Hello, we have two rescued shepherd mix pups from the humane society. A little over 1 year old, both are males ( Brothers ) they are really good dogs but seem to like to bark at just about anyone passing by.
At home they are indoors most of the time and are, for the most part, well behaved. When in the back yard they are fenced in but free to roam around the yard. On one side of the yard we have a chain link fence and I have seen some neighbor kids teasing them on occassion and though I asked the kids to stop I have still seen them trying to get a rise out of the dogs on occassion. Now, it seems, they bark more when people pass by and especially at kids. We had taken them camping a couple times last season and they enjoy it but I have had some problems with them barking at kids in the campgrounds. I found if we take them in the camper they do ok but I want them to be able to hang outside with us without bothering other campers. Does anyone have ideas or good methods to control the barking without having to constantly move them inside until the kids are gone.
Have you talked with the neighbor kids lately and or their parents? It sounds to me that the neighbor kids teasing your dogs is getting the dogs ticked at all kids and people who pass at home or the campground. Have you thought about putting those luvers or whatever they are called in the chain link fence so that it is solid and your dog can not see through it. That may help at home. I'm sorry, I don't have any suggestions for the campground.
My dog is fine around other people....he doesn't play well with other dogs is our problem :'( I wish he wouldn't bark at other dogs. We are lucky, after a few hours at the campsite my dog calms down/learns our boundary and he doesn't bark. He still eyeballs the other dogs as they pass, but he stays seated (always on a leash).
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
Lots of training and socialization is needed (but let me be clear, most every dog needs training and socialization, not just yours so please don't take it personally). That will help you fix the problem instead of just working with the problem. If your dogs are well trained, it will be harder for the neighbor kids to mess with them.
When I got my first dog my mom invested in a personal dog trainer who taught us sooo much! An Australian shepherd/husky mix is a terrible idea for a first pet. Without those training classes I believe my dog would have been a terror and possibly had to be put down. I'm not really fond of the Petsmart classes (I went to the very first one my local petsmart did and the instructor was so nervous she threw up 10 minutes into the class). But I'm sure petsmart has gotten way better since then. In fact, my neighbors went there with their dog and I could see an immediate difference.
Do you ever watch Caesar Milan, the dog whisperer? I think he has a show on Animal Planet. He walks with the dogs past whatever their trigger is. As soon as they start to lose it he changes direction. Often he keeps their attention on a treat as he does it. In a single episode you watch a dog that goes crazy at other dogs or kids be able to walk by another dog with almost no problem. I suggest working with the dogs individually to start with. My dog could care less about other dogs, but put her with another dog and then she barks at dogs that pass by.
Having a dog that behaves is all well and fine, but having a well trained dog that jumps at your commands is something really awesome.
Good luck,
Let us know how it's going!
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