Pupdate.. The barking and biting...

Guys,

Guess what? The barking at me and nipping the legs has stopped! Doesn't do it at home or when off leash anymore.. at all. All thanks to fetch! He absolutely LOVES his ball and has become obsessed with playing fetch which is magical. I also think doggy day care has helped massively too as he's been going twice a week - sometimes three until I start my new job next week where I can take him with me! Wahoo!

On a side note.. He is still not completely trusting off leash. His recall is fantastic when he is on his own. But as soon as another dog comes near, (off leash) he's off. Won't listen to a word I say, won't come back to me just barks and barks at the dog until they tell him off. Even then he'll carry on sometimes. The other owner end up with an adopted dog because Sonny just follows them for 100's of yards while I try and run away to get him to follow! Someone has suggested I leave him on a long line and slowly introduce dogs into the area to practice coming back while there are distractions.. This is a little difficult at the moment with he current lockdown and upheaving to friends with dogs lives. I thought being around dogs at daycare would help his manners - they tell me he barks occasionally when he's there. Has anyone got any suggestions or ideas of how to help?

Thank

Well done on your progress and although it may not seem alot it is a huge step ....i think the barking maybe a spaniel thing as our neighbour has a young sprocker and he barks alot ....he may grow out of it ....

Mmhh, aint a dog trainer but you might wanne try a long leash. They sell them in absolute units of mtrs. Expect your hands to get dirty But than you can give a small soft tuck for extra distract and get focus back on you. THATS if you done lease training.

Anouk said:

Mmhh, aint a dog trainer but you might wanne try a long leash. They sell them in absolute units of mtrs. Expect your hands to get dirty But than you can give a small soft tuck for extra distract and get focus back on you. THATS if you done lease training.

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We do most of fetch on a long line anyway if there are dogs in the field, 30m. I don’t tie it to anything, just let it drag around. If another dog comes in the field he’ll still bolt to it, I have to tug to get his focus back. I’ll keep practicing though. Thank you

Youre doing well, keep hanging in there. Was thinking maybe a dog whistle will help recalling him? Something I saw on youtube.

VictoriaSonny said:

He is still not completely trusting off leash. His recall is fantastic when he is on his own. But as soon as another dog comes near, (off leash) he's off. Won't listen to a word I say, won't come back to me just barks and barks at the dog until they tell him off.

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This is pretty normal. The turning point comes when you can convince him that hanging out with you is far more rewarding than hanging out with other dogs. So yes, keep him on a long line so he can't get it wrong and importantly so he can't be a PITA to other dogs. Because one day he will do this to the wrong dog (or wrong owner). And don't set yourselves up to fail by even trying to recall when there are other dogs too close - you will just teach him that not coming back first time isn't a problem. Just use your long line.

I think you will find there is a distance where the dogs are far enough away that he still recalls even though he is aware of them - that's the zone you need to work in. And I still reward every recall because it is for us the most important command. It might be a treat, it might be an ear rub but there is always something.

This is something I wrote before on whistle training that might help if you are interested in that.

HELP needed with 1 year old Lurcher/ Terrier mix

Re: the charging over to other dogs - and I am one of those owners who would ruin your day if your dog did this to mine - you are taller and can see further. When you spot another dog, get yours back by your side on a short length of lead, and reward him lavishly. Then move to the distance required for him NOT to react and continue to reward him. Keep his attention on you until the other dog is well past. Thus he moves from "another dog - I must charge over to it" to "another dog - I get a treat and a little game of tug".

It takes time, but it MUST be done. Other dogs are not your dog's playthings - you are the source of all delightful experiences.