Barking problem...?

Question

I walk a 4-year-old German Shepherd female. She lives with some old people that can't walk her, and I walk her once a day for 25 minutes.

The problem is, whenever she sees another dog, she barks and barks and barks! She jumps and lunges too. In the park, when she meets another dog she's only a bit aggressive in playing. Other dogs and dog owners are scared of her, and though I try to discipline her (a tug on her chain, a firm no, even a little shove), she may shut up but she keeps on doing it when she sees another dog. I don't think she means any harm at all; she's excitable.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to stop her barking? Any methods or products you use (not on the expensive side, please)? Thanks!

Answer 1

First of all, take a step back, and look. How long have you been walking this dog? Has she been doing this the entire time? When you see someone with a dog coming, do you tense up on the leash because you remember how this dog acted last time he saw this dog? Well, first of all, in the words of the Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, you are the one having the problems, not the dog. You are expecting the dog to bark, so you prepare for it. You grip the leash tighter, or position yourself different, or just tense up in your body and the dog senses that. Dogs not only sense fear, but any other emotion. Tension and fear are signs of weakness. Do not make a strong leash correction because the dog can turn that aggression towards you. I have two German Shepherds that are walked daily by myself. We pass by many houses that have dogs barking at us and sometimes pass others with dogs. When they begin to get excited, I stop, immediatly. I make them sit and wait till the other dog passes, but the important thing is I remain calm. If the situration esculates, I make them lay down, and usually when I make them lay down, they are to lay on their side, and sometimes, over on their back. This is a total submissive position. They are submitting not only to you, but to the other dog as well. Another thing, when you are walking her, then you are doing just that, you are walking. She is not allow to sniff, pee, poo or anything else on the walk. Do not stop. Head up and walking straight ahead. Check out The Dog Whisperer on National Geographic Channel for more tips and ideas. You can also look at his. Good Luck

Answer 2

It's a training and socialization issue.. If she's not around other dogs much she's aggressive.. So, when you go to the dog park bring some treats and when she's behaving give her a treat and if she's not remove her from the park immediately... German shepards respond well with Halti training.. It's a special leash, harness that tugs the muzzle when pulled..It does not hurt them.... It might make her mind better.... They aren't expensive...

Answer 3

Have you ever heard of a Gentle Leader? Those things are pretty good, they are pet friendly and safe. They help you control the dog in a humane way that also teaches them when they are doing something wrong.

I use this with my dog and she does pretty good with it, I will admit, at first she didn't really like it, but I saw an instant change. Be sure to watch the DVD that's included with it, it provides lots of knowledge.

Here's a useful link:
http://gentleleader.com/pages.cfm?id=17

I bought mine on ebay.com for about $11 w/shipping and handelin, I think they cost about $24 at Target.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

My dog barks ALL THE TIME! Whenever we are at home and she sees us, she starts barking her head off! Here is a collar that really does WORK! Whenever your dog barks, the collar sprays stuff to scold the dog. Now, whenever we put the collar on, our dog NEVER barks! Yet, when the collar is off, she starts barking again! I know, it's a little spendy, but it REALLY does work! Here is the website:

http://ohs.petfulfillment.com/productdetail.php?productid=1088

I know that this stop your dog from barking! Good Luck!

Answer 5

I think this dog needs to have more of her energy used up. You should take her for a run and if you could do so for longer periods of time it would be beneficial to you both. If you can't or don't like running perhaps you could Rollerblade. I would keep her leash held short so that she is by your side (at your heel) and not out in front of you while you are running/blading. As you say she is excited and wants to play.. she needs to expend more energy.

Answer 6

She has dominance issues. Are you large enough to control her? If not don't walk her. You don't want to get blamed if she breaks free and a fight starts. If anyone gets bitten, you don't want to get in trouble. The behavior you describe is a dominant behavior.