new people aggression

[salling12000]

I am not really sure what to call it, but within the past two weeks Kayne has been getting pretty worked up when I am walking him in the neighborhood when people walk by. He starts barking and running in circles around me and the hair (like a square patch) on his back stands up. This is new and I am not sure what to do with it. I try to refocus him but that doesn't work; he is already gone. Once the person passes he is ok, but might continue to look back at him or her. We have had a trainer and things were going well. He is 18 months old so I'm wondering if it is another developmental milestone thing. I don't like it mostly because it just isn't nice and I am out with him at 5:30am and people are trying to sleep. He has been such a great people dog and I don't want to lose that.

[jlaack]

If you had a trainer previously, but don't have one now, you need to get reunited with the trainer, immediately. When these incidents occur can what are you doing to redirect specifically? Have you tried asking for a command before he comes apart? For example a formal heel at a slow pace? A sit with eye contact? For now, I would avoid passing strangers closeby unless it is absolutely necessary. It probably has a little to do with this stage of his development and not enough obedience previously, but it will continue (and possibly escalate) if you don't address this.

[sweetlee]

Back to training ASAP.
I totally agree, stay away from people with him. If you are walking, and someone approaches cross the street, and whatever you do, don't get close enough where he could bite someone. I am not saying he would, but better safe than sorry.
Carry treats with you and the minute you know the dog has seen someone, before he gets all worked up, ask for a sit and praise and treat him as long as he follows your direction.
And whatever you do, when he is acting this way don't baby him and pet and say it's ok boy, or he will get the idea you are praising for the unwanted behavior.
Keep us posted.

sharon

[SABELLESMOM]

Training and proofing is the answer. Obviously, the dog does not understand, that when you are on a walk with him, "his job!" is to be walking with you. He is not free to do as he pleases.

When you walk, what kind of lead are you using? Use a sturdy lead no more than 6' in length, and have the dog "heel!" A slight correction, and a "Leave it!" should be all you need to reel his brain back into mode.

Have you done formal training with him? If you have, get back to it. If not, get started.

If you're using a flexi, stop, except for potty in a possibly unfenced yard, or a leisurely walk in an open area. He will have to practice heel, and leave it many, many times to be proofed.

Reasons he may be doing this? Quite possibly uncertainess, and to some degree fear, rather than agression. He does not know the right thing to do so he has chosen his own path. The wrong one. The other part? He's a teenager! One of the milestones you have to help him thru. He can't do it on his own..you can't be bewildered. You have to work.

He see's a stranger, or squirrel, for that matter. "Oh my! What should I do to make it go away? Bark? Pull? Chase? Hide?" He responds with an action, because he is now, no longer doing his job.

The behavior is self reinforcing! "I bark and act like a crazy man and it goes away." Hmmm... "See? If I bark at the bad man, he leaves. So must be this is what I'm supposed to do."

When you walk, and see a stranger, don't tense. Just very businesslike, "Heel!" "Walk!" or whatever...and M-O-V-E with purpose and intent, with the dog close by your side.

"But...But?? Shouldn't I be chasing? Scaring? Barking with my hackles up?"

No, sweet boy. WE are walking. Your job is with me.

[salling12000]

Thanks for the words of wisdom. Yes, I agree getting the trainer back on is on. I absolutely do not baby him and tell him everything is ok because it most certainly is not. I am unsure of how to walk him and not run into strangers. We live in the 'burbs and there are people everywhere (even at 5:30am). I was thinking of walking him just in front of the house doing intense focus exercises and slowly taking the walks farther from home when he is ready. And Sabellesmom, are you suggesting letting him be all freaky and just keep moving with him? Because yes, my sweet boy is walking with me. And I want to keep it that way. He is on a 6' lead from Lupine (amazing leashes) and we have an e-collar for him. Teenagers are challenging (I work with the human kind), but not impossible.