Dog barking at everyone when walking him and barking at bicycles

[Linda]

My 16 month old German Shephed Dog keeps barking at everyone walking by when we are out walking him, he absolutely hates bicycles. We let him off the lead when there are other dogs in the park and he plays with them but as soon as someone walks through the park or they are on a bicycle he runs over to them and starts barking at them. The other day he jumped up at a young lad walking through the park and grazed his hand. We just can't let him off the lead anymore and it's not a pleasure walking him. We walk him on a halti collar which is good so he doesn't pull as much but the barking and running up to people is a real problem. We are frightened he might bite someone but really he is a big softie but he scares people.

Any advice anyone.

Linda

[Tedsmum]

YOu really need to teach him two commands, Leave and Quiet.
I would keep him on an extendable or long lead and reel him in when he approaches a cyclist or stranger in this way. The command to leave can be taught with treats. Put one in front of him and teach his to leave it until he is commanded by you to take it. The same command can be used to leave anything alone once he understands.
The quiet command can be taught to teach him the difference between barking and stopping barking. Teach him to speak first, once he has this then teach him to stop speaking or to be quiet. You can then use this command in any situation where you want him to stop barking. It all sound simple I know but it does work. Do some research on the net for dog training and I am sure others will explain it better than me.
Finally I would strongly suggest you take him to obedience classes to put a bit of structure into his life. It is a serious problem when your dog approaches others in what can be takens as an aggressive manner, even if he is only playing. He is a big boy now and the last thing you want is for him to get you into serious trouble with his behaviour.
With GSD's you only get out what you put in.
Best of luck x

Yes, good advice from Tedsmum. Obedience is great as it teaches them to be (mostly) calm around other dogs too.

Training, play, boundaries and more training.

GSDs have a bad enough image as it is, so put the work in to change this perception.

[Linda]

Originally Posted by Tedsmum

YOu really need to teach him two commands, Leave and Quiet.
I would keep him on an extendable or long lead and reel him in when he approaches a cyclist or stranger in this way. The command to leave can be taught with treats. Put one in front of him and teach his to leave it until he is commanded by you to take it. The same command can be used to leave anything alone once he understands.
The quiet command can be taught to teach him the difference between barking and stopping barking. Teach him to speak first, once he has this then teach him to stop speaking or to be quiet. You can then use this command in any situation where you want him to stop barking. It all sound simple I know but it does work. Do some research on the net for dog training and I am sure others will explain it better than me.
Finally I would strongly suggest you take him to obedience classes to put a bit of structure into his life. It is a serious problem when your dog approaches others in what can be takens as an aggressive manner, even if he is only playing. He is a big boy now and the last thing you want is for him to get you into serious trouble with his behaviour.
With GSD's you only get out what you put in.
Best of luck x

Thank you, I will try this technique.

Linda

[LOVEGSD]

I agree with Tedsmum, up the training and keep him on a long line. If you stick to it you will see the changes in him...keep us posted...xx

[gypsyd]

My GSD used to go mad at bikes motorbikes cats dogs u name it - I now walk with him and if he looks at say bike or motobike and doesnt bark or react i say good boy and treat - it works mostly but u got to remember each day can be different.

I have problems with walking past dogs he just loses his head and barks and ends up on his back legs wanting to lunge i have to hold the lead strong.

Im in the process of trying to get him used to other dogs with a trainer got more sessions this week

try a one to one trainer but beware some behaviourists want your money and prices are ridiculous shop around there are cheaper ones that are just as good.

I can walk past people mostly no probs but if they look odd lol he does bark

Try good boy and treat for all the things he doesnt like if he doesnt re act let me know how it goes

Any ideas that can help me with Kane would be nice too cos I have probs with him scratching the carpet and settee -yikes

Behaves for his Dad though