barking at other dogs.

Question
hi shelley
          i have a labxcollie and every time i take him out walking and we meet other dogs he just barks all the time and is very playfull and jumps all over them and i dont know what to try too stop it as it can be embarresing he is 16 m0nths old.please help. sam

Answer
Hi Sam,

Thank you for writing to me about your LabxCollie's barking problems while out walking.

Labs are known to be late bloomers, not reaching full maturity sometimes until they are 3 yrs. old, so 16 months is still very young.  My suggestion is to sign up for a basic puppy training class.  There, they will teach you all the basic skills, including having your dog walk in a mannerly fashion at your side, listen to your commands and become a joy to go out walking with.  You can also sign up for private sessions to fine tune what you have learned in class.

It would also be a great idea to get tapes and books that deal with training your dog in basic commands and puppy manners.

Some books and tapes I would recommend for training your dog and understanding why he does what she does are:


ON TALKING TERMS WITH DOGS: CALMING SIGNALS 2ND. ED.
by Turid Rugaas
One of our all time best selling books. Turid Rugaas is a noted expert on canine body language, notably "calming signals" which are signals dogs give to other dogs and humans to denote stress and to attempt to defuse situations that otherwise might result in fights or aggression.
dogs, or becomes fearful when approached by other dogs.


YOUR OUTTA CONTROL PUPPY
by Teoti Anderson
A fabulous new puppy behavior problem book from leading trainer Teoti Anderson. Find out about all the cutting edge positive training methods you can use to get your puppy under control.
    
FEISTY FIDO: HELP FOR THE LEASH AGGRESSIVE DOG
by Patricia McConnell & Karen London
Get the ability to leash-walk your dog around others, whether it's down the sidewalk or at the vet clinic, knowing that your dog will walk politely by another dog, rather than causing a scene.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN DOGS
by Bill Campbell
All veterinarians and most dog owners should have this one! Presents humane, efficient, and effective ways of dealing with negative behaviors.

DOGS ARE FROM NEPTUNE
by Jean Donaldson
Candid answers to urgent questions about aggression and other aspects of dog behavior! Positive reinforcement methods include clickers, food, praise. From the author of the best seller, Culture Clash which I also highly recommend.      

TAKE THE LEAD: LEADERSHIP EDUCATION FOR ANYONE WITH A DOG
Avoid behavior problems or regain control of a Pushy Pooch. Easy and fun daily activities.  

DOGS BEHAVING BADLY
by Nicholas Dodman
Tackles common behavior problems and presents simple, sensible instructions on diet, exercise, environment and lifestyle changes any pet owner can safely do to change behavior.
    
DOGS ON THE COUCH
by Larry Lachman & Frank Mickadeit
Apply the tools of Family Systems Therapy and Behavior Therapy to analyze and treat a variety of problems that have eluded owners using traditional dog training methods.  

OVERCOMING DOG PROBLEMS
by Silvia Hartmann-Kent
Practical, commonsense strategies and solutions for dealing with the emotional and physical aspects of living with a less-than-perfect dog. Step-by-step problem-solving for such things as separation anxiety, aggression, the rescued dog, more.

NEW BETTER BEHAVIOR IN DOGS
by Bill Campbell
Understand the causes of negative behavior. Learn how you may be inadvertently creating problems, and how to solve them. Specific instructions for solving irritating problems!
preventative measures and a variety of practical remedial training techniques.

HOW TO BE THE LEADER OF THE PACK
by Patricia McConnell
Learn how to love your dogs without spoiling them and provide boundaries without intimidation.
    
LEADER OF THE PACK
by Nancy Baer & Steve Duno
If you have unknowingly handed over the leadership of your pack to your dog, here is a practical, straight-forward training book to help you get back that leadership!

SURVIVING YOUR DOG'S ADOLESCENCE
by Carol Lea Benjamin
Learn how to survive your dog's "hooligan" teenage years. Techniques to turn a bratty dog into a wonderful companion.

TAKE THE LEAD: LEADERSHIP EDUCATION FOR ANYONE WITH A DOG
by Terry Ryan
Dogs need a leader, and this little book will help open channels of communication and enable you to establish that leadership.

DOG PROBLEMS
by Carol Lea Benjamin
Guide to preventing and correcting problems such as aggression, chewing, housesoiling, biting, shyness and much more.  

HELP! THIS ANIMAL IS DRIVING ME CRAZY
by Daniel Tortora
Using psychological techniques, Dr. Tortora retrains dogs with wide ranging behavioral problems.  

THE ULTIMATE PUPPY TOOLKIT
by Sydney Bleicher & Peggy van Dam
A complete, fun, step-by-step guide to raising a happy, well-adjusted dog. Helps with socialization, problem prevention, games, junior obedience, and house training.

LASSIE, COME! DVD
by Patricia McConnell
From popular trainer/behaviorist, this DVD uses positive reinforcement and an understanding of canine behavior to make coming when called a fun exercise for both you and your dog.

THE ONLY DOG TRAINING BOOK YOU'LL EVER NEED
by Gerilyn Bielakiewicz
From avoiding accidents to banishing barking, the basics for raising a well-behaved dog.

HOW TO BEHAVE SO YOUR DOG BEHAVES
by Sophia Yin
If you want a well-behaved dog, you're going to have to modify your own behavior in order to modify his. Dr. Yin's positive approach to correcting and training your dog's behaviors will help you see the world from your dog's perspective and provide the necessary training tools to effect astounding behavioral changes.

OUTWITTING DOGS
by Terry Ryan
From world-renowned dog trainer Terry Ryan, with Kirsten Mortensen. Use your brain rather than brawn to motivate your dog's behavior with positive training techniques and solve behavior problems.

POSITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SOLVING STANDARD BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS DVD
by Pamela Dennison
For dog owners or trainers of any level, this seminar addresses typical problem behaviors using positive training methods. Positive solutions are discussed and implemented.

DOG OWNER'S MANUAL - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS, TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS, AND ADVICE ON LIFETIME MAINTENANCE
by David Brunner & Sam Stall
Operating instructions, troubleshooting tips, and advice on lifetime maintenance - plenty of useful advice for both new and experienced dog owners!

HOW TO SAY IT TO YOUR DOG
by Janine Adams
How to solve behavior problems in ways your dog will understand. A positive approach to training and care.

DOGS MISBEHAVING: SOLVING PROBLEM BEHAVIOR WITH BACH FLOWER AND OTHER REMEDIES
by Martin Scott & Gael Mariani
Discover how to eradicate or prevent undesirable canine behaviour by combining effective flower remedies with practical dog training methods.
  
THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH
by Patricia McConnell

NATURAL DOG TRAINING
by Behan

THE DOG WHISPERER
by Paul Owens

If you put the time and energy into training your dog correctly at this young age, you will have the perfect family dog for your dog's lifetime.  A worthwhile investment!

Best of luck with your sweet dog.

Shelley Davis
www.bednbiscuit.com