My dog just won't stop barking at other dogs.?

Question

Whether the other dog is on the other side of the street, half a block away, or next to him.
It is quite embaressing, and once he even started a fight with the other dog.

I had the dog sterilized, so it's not hormones.
I asked the vet and he said it is probably a personallity trait.

Does anyone have advice on a good way of training away this behaviour, or am I stuck with it?

Thanks in advance,
Lee

Addition;
He is a crossbreed, but there is a lot of terrier in there, and I suspect some collie.

Answer 1

Missy's suggestion of obedience class is a very good one. It will put your dog in a room full of dogs. The socialization may reduce his need to speak up. Both of you will learn lots of good things to enhance your relationship.

That said, terriers ARE barky dogs. We've had many Schnauzers over the years -- sweet little dogs, excellent burglar alarms. I taught most of them to stop barking on command, but never wanted to teach them not to start barking in the first place.

When your dog barks, don't get mad. You may be glad of that bark one day, when someone breaks in your house, or there's a fire. Let him have a bark or three, then gently place your hand around his muzzle and say "No bark". He'll keep trying. You keep doing the same thing. When he complies (even if it's just because the other dog is out of sight), give him a pat and say "Good dog", but don't make a big fuss out of it. He'll improve, but he will likely never quit the behavior -- it's just who he is.

Aggressiveness is another matter altogether, and cannot be tolerated. Before you start an obedience class with him, discuss this with the instructor. In the meantime, use a sturdy leather leash, and haul him back on his butt any time he makes an aggressive move toward another dog. If you have a local dog park, make use of it. Lots of doggie contact should lessen his need to be forceful. But do the obedience school first, so you and your dog are both sure you can keep him out of trouble!

Answer 2

put a leash on the dog and everytime the dog lets out even the slightest peep, give the leash a short sharp tug and say no barking. be consistant and dont let the dog take advantage of you. keep this up and the dog will figure its not worth getting jerked each time he barks. good luck! and as for other dogs, my dog has the same problem... hates other dogs.. tries to start fights. so, heres what you do. dont let the dog stare or concentrate on another dog AT ALL. as soon as he does pull the leash to get his attention, if that doesnt work, try poking him... you dont need to do anything mean, you just want to take his attention off the other dog. i found that to get my dogs attention the best was to blow in her ear...lol she would give me the "what the heck was that for" look. make sure you have total control over your dog or you will have a hard time. i hope this helps, and if you need any other tips or advice feel free to email me.

Answer 3

Best thing to do is kick it up the **** and whack it across the nose with a newspaper every time it barks at another dog. Pretty soon it will learn that the unwanted behaviour only causes it pain and it will start to behave itself.

Answer 4

you could get a spray bottle and everytime he goes to barking, give him a spray and tell him no. just fill it with plain water. Or you can take an old soada can and throw a couple coins it and every time he starts barking give it a good shake and tell him no and stick with it for awhile cause if he has been doing this barking for a while it might be hard to break so just stick with it.

Answer 5

Not really. He likes to "talk" to other dogs, My dog has the exact same problem, except, he doesn't fight. I think he's just trying to make friends.

Answer 6

of course! a terrier well he is doing what terriors do would you like it if someone trained you not to be able to talk to anyone?

Answer 7

he wants to play. if he does start to fight pull back on the leash and say no as loudly as possible.

Answer 8

it is normal

they are territorial
so they bark at other dogs when they

feel the other dog is in there territory

Answer 9

all depends on the breed just socialize him in obideience classes

Answer 10

What kind of Dog do you have?