Pulling on leash and barks at every dog when walking.

Whenever we take our dog for a walk and he sees another dog he starts to bark and pull like crazy to get to the other dog. He is very friendly and just wants to sniff them but when he does this it can be scarey to other dogs and owners.

It makes for a stressful walk because I am always hoping not to run into other dogs. The trainer we have has suggested a prong collar which we were reluctent about but tried it anyway and it is definitley working. I was wondering if anyone else has this problem and what they have done to make walking more enjoyable.

Comments for Pulling on leash and barks at every dog when walking.

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Nov 26, 2011
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barking while walking
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

Iris was completely correct on how to handle the situation. Jonah started this behavior at the age of one & a half. We always walk once a day. I started taking Jonah to the dog park & the barking at every one or their dog as we walked by went away almost instantly.

Another trick to try for pulling is just stop. Do not continue on with your walk until the leash goes limp. Say good then move forward. Everytime they pull stop. They get the hint that to move forward they must not pull the lead.

Now I put on an old belt with the retractable leash attached & Jonah & I walk hands free with no pulling. I use this method when I do not need him to stay exactly by my side. As soon as I say heel thou he is at my right side.

Sep 14, 2011
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barking at other dogs
by: Iris Miller

There are additional postings about this and other behavior problems. Shorten the leash, keep the dog at your side or behind you and turn around and walk the other way.Don't stop, don't hesitate, (your dog will sense that as fear and get more agitated) take charge and let him know your in control.You may also just shorten the leash and make him sit at your side, you stay in front until the disturbance, (dog, car, people etc) passes, then praise him and continue your walk. As in all things, we must remain consistent. It is not like saying to your kid. :Didn't I tell you not to do that? Nope, you have to tell your dog every single time. Except when he knows a treat is coming, then he will show you what a good memory he has and how smart he can be,,,,say, that IS just like our kids?

Sep 14, 2011
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took a long time to settle down. had the same exact issue!
by: Anonymous

That is exactly what our walks were like! He gets so excited he would scare the other dogs! It took until he was about two and a half, and now he has much more polite behavior. I learned to be selective and ask the owner how their dog would react before I let him get close. I think after getting snapped at more than a few times and now that he knows a lot other dogs, he learned. Now if he starts to do that I stop him and say no and we don't go forward or greet the dog at all if he doesn't settle down. Good luck. I'm sure it will get better.

Sep 14, 2011
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advise
by: Anonymous

I dont think you should ever remove a dog from a situation, by picking them up thats what you are doing and you are kinda encouraging them to do this more, you should correct him/her on the spot and try to be more in charge :) looks like he is being the dominant one and more exposure is always good, since we have our puppy we took her to every single place and she is very good at any situation cause we exposed her at the right times. Since we have have her she goes with us also to every single place and all is good :) but also never forget positive reinforcement every time they do something you want them to do :D

Sep 14, 2011
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BARKING/BITING
by: SHERRY - COTTON

YES BARKING IS VERY ANNOYING. COTTON DID NOT BARK UNTIL SHE WAS ALMOST 6 MONTHS. THEN THOUGHT IT WAS HER DUTY I GUESS. SHE WOULD NOT QUIT UNTIL I WOULD ROLL UP A PAPER OR MAGAZINE. I WOULD HIT THE FLOOR OR MY HAND AND SAY "NO",
THAT REALLY WORKED!! WHEN SHE HEARS SOMETHING AND WILL BARK WE ALWAYS SAY GOOD GIRL, THEN NO MORE. IF SHE DOES NOT QUIT I GET A MAGAZINE. SHE IMMEDIATLY WILL QUIT.

WE TAKE HER EVERYWHERE WITH US, PARADES, DOG SHOWS, OUTSIDE DINING IN RESTAURANTS ETC. SHE HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO SO MUCH THAT SHE NEVER BARKS EXCEPT TO PROTECT HER HOME OR CAR.

MAYBE THEY JUST NEED MORE EXPOSURE TO EVERYDAY THINGS.
TRY THE MAGAZINE, MAYBE THAT WILL WORK FOR YOU.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Sep 14, 2011
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same here
by: Anonymous

Every time I take my coton into the pet store she barks at other dogs, no matter what size! I just pick her up but I wish I could stop the behavior. I also have a 4 month old coton puppy who is starting to show the same behavior. He starts puppy class this week and I'll be talking to the trainer about it. Wow, prong collar. Somehow I think of them on boxers (who I grew up with). Will post what is suggested by this trainer.

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