Behavior changing

Thanks for the advice. I actually starting falling back on the look at me command a couple of days ago so looks like my instincts are on track. I never used to carry treats with me but have the last few days. Also carrying around my clicker (which I had only used sparingly) to get his attention. We shall see how he progresses.
 
I’m curious as to how this is going for you. We have many of these same issues with Mindy and are trying many of these strategies. Some days I see improvement but some days I don’t. It is certainly a work in progress!
 
droopdog7 said:
So my pup Russell is now a little over five months old. In the past several weeks, I have noticed some unwanted behavioral changes. Nothing too too serious but it includes wanting to chase cars (most of the time) and barking at other dogs (all while on a leash) on walks.

Of course, he also has run after other dogs while off leash in my front yard. A couple of days ago I was preparing to take him for a walk when I had to reach back in the house for a bag when he ran after another dog and remained aggressive all the way until he reached him. He also chased a guy on a bike halfway down the block.

In most situations however he's okay with other dogs. I take him to interact with other puppies all the time, and have taken him to a dog park twice with no issues. So my sense is that he's showing some kind of impatience on leash but running after dogs when not on leash is not so encouraging.

Any idea on how common this behavior is? Any suggestions for how to stop it?
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My older dog, Sandstorm, was the same way. Caro helped me a lot! Whatever she says is the way to go, good luck
 
DianeP said:
I’m curious as to how this is going for you. We have many of these same issues with Mindy and are trying many of these strategies. Some days I see improvement but some days I don’t. It is certainly a work in progress!
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Thanks for asking. I suppose what I will say is that there has been steady improvement. I'm just so spoiled by my older dog. I can walk out without a leash to get the mail and she's a perfect citizen. Doesn't get distracted, comes back, no issues. Russell can do that successfully most of the time as well. He still acts differently on a leash though.

I think rewarding him with treats when he didn't go after cars was most effective. But he also seems to be learning from his older sister. But the instincts are there. The faster the car is going, the more likely he wants to chase it.

As for other dogs, the best strategy is not to hold him back (so long as the other owner is receptive). He's is absolutely great with other dogs but he'll bark like crazy if we don't let him go to them.
 
That sounds like progress to me!
How do you handle demand barking? That’s what I call it when Mindy wants attention or access to something. Have you found that anything helps?
 
DianeP said:
That sounds like progress to me!
How do you handle demand barking? That’s what I call it when Mindy wants attention or access to something. Have you found that anything helps?
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My guy does that whenever he knows a treat is coming and he wants it NOW! I've been working with him with NO BARK. If he barks a second time I hold his snout and say Un Un...I said no bark. It's helping but still a work in progress. Key is to be consistent.
 
Toby is hitting five months almost and just a couple weeks ago he began doing the same exact thing. It's definitely a breed instinct. Something fast and loud whizzing by *needs* to be chased. And anyone (human or dog) who could potentially want to say hello deserves to be barked at to get their attention.

What I began doing - because the car chasing was really worrying me - I grab a handful of treats and walk along a busy road. When I see/hear a car approaching, I ask him to "look" and that usually gets him to make eye contact. Sometimes, I will ask him to sit before the car gets his attention. If he begins to chase before I get to him, I give him a sharp (but not mean) "no" or disapproving noise and then ask him to "look" at me. This usually does the trick. He has bearer and worse days but I'm hoping it will keep it from becoming a habit and eventually his reflex will be to make eye contact instead of chase.

For the barking..that's tougher. We live in an apartment and most people think its cute and tell me not to bother but I don't like the behavior. Usually, I will correct him and then turn him around and walk swiftly in the opposite direction. Sometimes, when I turn around he barks again and I turn around and go a second time. He gets the message after that, but I'm still waiting for that to click in general so he doesn't bark to begin with.

Stick with it though. I will too :banghead:
 
Mindy is also a car chaser. I use an auto sit and look at me cue with treats but when the cars are too close, she just can’t control herself so I only expose her to cars at distances she can tolerate.it is less stressful for both of us.

the barking thing is tough, especially when she barks because I’m doing something like brushing my teeth or washing dishes. Ignoring does not stop her. Might have something to do with the noise involved. We are doing mat work and I’m hoping we can get to the point where she can sit quietly on her mat when I do these things.

These kiddos area tricky bunch! :)
 
The wild child is turning into a mini terrorist!! Not sure if it’s a stage in life or just being a really naughty boy. So well behaved as a wee pup now jumping up, more barking (why do you bark when I take the dishes out of the dishwasher and not when they go in?) Hopefully this to shall pass and as we always say...good thing he’s cute! lol :)
 
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