Shelby Hello everyone I am asking for advice with Shelby, she is our AAI girl post surgery atm she is pain free. She does have numerous congenital problems but for the most part she is so sweet and gently in the house. Then we go outside she is a raging barker, we have consistantly walking her outside for 1.5 years now post surgery she spent 1 year in home only onto the enclosed porch. She is 3.5 years old now. I have tried to get her over this barking but she is relentless. Barks all the way up to a person and then stops, gets petting, we walk away, same person she is barking her head off. Dogs, squirrels, birds, people, anything that moves she barks. Tried treats, no doesnt work, quiet, no bark, etc. walked the other way turned around and back nothing works. I know her nervous system must be affected with the trauma she endured, surgery, recovery etc, but trying to get her more social is impossible. She is good inside, will bark at noises of course, excellent with grandkids, never bit anyone. So do I resolve myself she will never be social, unable to really take her places, car rides a bit better, vets visit ok. Seeking ways to help her adjust better. Thank you |
I'm wondering of "intense" socialization would help. Sort of the stuff you do with a puppy but she missed because of her illness and isolation. Some of the ideas would be: checking into a local training center to see if you could find a class of similar dogs, with similar problems or small dog socialization time. The more people and dogs she meets with "nothing bad" happening increases her comfort with meeting new dogs and people. try finding a group of friends/people willing to help...and take her on her regular walk, have the people (with or without dogs) casually "meet" you, let her go up, sniff, get a treat then walk on...sometimes you can use the same people and just keep circling the block until she has greeted and met so many people with the same reaction that she begins to look forward to seeing people on her walk. at home/yard, you could play the "pass the puppy" game. Again, a group of friends would sit in a circle, call the puppy have her sit, give her a treat and then someone else would call her...repeat, repeat, repeat. If you want to get her used to going out and about with you...keep taking her on small trips...if her barking seems to make others nervous...I would let them know...she is afraid, and we are trying to help her overcome her fears...ask if they would be willing to help by giving her a special treat...sometimes the answer will be yes, sometimes no...but I find that most people want to help small dogs...they just don't know how. Best of luck...unfortunately there is no fast and easy answer, but the work will be so worth it! I love being able to take my girls everywhere. |
Thank you so very much for the suggestions, I was wondering about the intense socialization, but didnt stop to think about the treat part associations. It makes sense positive reinforcements. Quote:
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I thought you were describing my dog! Minus the surgery, etc. I swear she barks at air all the way up the road till we get to the woods. Then, she's either tired or trees don't bother her. I've tried just about everything, nothing has worked. I've decided that it is not fear, nor agression, but that she feels the need to 'announce' herself to the world (even if no one else is around). Sorry I'm no help... just didn't want you to feel alone.... :D |
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