CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Behaviour & Training => Topic started by: dipsydoodlenoodle on May 23, 2012, 12:07:55 PM
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I don’t know if anyone can offer advice on this.
Charlie is 10months old now – he’s not a barker or a growler in the slightest, he rarely makes any noise in fairness (I’m not bothered, I am just saying in case it sheds any light on to the ‘issue’).
Ok the issue:
He’ll happily be out and about but if another dog barks or growls his tail is between his legs and he roots to the spot – he’s quite scared of other dogs barking (even if they are miles away), he gets quite nervous and scared when there are barks or growls. We went to our second ringcraft class on Monday and he was doing fine, and one dog started crying (impatient I want to play/take part crying) and he was rooted to the spot. If one of the dogs barked he wanted to hide and run away. I’m just wondering is there anything I can do to help him get over his fear of dog barking (if the neighboughs dog barks he’s ok with that). Normally I just talk to him, tell him he’s a good boy and give him a bit of attention (a little stroke). When he was littler if a dog barked at him he’d root to the spot and would not move, now he’ll root to the spot and then run past it or shy away. He’s ok with dogs, he likes to say hello and play – just when they bark he gets upset.
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I haven't got time for a longer post i'm on my way out but one thing i would say is when he is showing some fear or uncertainty don't stroke him and tell him good boy trying to soothe him as this will just teach him that it's ok to behave in this way and get praise for it IYSWIM. ;)
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dont know if this would work but how about getting a cd with dogs barking on and desensitising him to barking? The same way you would use a fireworks sound CD. start off with the cd on really low so he is not worried by it at all and use really tasty treats while it's playing. as soon as the cd stops so do the treats. you would just gradully increase the sound of the barking over a period of time turning a negative association into a positive one. It may just be a starting point to help him!
Clare
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I haven't got time for a longer post i'm on my way out but one thing i would say is when he is showing some fear or uncertainty don't stroke him and tell him good boy trying to soothe him as this will just teach him that it's ok to behave in this way and get praise for it IYSWIM. ;)
Agree with this completely.