Hello all, This is my first time to the forums so hopefully I have found the correct spot to post this! I have a 4 year old black lab named Romeo who, quite frankly, has a very deep and scary bark. He never used to bark at strangers or anyone in general when he was a puppy but over the last few years I have moved multiple times to different places/cities and he's developed this bad habit. Once upon a time he would sit on the back of the couch staring out the window at people not making a peep, now it is a very different story. When people pass by the windows he barks like there is no tomorrow, when guests knock it's like the end of the world and he continues barking even when they come inside as well but will calm down shortly after. But lately I have become more worried because he is now running at people and barking even while he is on his leash. It's usually when he becomes startled and someone is close by who he didn't notice. It mainly happens when I walk out the front door and he sees someone on the side walk right in front of him or out back if I open the garage and he sees someone walking by (I live in a town home). It makes me nervous because he is such a sweet boy and wouldn't hurt a fly but he is scaring my neighbors when he acts this way and I don't know why he's doing it! By the way he is not a small lab by any means, he is roughly 90lbs and not overweight (by my standards at least!). Sorry for the long post but any advice on the topic would be greatly appreciated, if nothing else but to figure out why he's now running towards people and barking. This bark is not a warm, hello type it is very defensive sounding, loud and deep. Also, he's never been one to socialize with other dogs; never dominating nor aggressive in fact he's the opposite he lets them take his toys and he pays no attention to them. I think he thinks he is a human! Thank you!
Hi and welcome to the forum My girl (Harley - 2 years old) barks if someone comes to the front door or if she sees any movement in the garden. I have been working on a 'quiet' cue. This involves me going to the door when someone comes, but not opening it until she is sat quietly. I reinforce the quiet with a treat. I only open the door when she is quiet. I can't offer any advice for when you ate out except maybe try teaching 'look at me'. This involves you getting his attention, maybe by saying 'me' and as soon as he looks at you, treat him. You can do this randomly in the house to start with, then start doing it outside. If you spot someone in the distance, say 'me' and reward. I know a few people have used this method and it has helped them. Good luck
