If your dog (baby boy) is a little guy and he always barks around big dogs (no matter how sweet, kind, loving?

Question

, mellow, calm they are) how do you get him to stop? He was around my friends dogs last weekend (chocolate lab and big white wolf dog looking guy) and it didn't go so well. He barked nonstop for hours running around lunging at them. (He is a Pomeranian.) My aunt is bringing her lab into town this weekend. I don't want to look like I can't control my dog again. What do I do? TIA!

Answer 1

First, your dog is not dominant (just to address the many people who are going to say this).

Pomeranians are vocal dogs to begin with, but barking can also be a distance-increasing behavior, meaning your dog is trying to get the other dogs to go away. This is a sign of fear or anxiety.

Do not punish your dog during this time, as it will only add more negative things to the environment, which will not only decrease his anxiety, but may increase it.

Your best bet is to work with a qualified trainer. Many humane societies now offer "Growl Class" which is specifically for dogs that are reactive to other dogs. These are a great way to gain the skills you need to handle your dog in these situations.

However there are no short-term answers that can get you through this weekend. Give your pup a break and keep him separated from the other dogs.

Answer 2

My daughter is allergic as well and I have a standard Schnauzer and a bichon frice. both have very low pet dander and dont shed. The Schnauzer is about 25 lbs and would be a good size for a 4 yr old as he cant really hurt the dog easily. they make great pets and are very smart, and active enough to be fun without driving you crazy. the bichon is probably a little small for him but they aren't yappy really and make great pets. all in all I'd look in to the standard Schnauzer. the minis are too yappy and the giants are high maintenance. let me add that when I say that they don't shed what I mean is molt. most dogs molt which creats alot of allergie issues. Bichons and poodles and others shed hair like humans do and due to the type of hair it doesnt fall to the ground(cant think of a better way to say it) the hair gets stuck in the hair that ios still attached which is why they will matt badely if not brushed. they also have low dander which helps with the allergies. i would visit with someone who has the type of dog you decide on to see if it bothers him before you get one.

Answer 3

I would keep them seperate and see if you can train him. Get a dog fence or a small one that you put in a doorway and put your puppy on one side, and a larger dog on the other. Teach im not to bark. Give hiom a small dog treat for evrytime he doesn't bark. then open the gate and see how he does. If it does not work, ask your vet to see if they know any good dog trainers. As for when your aunt comes, see if they can be seperated, but try the way i told you before she comes or maybe even with your aunts dog. Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

LOL! Your little man is DOMINANT! In the dog world your size doesn't make you the pack leader, it's your attitude.

Your dog see's YOU as the alpha-dog in the pack because you are in charge. When visiting others you need to keep this little guy on a leash and hush him every time he starts that ****. A very firm and consistent "NO" should be sufficient.
CONSISTENCY WILL BE THE KEY.

However, he will probably always try to be dominant with other dogs unless another dog comes along that can put him in his place. Also,don't be surprised if your dog starts humping other dogs - this is not usually a sex act but a dominance act.

I love little dogs with big attitudes!! And it's funny to see the big dogs submiss to them.

Answer 5

You can't control your dog yourself. I suggest taking your dog to be trained if you have the time it will be well worth it. That is the only possible way to make him stop. If your dog is anything like mine, they are all bark and no bite. But boy do they bark. There's nothing i can do really but yell at them to stop and they do sometimes, but still bark. I have to many to be trained but i know some that have been and they are well behaved. Hope that helps you good luck.

Answer 6

yeah, well...it is that "little dog complex". The best defense is an offense thing...little dogs are NOTORIOUS for this!

Sadly, every time I see a toy breed I rather cringe. I am tired of the snarly little things trying to attack my Border Collie.

You MUST get a handle on this! You obviously can't control your dog. Go to training classes.

If a large dog answers his challenge some day, your dog may be killed. And it will be your dog's fault for inciting the attack.

Answer 7

I have a Great Dane and he now plays with a neighborhood toy poodle. It's pretty funny.

Your dog has a perfectly natural "fight or flee" response. It would be wonderful if you had a big, patient dog to practice with.

When he starts getting excited, if you correct him, really get his attention and make sure he looks at you, and reward him with a food treat and praise if he is quiet even for a second, then three seconds, ten seconds, etc. He'll get over it.


If you can't find a big lug to practice with, take your dog out to a busy park and sit down with him. Practice the above.

^..^

Answer 8

I had a Pom long time ago. She barked to every dog, everyone come to my house. The only time she did not bark was when she was the last enter the area.

So try this. Take her outside, wait until every visitors are inside the house. And bring her back to the house. She is the newcomer.

Answer 9

It's the nature of the beast, I think. The little guys think they're so tough and the big guys are so mellow. I would suggest putting your Pom is a room or outside while the Lab is there. That's the only way I ever get my dachshund to shut up.

Answer 10

Go for a walk with the dog. Everytime you see a dog and your dog starts barking pull on the leash and say. "NO" in a firm voice. It may sound mean but your dog should stop. It worked with my dogs