Hullo, I'm super busy right now, but wanted to run this one by you while I have two minuted and the pups are sleeping. Willow has started, on occasion, barking at people who come nearish during our walks. It only happens when she's on the lead and it only happens when it's our early morning walks, so the trigger there may be that it's quiet and it would only be one person approaching us. She doesn't do it to people who are clearly walking towards us to say hi, only those that are going to walk past, going about their daily business. It doesn't seem to matter whether they're male, female, adults or children. She doesn't seem aggressive with it, but it's also not an excited bark. She's only done it about three times now, so it's not an everyday occurrence, but I would like to nip it in the bud because, whilst it's almost funny to other people when it's a small puppy, she's not going to be small forever. I don't know if it's because the people have their heads covered, because quite frankly everyone does now because it's cold, but it was one idea I had. During the main socialisation weeks, it was a lot warmer and so no-one was wearing hats and hoods, although I did ask a friendly stranger if he minded me approaching him while he was wearing his motorbike helmet and she didn't have an issue with that. Anyway, I can continue to try to understand the trigger, but in the meantime, any suggestions? She won't listen to me while she's doing it, so asking her to sit or look at me, which both still need further proofing, won't work. I could maybe turn around and make her walk to heel away from them? Or any other ideas? Thanks!
Re: Barking at people I would trot smartly on by, totally ignoring her, then treat her for calm walking when it happens. Any treating, even with the aim of stopping the barking, could reward the barking. .
Re: Barking at people Hi Fiona , it could well be that this is happening due to it being quiet, but you are right in wanting to nip it in the bud . Is there any way that you could distract Willow at the exact moment that the trigger comes into sight, happy chatting etc . The other thing is , when she doesn't do it , make a real fuss of her, praise her up for her good manners . She is still a baby and whilst I fully understand where you are coming from , she will grow in confidence and no doubt will begin to take less notice of others and more of you
Re: Barking at people I'd try "look at that". So as soon as she looks, but before she barks, click. Hopefully she'll turn back towards you for a treat. This routine becomes - look at that (without barking) - turn for treat. I find it super effective (for other things apart from barking, which I don't have a problem with). It also doesn't "avoid" - I think the problem with "look at me" is the avoidance, which means you are always going to rely on a cued alternative. Don't click for her barking, and make sure that what "that" is in the "look at that" is consistent. Don't start clicking for looking at any old thing. So, single strangers walking towards you with their heads covered, for example. Added: if you want to research this, search "look at that" and "Leslie McDevitt"
Re: Barking at people I would say she is barking because of the hats and hoods, she hadn't been socialised to that and hats and hoods make a different silhouette.
Re: Barking at people Thanks for the comments, everyone. Some good things to think about and try. I like the idea of the "look at that" because I'm pretty certain she'd look for the treat after the click. I'll read up on it this evening, thanks.
Re: Barking at people Harley barks when out occasionally - usually if someone is close and their face is hidden - she is ok with hats eye, just needs to see their face :
Re: Barking at people I could add a lot but it might confuse the issue. : Whatever the trigger is that is causing the barking she should show a calming signal first. Click and treat the calming signal. The click should get her attention as Julie has said. My dogs are very reactive to people coming close. Their calming signal was to look at me. Now they have improved they don't always look at me. I have put look at me on cue but it wasn't a cued response originally. Willows calming signal might be to sniff the ground, lick her lips, just glance away. It can be hard to spot but if you can you know there's a chance she might react so you can reward the calming behaviour. Like Kate said if she walks passed with no reaction extra praise, treats etc.
Re: Barking at people [quote author=snowbunny link=topic=9106.msg130553#msg130553 date=1418626531] Thanks for the comments, everyone. Some good things to think about and try. I like the idea of the "look at that" because I'm pretty certain she'd look for the treat after the click. I'll read up on it this evening, thanks. [/quote] It's from the book "control unleashed" which is quite up to date, and has new ideas, I think.
