spray bark collar?

Idaviruma · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:59 pm Post subject: spray bark collar?

I'm having issues with Uno and his infuriating barking at trangers attitude, I can never let him off a leash when theres people around because he goes nuts and races to them, barking uncontrollably, which is frightening, though I know he wont bite, its more of an anxiety and being protective of me. I've tried correcting him every time, pulling away, saying no in stern voice, using come command with treat reward, whistle, he wont listen. So I was thinking of trying this collar, do you think it would help at this point? I dont want to deter him from barking completely because hes a great guard dog at home, but at the same time I want to be able to go on the trails and the beach and let him roam around a bit without having other people freak out and call the police.
thanks
heres the collar
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16702

anne · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 4:07 pm Post subject:

Why do you think he won't bite. A scared and anxious dog is the type of dog who will likely bite. Lots of theories on this but personally I don't think correction works in dogs that are "aggressive" due to fear, I think it escalates the situation when you are yelling at your dog. I would be concerned about using a collar in the situation you describe because I would worry about superstitious associations. What if he gets sprayed when he barks at someone and thinks that the person is the cause of his discomfort and think that it warrants a bite?

JMO... some people do believe in correcting dogs that act like this, but I don't....

Idaviruma · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 4:23 pm Post subject:

well the way he perceives strangers as someone invading his territory and once I approach that person and he sees that I'm not overreacting, he stops and just follows me calmly. He's never bitten anyone and is just a big wimp most of the time, terrified of little dogs.

anne · Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 12:07 am Post subject:

If he were my dog I'd work on confidence building things. Agility is a good one for that. I think it's great that he is OK once you approach someone. I wonder though.... and I'm just throwing thing out there, does he have any separation anxiety issues? Are you with him a lot? Can you anticipate when he's about to charge up to someone? How does he do in different spaces like a dog park? or friends that might come over with their dogs?

Idaviruma · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 4:52 pm Post subject:

I spend quite a bit of time with him jogging in the morning, then walking 2-3 times a day during the day, he sleeps by my side every night, hes definitely very attached to me and tends to get depressed when I leave, sits on the couch and stares out the window the whole time I'm gone. He gets really well with dogs and never barks at anyone who has a dog with them. I was thinking of doing agility but still need to find the time to organize it and fit into the schedule.