Fear-Barking

[Hoover]

We adopted our 7-9 mth-old schnauzer/collie mix, Hoover, 10 days ago. He came from the animal controller's house with a bunch of dogs which were close to Death Row (the animal controller saw hope in him - and so did we...). He has become a lovely family dog already but is showing great fear at strangers outside the house (barking and hackles near tail and shoulders up from the moment he sees a person; he growled at someone once- she was warily trying to approach him). He generally doesn't seem like an aggressive dog (my 3 & 5 year old can attest to that). I don't know what to do with the barking and I don't know if I should let people approach him - the hair standing up freaks ME out!!). My immediate instinct is to muzzle his mouth and say "No!" but, as I've read, its giving him attention which may re-inforce the behaviour. Ignoring certainly isn't helping. As with my children, I feel like the way in which we respond to behaviours now will influence his lifelong personality....I want to do this right!! Apart from more socialization, which I know he really needs, how should we respond to the barking? Any advice or success stories are welcome!!
Thnk-you,
Sheryl

 

[Lilly Tilly]

Hi Sheryl, i don't have any advice for you as i myself am trying to learn about dogs with reactive "issues".

I wonder tho, Hoover must have been friendly with you and your family when you first got him. Does he only "react" inappropriately to strangers when he is in your home?

I'm in a similar situation, but my 85 lb rescue girl reacts in a very freaky way to other dogs, she is fine with people. Not an easy thing, as there are not many places to go where one does not see other dogs. I can't even take her to the grocery store for fear someone will park a dog close to us. Good thing we have a 200 foot driveway with lots of tree frontage.

There is a book called "Scaredy Dog" by Ali Brown, about how to rehabilitate a reactive dog. i think we both need to read it.

best to you and Hoover!

Lilly and GypsOphelia