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) but the hair standing up freaks ME out!!). I want to know the best most effective way to quash the fear. 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 doesn't seem to be helping yet. 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
Thnk-you,
Sheryl