Contributed by Angie Lewis
Occasionally, when you are walking your pooch, she will bark at other animals or people. This can become problematic when your dog is out of control, barking and lunging. These behaviors are not only embarrassing, but can also be seen as a sign of aggression by other dogs. There are strategies to address these negative behaviors.
If your dog is a puppy, that is the best time to begin training. Make certain that your dog is fully vaccinated, before taking her out into the world. Training when your dog is young, is an easier task, but it is certainly possible to “teach an old dog new tricks.” Make sure that you have an appropriate collar or harness for your dog. Have a good amount of treats available, as a reward for good behavior. Treats can eventually become less important, but they are invaluable to begin.
Hold onto your dog’s leash firmly, but not too tightly because this will increase the likelihood of her pulling. Teach your dog the “heel” command. Reinforce your command and positive responses with an immediate treat. Get your dog’s attention by asking her to heel and then requiring eye contact. If she is focusing on you, she will be less focused on the other animals or people around her.
Add some challenges to your walk, such as going up/down stairs, vary your speed, and walk around obstacles. Give your dog a treat if she walks by a distraction without barking.
Purchasing a pheromone collar can provide calming down scents for your dog. There are various oils that help with this. Visit your pet supplies store to explore the various products available.
You can also throw treats on the ground ahead of you. This will help with her not becoming obsessed with the other dogs. If this doesn’t work, ask her to “heel” and make a sharp 180 turn away from the distractions. Her brain might just require a reset.
Be patient with your dog and remember that it will take some time to develop these good habits. Also, formal training can be very beneficial to develop positive behavior in your dog.
Angie Lewis, President of Alaska Animal Advocates
