Guarding instinct on the beach!

[raffaella]

HI all!..just got back from a mini break on seaside..we stayed 3 days ..maya's second time on the beach,the first time she was 4 months,so she wasn't used to it..anyway,her behavior was ok on and off..we went to a busy market,lots of people and dogs and she was fine..last day we went on the beach,she was fine if we were walking but as soon we sat down I think her guarding instinct kicked off..as soon someone approach us or a dog came near us she just barked and barked...I had to put her on the lead,I think she was been territorial..it was a bit of a downer as I did not expect this..so just wondering what I could do to break this habit as I would like to take her again but can't just keep walking forever..apart from this she was fine when we sat in restaurants or caffes..so I'm a bit confused..again..

[LOVEGSD]

I would distract her when you can see her fixating on either a dog or person or ask her to be 'quiet' when she barks and reward her when she stops.

Are you sure the barking was guarding and not excitement?? My boys find the beach sooo exciting...lol
xx

[raffaella]

Originally Posted by LOVEGSD

I would distract her when you can see her fixating on either a dog or person or ask her to be 'quiet' when she barks and reward her when she stops.

Are you sure the barking was guarding and not excitement?? My boys find the beach sooo exciting...lol
xx

Hello..I'm pretty sure it was that sort of barking as to say "stay away from us"..as it happened only when we sat down on one spot ..a little dog came towards us,wagging tail,he just wanted to play with maya and she barked and barked at it in not a very nice way..from then on every time someone walked past us she did the same thing..I was a bit unprepared to this,as she was fine earlier on ,but then again we were walking along the beach..I guess she wasn't used to the new environment..but we've been to other places before.for pic nics and she was fine.. just find it a bit odd that she behaved like this..

[LOVEGSD]

Originally Posted by raffaella

Hello..I'm pretty sure it was that sort of barking as to say "stay away from us"..as it happened only when we sat down on one spot ..a little dog came towards us,wagging tail,he just wanted to play with maya and she barked and barked at it in not a very nice way..from then on every time someone walked past us she did the same thing..I was a bit unprepared to this,as she was fine earlier on ,but then again we were walking along the beach..I guess she wasn't used to the new environment..but we've been to other places before.for pic nics and she was fine.. just find it a bit odd that she behaved like this..

Ok hun, well I would definitely try to distract her when you're sitting in one place, maybe take a kong or toy with you that she likes to chew and if you can see someone or a dog approaching that she looks like she'll bark at then try to be more exciting so she'll focus on you.

[LucyA]

I think you are right you know. I say so because of the difference in Blitz's behavior recently. On a walk when we get the the field he barks madly to tell everyone he is here and he is excited, sometimes he will bark at the first dog he sees but he means nothing by it. The walks we have had this week with Vinnie (Dan's 6yo son) have been very different, he has barked a lot more and he was playing with some other dogs the other day, Vin got involved to play as well and Blitz started barking and getting incredibly pushy, he is very protective. When he got like that we just led him away, it is easier for us as its Vin so if we keep Vin nearby Blitz stays calm, its when he is with other dogs or too far from us.
I'll be interested to read other responses though now I have just babbled unnecessarily about nothing! lol
xx

[raffaella]

Originally Posted by LOVEGSD

Ok hun, well I would definitely try to distract her when you're sitting in one place, maybe take a kong or toy with you that she likes to chew and if you can see someone or a dog approaching that she looks like she'll bark at then try to be more exciting so she'll focus on you.

Thanks ..I did try that she had her favorite ball..fortunately the beach was not so busy and the owner of the little dog was very nice,anyway I decided to put her on the lead for a bit as i wanted to sit down myself and have a rest....anyway I was moaning about it with my uncle( who looks after maya when I'm working )and he said in his "old school" way..why did you get a GSD if you did not want her to guard you??you should have got a cocker spaniel!

You need to teach the dog to settle, like you would any other command. Then you can enjoy a sit on the beach or a drink at the pub and have a well-behaved dog with you. You don't let the dog dictate what happens.

I use 'Settle' and click my fingers. Dogs lie down. Useful everywhere. I taught it using high value treats on an evening when we were settling down watching tv. So dog knows the command.. then progress to other areas outside. Praise when the dog settles. Even though both are good at settling down under a pub table, I occasionally toss a treat for them to let them know they're being good

[raffaella]

Originally Posted by LucyA

I think you are right you know. I say so because of the difference in Blitz's behavior recently. On a walk when we get the the field he barks madly to tell everyone he is here and he is excited, sometimes he will bark at the first dog he sees but he means nothing by it. The walks we have had this week with Vinnie (Dan's 6yo son) have been very different, he has barked a lot more and he was playing with some other dogs the other day, Vin got involved to play as well and Blitz started barking and getting incredibly pushy, he is very protective. When he got like that we just led him away, it is easier for us as its Vin so if we keep Vin nearby Blitz stays calm, its when he is with other dogs or too far from us.
I'll be interested to read other responses though now I have just babbled unnecessarily about nothing! lol
xx

Oh yes..I forgot to add..I was on the beach with my 8year old son and my BF..this does not happen so often as on a normal week is just me and her..but as I said before we had the odd pic nic with family members and friends and she was fine.

[Nash]

Here is a good article about temperament that also addresses defensive barking. Hope it will clear up some guarding/protecting misconceptions that many believe in. Please read the section called "Defense Drive"

Elements of Temperament

[raffaella]

Originally Posted by Anni

You need to teach the dog to settle, like you would any other command. Then you can enjoy a sit on the beach or a drink at the pub and have a well-behaved dog with you. You don't let the dog dictate what happens.

I use 'Settle' and click my fingers. Dogs lie down. Useful everywhere. I taught it using high value treats on an evening when we were settling down watching tv. So dog knows the command.. then progress to other areas outside. Praise when the dog settles. Even though both are good at settling down under a pub table, I occasionally toss a treat for them to let them know they're being good

Thanks Anni,although Maya is really good in pubs,restaurants..maybe I just took it for granted..I'll reward her more, I guess ,when in this situations so she will be more reliable in other areas..