Barking at Familiar Faces – the Alpha solution
Bob writes: We have two dogs - a Chow mix aged 6 years and a Labrador mix aged 5 years. Both are neutered males and both came from people who had to get rid of them. The owner of the Lab found out he was allergic and the owner of the Chow was moving house and couldn't keep him at his new house.
I have a stepson that the Lab always barks at. No matter what we try he still barks non-stop whenever he comes into the house. I know the dog is afraid of him because he will go behind a chair and bark. I know my stepson has never done anything to the dog. When he's barking I can't even get his attention. We have tried squirt guns which seemed to work for a while but now he pretty much ignores that.
The only other time we have a problem is when we are walking and another dog comes near him. I try and make him sit when other dogs go by but he just goes nuts.
He is an extremely energetic dog. Right now we try to lock him in a bedroom whenever my stepson comes into the house. It seems to keep him quiet for a while. I tried to get the dog to walk with both of us but the dog was so scared he slipped his collar.
The Lab’s previous owner said a neighbor used to be mean to the dog. The Lab had also gone through heartworm treatments. The only other thing I can think of to mention is that my stepson sleeps in a detached garage and is kind of a night owl so he comes in the house when we're asleep. We used to sleep with the bedroom door open but now keep the dogs with us and the door shut.
We have used some of the techniques in your book and were doing quite a few things wrong so it has helped but not as much as we would hope for. Thanks for any help you can give us.
Kingdom of Pets Replies:
Your Lab’s barking at your stepson and his aggression towards other dogs when you’re out walking suggests that he doesn’t see you as the leader of the Pack.
Become the Alpha dog
I recommend you read and use the Alpha techniques as set out in the bonus Alpha Book. It is really important that your Lab knows that you are in charge. In the wild, the Alpha dog determines how the pack will react in various situations, so if your dog knows that you are the Top Dog, and you are happy to greet other dogs, or have your stepson come in and out of the house, he should be okay with that too.
Try a gentle introduction
Start in a neutral territory away from the house such as at a park. Have your lab on a leash and preferably a head collar to make things easier and give you better control. Play with your dog or run through commands with him, keeping it fun and praising and treating good behavior. Get your stepson to approach from a distance completely ignoring your dog and not making any eye contact. If your dog continues to focus on you and not bark at your stepson, continue to treat, praise and play. Gradually have your stepson come a little closer. If your lab starts to bark and misbehave you should both turn around so you are not facing the dog and completely ignore him. This way he will learn that barking at your stepson means no treat, play or praise and no attention at all.
Over several regular sessions you should get to the point where your stepson and dog can be in the same place without your dog reacting. At this point have your stepson interact with the dog with play or treats. Let them build a bond over these sessions and once this is established move the whole scenario closer to home such as in the front yard. Once your dog is comfortable with this you can move into the house and keep it up. If possible, ask your stepson to start feeding your dog his morning and/or evening meal.
With gentle introductions, alpha training, plenty of exercise and a little obedience everyday your dog should be a lot more confident and get on a lot better with your stepson.
All the best,
Daniel Stevens and the Secrets to Dog Training Team
"Secrets to Dog Training - STOP Dog Behavior Problems!"
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/
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