemypuppy

Can you clarify what you mean by this ?

What i mean is, as soon as i see on my walk route another dog approaching with owner in tow then i call my dog in to me and put him on his lead till we have passed and both gone on our merry way

Being a pleasant community usually the other dog walkers like to stop briefly for a quick hello and chat.

Which is usually the norm, but for how long i ask my self

[Judi W]

Sorry to tell you this, but the socialization needs to go on continuously well until full adulthood and adult behaviors are solidified. The reason for this is that the doggy communication and social skills that work as a pup are not the same ones needed as an adolescent and certainly not the same ones expected within the species as an adult. Also, the dog is not looking at the world through the same eyes from one stage to another.

I don't know what kind of training classes you might have available where you are (if any), but if you can find some, jump in and stay there for a couple of more years. That way he will become accustomed to behaving in a mannerly way around other dogs and still listen to you. In the meantime, when you meet up with someone, yes, put on your leash, let him know that he can continue to listen to you and obey your instructions and not feel free to interact with the other dog without your express permission. Until he gets his head on straight, don't give him that permission. Put him in a sit while you say your hello's and chat (give yourself some distance so that he will be back from the other dog) and then go on your way before you get shunned. For a while, until he gets the idea, don't even go that close, simply step off to the side, call your hello and keep moving in a business like manner. It won't hurt him a bit to be called to heel now and then when on your walks. As he starts learning that part, then you can move closer and put him in a sit, then keep going. Expand upon this theme until he understands that you will control his behavior.

[kingkong]

Thanks Judy , your advice as always u will be followed to a T.

The local training class centre trainer nearby ,stated when i approached him, when he was 7 months that i was to wait till 9 months and come on down.

Guess he is screaming out for some dog classes.

Thx again :)

[Judi W]

They do give us messages don't they? You're lucky your dog is a good communicator.