Help with barking at other dogs?

[Kimberleyanddarren]

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My chihuahua, Dash, barks like mad whenever he sees another dog at the park or when walking on his lead. I tried offering treats etc when dogs are around, but he has never been food/toy motivated as he doesn't bother with either.

I'm running out of things I can try! Help!

 

[deegee]

If food won't distract what about a squeaky toy? When other dogs appear get attention with the toy and reward with a moment's play. I think it helps if you have a play session with the toy at home each day- only a couple of minutes- which the dog learns is pleasurable. Obviously if the other dog is allowed to pass without barking reward by voice.

 

[gypsysmum2]

Try using distance to lessen the impact the other dog is having.

It is very important to not tighten the lead. It is seen as socially unacceptable to do nothing about our dog that is barking but it is very counter productive to tighten the lead. Dogs read this as us being tense around other dogs and it makes their fear even worse. Call his name and move away from the other dog. Keep your voice as light as you can so that he gains confidence from it. There is a "critical distance" for most dogs and it varies between them. Once outside their critical distance the dog is able to relax around other dogs. This enables learning to take place. As an on going practice it might be helpful to find a place where he can watch other dogs coming and going outside his critical distance and learn that they are harmless while he plays and eats. Gradually move a little closer over a long period of time, being prepared to go back a stage if necessary. Obviously you will still meet other dogs in close proximity but just keep the lead slack and stay positive.

You could also say positive things as you see another dog approach such as - "here comes Fido!" "Let's go over here!".

Not wanting food or play can be a sign of tension. Sometimes, if we can get the dog to take food, we can convince them that they are not tense because they are eating! If you can find something that he will eat, like cream cheese squirted from a tube, or cooked chicken or tiny bits of sausage or liver, then you might get him to eat it.