Our 5mth old Pom x Chi has begun barking at everything new or suprising. We took her to a dog show on Sun and she must have barked through most of the day unless she was back in the car away from everyone. She is fine when stroked by people and fine when she actually meets dogs nose to nose (all sizes)
I dont want her to end up as little yappy dog but despite lots of socilaisation in many different places being handled by all my daughters friends nearly all young people of 16+ and going to lots of places with my daughter and me this is becoming a problem when she is out.
Not much of a problem at home where she lives with a gsd and two cats. We do mot carry her around all the time or treat her as a handbag dog!
Any suggestions would be appreciated. She has been to a puppy training class where the barking occasionally showed.

How do you react when she barks? I think you need to make it clear to her that barking isn't allowed... I would personally either say 'no' or a sound like 'ahhhh' everytime she does it. You need to combine this with lots of 'good girl' praise whenshe is nice and quiet. Obviously she is still getting used to all the new sights and smells so I personally wouldn't be too hard on her just yet.

What did the trainer in your puppy class recommend? I know that my trainer would use no/ahhhh with a sharp correction on the lead each time she barked. Whether you agree with that is entirely up to you! If you are still attending the classes I think you should ask your instructor what they would recommend ad well.

Sounds like it could be a case of small dog syndrome! :)

When she's barking, are you holding her up in your arms?  If so, its probably a protective thing - some chi's can be firecely protective of their owners - just make sure all four paws are on terra firma as much as possible!  Other than that, reward silence as the other post instructs.

Sorry, just a thought, did she appear intimidated?

Hi,

Is this a new thing - at 5 months old she could be going through a fear period which is normal part of development.  My youngster went through one at about five and half months and then again at about nine months where she would spook at all sorts of things, (plastic bottles, bags, a road sign, people appearing infont of her) even things she was previously fine with.  The amount of time these stages last depends entirely on the dog and how the situation is handled, they can last any where from a few days to several weeks.

It is really best not to over face the dog or push them into a situation which they are worried by during these stages, equally it is important not to be overly reassuring.  Try being matter a fact and jolly hocky sticks type of attitude.  Make sure that she builds up good assosications with the things she is worried by.  Try pre-empting when she is likley to be worried by have something extra yummy, keep her within her comfort zone and feed her lots of said treats.  It is no good trying to feed her when she's started barking as you don't want to reward that behaviour and end up making her feel she is right to be worried.

I would avoid all type of punishing the behaviour even if it is only verbally because if she is worried then doing do could just make things worse.  Don't try too hard to get her to approach something.  IF she starts barking at a person sat on a bench for example, take her enough distance away that she stops reacting but still in view of the person and start giving her some treats, something high value like chicken or cheese.  That way she can build up a good association with the things that worry her.  When she is relaxed at that distance then you can gradually decrease the distance.

Does she go to training classes or has she been?

Yes she has been to classes with my 16 daughter who Mia actually belongs too ,Although I as granny usually oversee things.and went along with her They have said to give her more socialisation,and keep her focused on us. although sometimes I think if she has much more the poor thing wont get time to know where she lives.  We do try to keep her on the ground as much as possible I dont want her to think she has no legs ! You are right she is less barky (sorry couldnt think of a better word) I think she may have been a bit intimidated by everything on Saturday and was certainly happier sitting in the car boot with the boot open looking out however she barksed. at everything that went past.I think she may have been a bit intimidated by everything on Saturday maybe it was overkill, it was a very busy and chaotic day
The odd thing is that when introduced to people or dogs she is usually very friendly and mostly stops barking until the next new thing comes past.
Maybe I am being to pushy, I get the low key reassurance bit right I thin. I would describe her character as fiesty but the fear period could be part of ot.
I will try more of the rewarding good behaviour. I relly hope we can get over this as it was one of the things that put me off small dogs theirreputation for being yappy. In all ther respects she is great and such a little character within our furry family