Barking for other peoples attention in public.
 

Draco has this habit of demanding the attention of others by barking when we're out in public. I'm not sure how to correct it. Leaving the store or place every time isn't always possible. It's usually at checkout line, when people start to notice him and give him attention from afar. He gets really excited, meeting them/bringing them over doesn't help. And not allowing them to come over doesn't either.
At home he never really barks unless it's to alert me of mailman/delivery guy which honestly I'm grateful for since I never seem to hear them arrive. So it's kinda of hard to mark the barking when we're on our own.

This problem in the past didn't bother me much, because I rarely took him to stores. But I've been dating someone, and would like to bring Draco along on outings because most the places we go are quite dog friendly. This behavior makes it difficult.

How would I correct this behavior in public? Do you think a class would actually work or personal training? Has anyone already been through this and have tips to offer?

Teaching him commands, like to sit, lay down, come was all easy and pretty much depended on my own consistency but he picked it up quickly and it doing just as well since I've started practicing more.

Lilah has the same issue and it is a difficult one because she barks with excitement and then people pet her (since that is clearly what she is seeking) reinforcing her negative attention seeking. I feel that it is a socialization issue and that I hav kept lilah at home too much (dangit!) so we have been trying to incorporate more free form social opportunities. For us that has primarily been taking lilah to work one day a week with very close supervision. When she is in my lap she doesn't have anything to say to anyone and if she is 'free roaming' - which is still actually very closely supervised- she has the opportunity to walk up to folks in a very low key manner and share a greeting that does not involve barking. My goal is that greeting people outside our group will b so typical (not oh my gosh who is that?! Strain on my leash!) and relaxed that she will be unimpressed meeting her tons of cooing admirers.

Lilah is two, we have a household of eight, farm animals, family who love on the same property and are regularly in and out, we have had our share of vet visits and pet store jaunts and trips to the park but because we are always suc a big group we are kind of unintentionally clannish I suppose...I think lilah needed more one on one socialization opportunities, that she is mostly well adjusted but that we need to work on this area....lol, anyway- not to thread high jack! But to empathize, share my observations as someone experiencing a similar issue and looking forward to additional input :) I will be watching this thread!

How old is your baby?

Draco is two too!
And I'm sure you're right about the socialization since I do live alone. His behavior is literally just shops/cafe patios and where he can't get to all the people he sees. I take him to friends places if there's a get together where new people are coming and going, and he's fine when people come over. He does well at parks and such though I guess because there are more interesting things than just people.

Perhaps more trips to the pet store and just starting there will be something to work, I only go like once a month but will try once a week like you at your job. It's the only place I can think that I can practice these tips I found.

So far this youtube video seems the most helpful to me. Many of the videos have the tips of ignore then reward when they are quiet. But doesn't work because he's quiet at home.
Teach Dog to Stop Barking - Treatpouch

Yes, lilah is quiet at home too- unless of course someone comes in the door, lol- I mean, she is still a Yorkie ;) but like you say- we walk, we sit t coffee shops and it's not like she incessantly barks at people! But standing there- especially in a store or other relatively stationary location that is potentially interactive, where people are pointing at her and exclaiming (she know they want to see her!) the loud barking is her response, argh. Honestly, a firm no is a very effective tool for the most part but not all of the time. I had wanted to show when I got lilah originally- and I still do truly- but boy what a learning curve I had to catch first! :) I have really been enjoying every minute of it too. I read a lot of books before I got lilah and I feel that in a lot of ways I was educated and prepared but in other areas I have had a lot to learn. Also, practical application is a totally different thing! Lol. I think we will get it :daisy: I have been reading a lot about the show world and attending some shows and learning a ton there too- I giggle at my grandiose ideas and what amazing lessons lilah continues to teach me :love: :yorkieg: