Our mini schnauzer is now 6 months and despite the breed being known for being a bit ‘yappy’ Rufus does not tend to bark very often – hardly ever out and about and in the house.
However if we are in the park or on the fields and he sees a dog from a distance, he goes loopy and barks his little head off!! – this can be a bit embarrassing when the other dog is blatantly ignoring him and sometimes the other owners make me feel like I am a really awful and irresponsible owner or something!

Has anyone any advice? By the way, we go to weekly training classes and he fine there, in fact once he is in contact with any dog the barking stops.

I know he is just shouting ‘hello I am here” out of excitement – and I think its quite cute but obviously a little anti-social!

Is he too young for me to worry yet, and if not how do I put a stop to it?

Many Thanks,
Louise

Hi Louise

Poppy (3 1/2 months) also does this when we are out. The only time she ever barks on the lead is at the sight of other dogs - I'll be interested in the advice you receive :-)

Do you ever let Rufus off the lead? If so, how is he at coming back?

Karen.

Hi

I have never had this problem - but i did read an interesting solution on here the other day about training him to carry a ball with him. Once he has that in his mouth he will be far more interested in not dropping his ball than barking. I thought that was a cracking idea!

HTH
Chloe

thats something I am going to try, only problem is he has never really
got into the ball thing! - no matter how hard I try he doesn't seem bothered by them, and especially not chasing them!! ha ha

But i will try...anything really :-)

Karen- yes we let Rufus off the lead on an almost daily basis in the park
especially when there are suitable dogs for him to play with! - or just on his own! and is absolutley fine coming back (especially when we have a treat waiting for him!!)

The only time I don't let him off is when there are lots of young children about, as he adores children (and their toys even more) and the kids always want to stroke the cute fluffy puppy - but he is still a bit 'bitey' yet - so I don't trust him with children off the lead just yet!

The first time was terrifying but now its great watching him run free and having lots of fun!

Louise x

Louise

Thanks for info - I really need to start letting her off - it is actually quite difficult to find secure places near to us. I will look harder!

Some good suggestions re: barking. Poppy quite likes carrying her toys in the house and out into the garden, so I might try it on our walks. It might also distract her from pulling all the time :-(

BFN
Karen.

Louise, I have the same problem. Oscar acts really bossy in the park, it isn't just dogs but also people. He generally only does it once and then I get him interested in something else. Hopefully someone will have an answer for us all

Try perhaps a water pistol every time he barks. I have bought an ultra sonic collar to stop my dog barking. When she barks it lets out a beep and it worked after two barks. I don't have to put it on her much now just occasionally to reinforce no barking.

Could you please tell me where i could buy a ultra sonic collar from? it sounds a good idea.I have a 18 month scottie that barks like mad when she sees other dogs in the street, but when she get up to them shes fine.