Zeke is 9 and has no problem learning new commands but it may be that he is remembering previous training. I got him after he had to spend a month in the shelter and he is very easily startled and frightened and thus, barks a lot. I agree with Mike that aggressive barking is a defense mechanism.
Zeke gets scared everytime he sees another dog he
turns totally crazy attempting to "attack" other dogs. My reasoning is because he is scared he barks and occasionally attacks.
He very seldom barks inside now because each time there was a threat--outside noise, neighbors--I picked him up and talked soothingly to him.
However, that's not working outside for us. I was pretty much at my wit's end. So now we just stand off the thoroughfare and basically watch people and dogs go by. Yesterday he stayed calm as 4 dogs walked by. So I have some hope we can conquer Zeke's fear.
Good luck. |