Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Dogs > Hyper sensitive and new puppy

Hyper sensitive and new puppy

19 9:39:21

Question
Hi. I have a standard poodle who barks at everything, she is hyper sensitive to her environment and super quick. She barks at dogs barking people talking seeing dogs and people. I have previously tried many methods. Positive reinforcement, but she doesn't take treats and I cant set up situations. Stopping and sitting her backwards and making her stay but she continues to bark. I have a Halti head collar and tried today keeping her from looking around at all by keeping her head forward with quick pulls and a loose lead. This worked about 90% as long as I was quick to correct her. I have heard that negative reinforcement can do more damage than good in a scared dog. But what I am doing seemed to work today. What do you think about my method, and how can I help her to relax. I have also tried running her on a bike for an hour but by the end she still had the same intensity even though she looked tired and slowed. I have a treadmill she gets on with out a lead and I trot her for about 10 min then walk her for 5-10 min. I try to do this 2 times a day and get her out for a short walk 2 times. And this is the past few weeks.

My dog also has started being a pest to other dogs during play time, she thinks that when they are lunging at her to discipline her that they are playing. If they ignore her she barks at them and bites their shoulders until they lunge. I have tried telling her no and it doesn't really work. And she is so quick off leash that I cant touch her to calm her. I am thinking of buying a vibrating collar to discipline her from afar. Could this work? What can I do?

I am also getting an 11 week old standard poodle puppy in June. I did try looking for an older calm dog first but my location, AK, prevents me from adopting what I'm looking for. My puppy will come very socialized and confident. My dog is very submissive and I plan on making the new puppy the alpha. I plan on keeping them apart when outside so the puppy will not pick up my dogs bad habits. Is it possible to raise a puppy to be well socialized in my situation? I am also looking into fostering a calm socialized dog to help both my dogs learn about the world. This is something I really want to do but I haven't heard from the rescue yet.

bambi is 24 1/2. sire is 25in and dam is 24in  I am picking from 3 possible males. big pink, alpha of the whole litter and he lets everyone know, even the sister of the mom seems to respects his rank. I am thinking because of Bambi's submissive urination that he may make her pee all the time, even when he first gets here.

Big green, he is number three and huge biggest of the litter. He doesn't really demonstrate his position. He seems unfazed and has his mouth open in a lot of pictures. Honestly he reminds me more of a lab than a poodle in demeanor and a little in looks. He has started showing some interest in people.

Lennie, a lover. He loves people the most of the litter, and he also loves his mother. He seems gentle and in in the middle on the pack.

All three are very confident and always have their tails up in pictures. I feel like they are all likely to be alpha over Bambi because they are males and should be her height or taller. Me and my husband are leaning toward Lennie still considering big green and leaning away from big pink. Who do you think would do well with us? And any socialization tips would be appreciated, this will be my first time trying to socialize.

Answer
Mandy;
The best thing to do is to get your pup and your adult to a Class!
Even though you live in a rural location, there has to be a Petsmart, or a Park class especially in summer time!
It is imperative, that you get a handle on the biting thing!
That is not acceptable to own dogs that do this with outside dogs...and the barking indicates that she is still in a "Non social" behavior pattern!
Bringing in a Puppy will bring out more of that behavior, and possibly she will do it with the new dog!
So, in order for you not to deal with Mayham...it is necessary that you take them out asap.
And do this with the older dog separately into the class environment, the teacher will give you the help on a one on one basis, that you will need for support ongoing!
The best thing is to keep doing it!
Dogs like this need to build "Confidence" and they are insecure when they "Lash out" with others!
It is necessary to keep them in this neutral training environment for a great while so they can learn from "Repeat, repeat, repeat" that everything is not out to get them!
So, get going,
Especially since you have a short fuse in getting another one.
Enjoy them,
But, for sure, take the time to do the "TRAINING"!
"SOCIALIZATION" IS JUST WHAT THE WORD MEANS....SOCIALIZE!
Have to go to the group to get the training.

Best regards,
Melissa