One of our clients asked specifically about why a younger dog shows this behaviour.
Lunging and barking at other dogs is a problem we see regularly and it’s a big topic. But it is so common in a younger, second dog that our first question to anyone who asks for help with this problem is “How old is your other dog?”
In a small group of dogs, the barking and lunging arises from frustration – this is most common in dogs who have been allowed to play freely with other dogs in puppyhood and then become frustrated when they are prevented from approaching and interacting with every other dog they see when they are adults.
Perhaps the puppy has been allowed to bully and pester the older dog as well as being allowed to meet and play with lots of other dogs in the mistaken belief that this is good socialisation. Then, as he grows up and his ‘puppy licence’ expires, he is expected to walk with his owner and ignore other dogs, which produces the frustration – and the subsequent barking and lunging.
But this is rarely the issue with a younger dog. The majority of dogs who show this lunging barking behaviour do so out of fear. The vicious sounding barking and lunging is saying “Go away, go away”. This response may be linked to poor genetics, where the dog was born pre-destined to be fearful, alongside and possibly made worse by poor socialisation as a puppy.
Training methods can also create the problem – telling the dog off and yanking it away using the lead will always make things worse. And dog parks are dangerous for fearful dogs – dog parks tend to be full of excited and aroused dogs running around and the potential for a cautious fearful dog to have a bad experience which then triggers barking and lunging at other dogs is huge.
Such puppies need confidence. And this is where having an older second dog doesn’t help. The presence of the older dog often masks that the puppy is struggling during that critical early socialisation period. The puppy’s fear and discomfort is hidden behind the older dog’s confidence, often until adolescence – when suddenly it all becomes obvious and the lunging and barking starts.
Prevention is better (and easier) than cure – treating each dog you have as an individual. Give each dog separate walks, separate play time with you, and limit interactions with your other dog(s) for that important first year with you. Yes, it’s lots more work, but it pays huge dividends later on.
If you already have a problem with your dog barking and lunging then there are a few things you can do to help:
– avoid busy areas so your dog doesn’t get the chance to practice the behaviour
– keep your lead loose – tightening the lead is a common trigger for the behaviour
– be more FUN – if your dog is focusing on you and playing with you they are less likely to notice or react to other dogs
– practice “get out of town” techniques – turn and run away, or back up recalls
Ideally, you want to teach your dog a different response to other dogs, which is fairly straightforward to do, once you know what to do, but it does take a long time and lots of practice.
Keep training,
Carol