Dog barking SUDDENLY

Question
QUESTION: Our 2 year old Pomeranian/Maltese/Cockapoo Sadie started freaking out barking a few months ago; she was pretty quiet until then. We live in a small town rural area and we do have deer, racoons, coyotes, bears, and other peoples' dogs occasionally wander through our large yard which she will see through the windows, or get their scent from our gas fireplace vent, and will suddenly leap, barking ferociously, from sleeping while we watch TV and run to the windows continuing to bark. We've tried reassuring her, showing her there's nothing outside, commanding her, but it's getting worse instead of better. Very startling/distressing for us and she quivers all over until she's settled. Now the only place she doesn't do this is in the bedroom at night or when she's napping with my husband. What can we do to calm her down so she doesn't think she has to fight off everything and protect us? Thank you for your help. Besides this behaviour she is a delightful angel who gets lots of exercise and outings outside with us.

ANSWER: YOu need to desensitize the dog with direct encounter with other people and animals [dogs]. Your dog doesn't know how to respond and thinks any foreign scent is a danger. Enroll the dog in obedience/socialization classes and work with other dog owners in getting your dog to properly meet and greet.  Meanwhile, crate the dog at night with a blanket over the top to keep out noises and scents.

regards,
henry ruhwiedel
www.dogkennel.org

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We take our dog for walks every day and meet up with dogs and people, some new acquaintances and some old furry friends with their owners. Sadie greets them all eagerly without fear or barking and plays very nicely with all but the most aggressive strange dogs. However we don't let her off her leash when we are near roads. It's only at home inside that she gets over-excited and quivery when she thinks she sees something or when she hears something. When out, she's just happy. What does this mean and how can we alter her barking behaviour in the house?

Answer
In public the dog sees and scents the other dogs. At home there is no sight or scent to explai to her brain what is going on. When at home, try to provide the dog with the ability to see what is disturbing it. THis can be done with a friend and dog outside, while your dog is inside. I suggest you locate a local trainer to assist you to determine what the dog is reacting to and how to best provide an immediate positive response. You should also read "The Dog that Loved too Much" that details some case histories in this area.

regards,
henry ruhwiedel
www.dogkennel.org