Hello, I’m desperate for help! My 6 month old yellow lab has recently become very reactive, he used to welcome interaction and greetings from others (including dogs) calmly and happily but it seems as though over night he has become reactive to everything, from sounds in the garden to shadows and now on walks. I walk him on the same/similar route every day, twice a day and it’s becoming unbearable, he’s a lot stronger than he looks and is now barking and lunging at anyone who walks by, obviously you get some very understanding people but also many people who make comments about “I shouldn’t have a dog if I can’t control it” but I’ve tried positive reinforcement, desensitisation, harnesses, collars, anxiety coats, walking different times and routes.. but it is becoming so unenjoyable and I can only imagine it must be stressful for him too. Is there something I’m missing or doing wrong? Please help! I want my boy to be happy! Thankyou
It sounds like your puppy is entering a fear stage. It’s very common around 6-9months and can’t last quite awhile. Keep on working on training and don’t force him into doing anything he finds scary right now. Lots of distance from scary things and rewards and eventually he will gain confidence and many of these things won’t be scary in a few months. If he lunges at people and barks, cross the street well before you get close; getting spooked is common (shadows, rustling leaves etc) - distract, u turn and treat.
Have you tried driving him somewhere different like a secure dog field or similar so he can have a run around without worrying about interactions? I appreciate it’s not practical for every day but if you can find somewhere he enjoys it may help him in the meantime so you can both have some stress free time outside together. I think my boy is going through something similar, he’s not reacting on walks but around the house and garden he is barking and edgy if he hears something or sees reflections or shadows.
Hello, yes you’ve totally hit the nail on the head there as I do this 3 times a week with him, on a 5 acre secure field for an hour and a half and he’s great on there and rarely leaves my side despite not having the lead on. But due to it been around 50 minutes away from my home I’m unable to do this twice a day everyday (work etc) so it’s really only been for his daily walks around where I live that this behaviour started. I am all about positive reinforcement but because he’s started lunging he nearly has me over now as he’s a lot stronger than he looks and unfortunately passers by assume I’m just not training him thanks for the response
Lisa, Has is going now? We have a five month old who doesn't seem fearful of anything but has started going into tantrums on walks where he wants to spin, grab anything and everything on the ground and basically just isn't controllable. My husband holds the leash which is good because I don't think I could hold onto him. Usually, he calms after a few moments and the walk can resume but we never know what triggers this and hope our continued training and walks will eventually resolve this. Crossing fingers.
Hey! He is still quite reactive but I have just been really persistent with positive reinforcement, it’s definitely an anxious bark upon reading about it. Kyro went through the same thing, he basically wanted to retrieve everything, including moving vehicles! He would be walking me! I started using a Halti face collar, it’s basically a harness which gently lures his head down if he gets too pully and it seems to have worked amazing. I hope you, your husband & pup end up enjoying walks again! Labs need so much stimulation both mental and physical and it is really tiring at times but Kyro is certainly coming along since getting the Halti good luck!
