[Basset Momma]

Jake thinks he is king of the neighborhood! In the last few weeks he has challenged every dog in every yard to a barking contest. It would not be so bad except he has the deep basset bark and I know everyone in the neighborhood can hear him! He only does it on walks. He seems to know every house with every dog... even the ones inside and has to pause at each one and really let loose with attitude. I scold and pull him away but there must be a better way! I actually pulled a muscle in my shoulder dragging him away last week. Is there any other training technique I might try? I even bought a double lead to take him and Sami together thinking maybe that might keep him occupied- but he's as stubborn as... well... a basset!

 

[JoniFog]

Sounds typical houndie to me, Wendy! When I take Cody for his walks, he has all his certain places where he just has to stop. And when we get around the corner, there is an older guy there who always feeds him a nice big biscuit if he's outside when we come by. Cody always remembers this, and will stop and stare at the house!

 

[Mikey T]

"even the ones inside and has to pause at each one and really let loose with attitude. I scold and pull him away but there must be a better way! I actually pulled a muscle in my shoulder dragging him away last week. Is there any other training technique I might try?"


First the question is who is taking whom for a walk. It appears the dog is control and to further assert his superiority he lets evey dog know who is free and who is confined.


The first step is to regain control of the walks.
What are you using as a collar on the walks? A harness, a flat buckle collar? Get something else that gives you more contol, a head halter, a training collar(prong or choke) or a halter specific to train like the sporn or Sense-ible harness


Loose Leash Walking

Another good source for you to solve this problem is Ceasar Milano - the Dog Wisperer on the National Geographic Channel. While I think a lot of his "postive and Negative energy" is a load of crap he does a real good job of demonstrating the importance of body lanquage both yours and the dog when it comes to training.
I also don't buy the Human as alpha crap which is different than human as leader which is a must. When you take control of the walks I am pretty sure the barking will cease.

LEADERSHIP BASICS "From the dog’s perspective, only someone they respect has the right to control, direct or inhibit another dog’s behavior. Turned around the other way, this means that if you can’t control, direct or inhibit your dog’s behavior (especially at critical or highly exciting times), your dog is making it quite clear that he does not consider you higher status – in other words, he doesn’t respect you, a clear sign that your leadership is inadequate for that dog (though it may be quite adequate for another dog with a different personality.)"

How Much Does Your Dog's Cooperation Weigh?

TEACHING SELF CONTROL

THE FINE ART OF OBSERVATION

 

[Anonymous]

I used to have difficulty walking Francis until I had to get a harness (less pressure in the head which could aggravate his glaucoma) It really gave me more control and I eventually got him very well trained on a leash. For some reason he responded more to guidance from the harness.
He eventually got very well trained at walking which served us in excellent stead when he lost his eyesight.
Our first walks after he went blind were pretty easy because he knew what was expected of him.

 

[Basset Momma]

I've got a regular harness but will look into a training one. Since this behavior has only recently started I'm hoping to get him under control quickly- Thank you for the links - I'm sure they'll help!

Samantha just trots along with a simple collar and enjoys her time out- I wish Jake would do the same!