Barking at Strangers?

Hello everyone!

So far Bear (6 month old Pem) has been absolutely wonderful but there's one thing that I can't seem to find a solution for. When outside in the yard or on walks, he has a horrid habit of barking and pulling on the leash whenever there is ANY sign of human. It's not aggression -- he loves people and is very friendly. Maybe in excitement? In either case, it can get a bit out of control because once he sees another human it becomes the ENTIRE focus of attention. He will pull on the leash in an attempt to get to said human, and will bark uncontrollably.

Any tips for quelling this behavior?

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Permalink Reply by Harry on April 30, 2013 at 11:35pm

I had the sameproblem for years

w/Harry. I simply trained him to

respond to sit and no. They learn fast.

Jane

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on May 1, 2013 at 8:34am

Teach the "watch" command. Use a treat held up by your face and say watch or look, give him the treat whenever he does look. This is a good one to practice regularly, several times in a row because it helps him focus on you. Also, I would give the leash a slight tug and say no if he continues barking at someone. If that doesn't stop him turn quickly and walk away. Never allow him to have attention until he stops.

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Permalink Reply by Linda on May 1, 2013 at 8:45am

What Bev said. Holding the treat near your face and using the watch command really does work great. I hold it near my temple so his eyes are focused there.

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Permalink Reply by Jane on May 1, 2013 at 10:05am

Carry easy to grab treats. When you see a person in the distance, immediately say his name or "watch" and get him to look at you. Give the treat and keep treating until the person has passed. In order for this to work you really need to get his attention BEFORE he's super excited. Once he's over his threshold it's pretty impossible to get their attention back.

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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on May 1, 2013 at 11:50am

I would start by taking him to a good basic obedience training class and, as soon as I have some control of him, then I would be taking him where there are lots of people walking and milling around, such as any touristy place with sidewalks and lots of little shops and just practice being around people. An outdoor mall would work as well. I would not have people pet him ( too exciting at this stage ) just work on his being quiet and civil under the circumstances. To work, he needs this exposure often, at least at first. Sidewalk cafes work well in good weather if you have a friend with you that can go in and order something, but this is only after he's mastered his skills and is behaving well. It will be a pleasant way to reinforce the training and something pleasant for you to aim for.... Set your expectations high, he can live up to them!

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Permalink Reply by Desirae S. on May 2, 2013 at 4:17pm

Wow, I got back from my mini-vacation and was shocked to see so many great tips! Thanks guys!

I think I will start with the "watch" command and will let you know how that goes =)

Thanks again!

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Permalink Reply by Desirae S. on May 5, 2013 at 11:36pm

As an update, the "Watch" command has worked great so far! Pretty much gets his attention right away, even when other dogs are around!

Thanks again, guys : )

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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on May 6, 2013 at 10:00am

Good job! Now you have some control over him, don't stop yet and proceed with the rest. Everything you do with him during this first year will pay off ten fold for the rest of your life together.