One of my (relatively new) rescue dogs goes crazy when he sees other dogs he doesn't know. It seemed to get better for a while (we've had him 4 weeks) and then this weekend I noticed it getting worse again.

I try to break his attention by practising sit and giving him treats and he responds but then forgets and starts barking again.

I know this behaviour may take a while to correct but I'm wondering what I should do when he does this. Now I try to avoid walking by other dogs if I see them - is this the right thing. also I've been correcting him on the lead and telling him not to bark (I know this is probably not helping).

I just don't want to make it worse and could use some advice.

Thanks!!

__________________
2 rescue dogs - Watson 3 and Nero 2

The only things I can suggest is to get his attention before he sets off, find something he is mad about, and as he raises his head to notice the other dog go crazy with his toy or the treat or bone or whatever to grab his attention, and then carry on walking past the dog with his eye still on his prize.

Another suggestion is if he knows 'leave it', for instance with his toys or anything in your houser you dont want him to have, try using it for dogs, but as above, say it before he sets himself off because the longer hes allowed to bark the harder it will be to stop him, catch him in the split second between him raising his head to notice the dog and the baring starting. Use in the same tone you use with toys/food etc, or he won't understand.

And if he doesn't know 'leave it' yet, I highly recommend teaching him, its a reward in itself!

Hope that helps!

Oh, and the other thing to mention is, you might want to give a quick tug on the lead, to the side not to lift the dog up thats absolutly fine, but don't constantly drag the dog with the lead or pull him backwards as this causes dogs to become more agitated

I have a staffy bitch who was like this but she screamed at other dogs i use training discs and they work great but i would recommend seeing a behaviourist dont introduce anything to the dog with out a trainer my trainer used them in tess and she took to them but they can scare some dogs, i would walk with other dog walkers and keep telling him no have some treats in ya pocket dont get stressed out try stay calm (easy said) but it can be sorted if you do pass a dog just keep walking saying good boy whats this and take something he really likes iv been there and mine was horrible if i can sort her you can do it good luck

__________________

HI. I have two rescue's with behavioural issues and I so wish I could turn the clock back to when I first got them. I didn;t deal with the issues correctly in the beginning and although now I am wiser, it is taking me much longer to correct. You sound like you are doing the right thing. Having him on the lead, telling him no when he begins to bark and correcting with a sharp tug of the lead. Initially I would walk away from other dogs, he needs to learn to ignore. I would be really strict with it and ensure my corrections were really firm. It's not easy and if this is not working speak to a professional. I can recommend somebody, I live near Espom in Surrey. Good luck x