Barking at other dogs.

[thoughts_refracted]

Our older dachshund has picked up a new habit: he barks at other dogs while we are outside. He has been getting better about not barking at visitors to our home. We tell him to lay on his bed (it's in the livingroom) and he stays until the visitor wishes to greet him.

The problem is that when he sees a dog coming toward us while we are walking, he strains at the leash. If I don't allow him to approach the other dog, he barks and continues to strain and thoroughly embarasses us. If he is allowed to approach and sniff, he doesn't bark but he still strains, won't listen and is acting spastic. Should I try "leave it", "watch me" (hard when we are walking), "heal" (which is hard for him because he loves to sniff the ground, he is a hound after all).

I am unsure of which way to go. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Herschel]

If he starts to act spastic, kneel down next to him and try "watch me". If that doesn't work, kneel down next to him, rub his chest, and redirect his attention towards you as soon as he starts to strain at the leash.

A good way of teaching him not to be so distraught by other dogs walking by is to stop the behavior before it starts. As soon as you see another dog, start redirecting your dog's attention towards you. After he calms down, allow him to say "hi".