CockersOnline Forum

Cocker Specific Discussion => Behaviour & Training => Topic started by: Anita D on May 16, 2012, 05:02:33 PM

Title: Breaking a negative learned behaviour
Post by: Anita D on May 16, 2012, 05:02:33 PM
Can anyone help with breaking a bad behaviour in my 11 month old?

There are two labradors that I walk, not from the same family.  One lab barks at the other and is a bit of a bully.  His owner called in a trainer to sort out the behaviour and they have since moved away and I don't walk him.  But....

Now my 11 month old has copied his behaviour (I think anyway) and now it's him that barks at the labrador.  I can sometimes leave mine at home but it's not always possible.  I don't like leaving him in the van if I can't keep the van in eyesight.

I don't have enough experience to know how to break this and do it in a positive way.  Would anybody be able to advise?

He doesn't do it to anybody else, the only thing I can think of is that it has been learned without my realising.
Title: Re: Breaking a negative learned behaviour
Post by: Sarah/G on May 27, 2012, 07:50:34 PM
have you tried walking up to the lab with your pup on lead, as soon as he goes to bark,
walk the other direction, telling him" ah ah", keep repeating until you can get close without the bark, then reward when he doesn't start shouting ?
Just an idea  :-\

Does he bark the whole walk at the Lab, or just now and again.
Maybe try teaching "watch me" as a distraction technique or "quiet" commands too.
Title: Re: Breaking a negative learned behaviour
Post by: Anita D on May 29, 2012, 10:26:30 AM
Thanks Sarah/G, have been using a combination of what you've suggested.  We are getting their slowly!
Title: Re: Breaking a negative learned behaviour
Post by: Sarah/G on May 29, 2012, 11:24:49 AM
Aw brilliant, keep us posted and Good Luck Anita  ;)