Odd Behavioural Issue

[Eurolandy]

Folks,

Can anyone help me with a behavioural issue with Lexi my 3½ year old Cocker.

Lexi is extremely well behaved whilst out walking with either my wife or myself on our own. She walks to heal and there are no issues with pulling on the lead or socialising with people or other dogs etc. The problem is when my wife and I are out together either in our local area or further afield. Lexi will start barking and will not walk to heal. This can last up to ten minutes before she finally calms down somewhat. At no time is she aggressive, it seems more excitement. This can be a little embarrassing but I'm more concerned with the possible long term effects on Lexi. I've done an internet search but nothing similar has come up (Sorry if I've missed something on here posted previously).

As a puppy she seemed OK, it's just in the last 12 to 18 months this behaviour has been noticed. If we are out, away from home, I normally put her back in the car for a few minutes (she has a dedicated area to the boot) only getting her out again when she seems to calm down. This can improve matters but is not ideal (not ideal on a hot summers day either).

We naturally would like to get this sorted ASAP as we do spend a lot of time away from home on short breaks (in our Touring Caravan) and to be honest it does put us off going away slightly knowing we may have issues every time we go out.

Any help or advice anyone can give would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Chris (and Lexi)

[bizzylizzy]

Hi, - I don't have any advice I'm afraid but  do recognize the problem! Humphrey's not brilliant on the lead at the best of times but we're getting there however there's a marked difference when I'm out with him on my own to when my OH is with me and if my two sons or anyone else are with us, he behaves as if he's not had a days training in his life! He doesn't bark but becomes over excited and its very hard to get him to focus.
It would interest me to know what the reason is - not sure if they suddenly feel the necessity to take charge because we're distracted and  or maybe, in a roundabout way, don't feel so secure because they don't have our undivided attention?
Will be following this post in the hope that someone has some advice! Keep us posted!

[lescef]

I don't have any advice either but do understand. I have two cockers and one is quite  excitable. If they're out together Bramble is more barky, but on her own she is quiet and tends not to react to things that she would if they were together.  I know that it is learned behaviour and that you should avoid practicing it!
Maybe a positive behaviourist could help, or if you are on fb there is a good group called Dog training advice and support. Good luck!

[ips]

Folks,

Can anyone help me with a behavioural issue with Lexi my 3½ year old Cocker.

Lexi is extremely well behaved whilst out walking with either my wife or myself on our own. She walks to heal and there are no issues with pulling on the lead or socialising with people or other dogs etc. The problem is when my wife and I are out together either in our local area or further afield. Lexi will start barking and will not walk to heal. This can last up to ten minutes before she finally calms down somewhat. At no time is she aggressive, it seems more excitement. This can be a little embarrassing but I'm more concerned with the possible long term effects on Lexi. I've done an internet search but nothing similar has come up (Sorry if I've missed something on here posted previously).

As a puppy she seemed OK, it's just in the last 12 to 18 months this behaviour has been noticed. If we are out, away from home, I normally put her back in the car for a few minutes (she has a dedicated area to the boot) only getting her out again when she seems to calm down. This can improve matters but is not ideal (not ideal on a hot summers day either).

We naturally would like to get this sorted ASAP as we do spend a lot of time away from home on short breaks (in our Touring Caravan) and to be honest it does put us off going away slightly knowing we may have issues every time we go out.

Any help or advice anyone can give would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Chris (and Lexi)

I think it may be that the lexi thinks that because your probably chatting to each then your not focused on her, your not a team. I have similar problems when working my bitch if the wife is with us.
Could be way off the mark but that's my two peneth

[ejp]

There is a difference in Daisy when my OH comes with us on a walk.  Not sure why, but it is noticeable.