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Cocker Specific Discussion => Behaviour & Training => Topic started by: miss holly on January 03, 2012, 01:11:05 PM

Title: Chasing and barking at other dogs
Post by: miss holly on January 03, 2012, 01:11:05 PM

Hi

Until very recently, Holly has been well behaved around other dogs. She has lots of doggy friends and has always been fine with them.

A few days ago, a large white dog played very robustly around her and then chased her. There was no aggression, just really vigourous play that seemed to upset her.

Since then whenever she sees large dogs that are unknown to her, she chases and barks at them. It doesn't seem aggressive but is persistent and won't come back when called.

Until now, the other owners have been very understanding but I want to control this before it gets worse.

Holly is a very gentle, quite nervy dog so I suspect it is fear based.

Any help would be really appreciated.

Thanks

Title: Re: Chasing and barking at other dogs
Post by: Pudding on January 03, 2012, 02:03:27 PM

I know what you mean Bob is a bit like that
He loves chasing other dogs and he will bark and bark and bark while he is doing it
it seems to be just playing... he dose not do it to every dog... and if the dog stops running he will stop
and see if he can get it to run some more...
i can see that if your dog is the one being chased by a very barkey dog how this could upset them
as they would not know that the one chasing is just playing
i find that if i walk on he will want to follow me... i will be very interested to see what advice is given
i must say going on lot of COL meets has helped me with this so much.. as they helped me to see
it is just play... 

Title: Re: Chasing and barking at other dogs
Post by: Karma on January 03, 2012, 02:09:23 PM

I suspect a lot of the advice on this thread would be useful... http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=89955.0 (http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=89955.0)

Although that thread is talking primarily about on-lead interaction, some of the techniques suggested will help Holly relax in the presence of other dogs, and give you some methods to stop her chasing them.

Otherwise, continue socialising with known friendly dogs, and praise for any meeting (even distant) where she doesn't bark and chase.

Title: Re: Chasing and barking at other dogs
Post by: miss holly on January 03, 2012, 02:38:07 PM

Thanks for the replies.

I have just got back from a distressing walk in the park. I walk two dogs off lead. Holly saw a large dog ahead also off lead, she went over tail wagging and sniffing but within a few seconds started snapping, barking loudly and chasing it. The other dog didn't respond but my second dog ( the mildest dog on earth!) joined in.

In the space of a couple of days, I seem to have gone from having two gentle dogs that everyone stopped to stroke, to a pair of uncontrollable horrors!

I don't think it's aggressive but it's becoming quite alarming and upsetting.

Thanks again.

Title: Re: Chasing and barking at other dogs
Post by: Karma on January 03, 2012, 03:05:42 PM

Is there any way you can walk your 2 separately for a while until Molly's behaviour is improved... it is quite likely that they could egg each other on in this kind of situation and it could become an established, learned, behaviour for both of them...  :-\

You have my sympathies... Honey can be very grumpy and barking with some other dogs, after a few bad experiences as an adolescent, and for a while she couldn't meet any dog without barking at them (like Molly, it wasn't aggressive as such, and was fear based, but it did quickly become a habit that transferred to most dogs, not just those who she perceived as threatening) and it made walks very stressful.  She is much improved now, but has no tolerance for bad manners... she will play happily with the biggest of dogs if they play nicely, though... she just won't take any nonsense... some owners still take offence at that, but I know enough about dog body language to know when she is justified (most of the time) and when she is being OTT (occassionally, normally when her back is painful).

Title: Re: Chasing and barking at other dogs
Post by: miss holly on January 03, 2012, 03:26:15 PM

Thanks.

Don't know if it's of any significance but Holly's usual approach when other dogs are around is to roll completely onto her back as they approach

That's why these outbursts are so alarming. she has changed completely since being chased at the weekend.

Title: Re: Chasing and barking at other dogs
Post by: marin_uk on February 13, 2012, 07:28:47 PM

I have started having the same problem with our 9 month female. She is ok and can be quite submissive, rolling on her back. Lately with a few dogs that try to play too roughly or that chase her she will turn and bark back quite high pitched as though excited but she def wants to be left alone as she holds her tail under her.
If they are quiet respectful she can still get snappy, I think at times she is very excitable and I'm not sure if it is an outlet for her over excitement. Any advice would be very gratefully received.