I just adopted a 3 year old beagle today from the local SPCA. He is a great dog, loves kids, happy and very friendly with people. There are just 2 problems that have come up. First of all anytime I leave the room he barks like CRAZY, and I mean its a loud, hound dog bark and he won't stop. The other problem is that he apparently does not do well with other dogs. He goes ballistic when he sees another dog. Today at the pet store, he was barking like crazy but wagging his tail and he tried to nip at another dog's face. Also he pulls really hard when I take him out on his leash. I know its only his 1st day and he will need time to adjust and I understand that, but I am just looking for some tips because I have never done this before and I want to get his behavior under control as soon as possible. So any and all tips for excessive barking, separation anxiety, how to get him social able with other dogs, and even house training because I'm not positive if he is completely house broken or not. Thanks!
Here's how to teach him to tolerate you leaving the room:
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
http://www.mastiffonlinecommunity.net/vi ... Here's how to properly introduce him to other dogs:
http://www.mastiffonlinecommunity.net/vi ... Practice this as much as you possibly can. The more dogs he successfully, positively meets, the better.
Read this article to learn more about re-conditioning him to associate other dogs with good things:
http://www.clickertraining.com/node/2327 (You have to sign up with the site to read it, but it's free and quick to do.)
Try to find a training class that caters to "Feisty Fidos" or "Rowdy Rovers." These are classes specifically for dogs with problems like he has.
As for his pulling, you may want to consider using an Easy Walk Harness or SENS-ible Harness so that he doesn't suffer any tracheal damage from all the pulling. (Just so you know, these harnesses clip to the leash along the chest strap. This is an important feature, as harnesses that connect in the back invoke the dog's opposition reflex and foster pulling.) But anyway, regardless of which tool you use, the basic rule is that if he's pulling, you must not go forward. NEVER reward pulling by letting him pull. You can either stop dead in your tracks and wait for him to stop pulling, or you can turn and walk in the opposite direction. Yes, it takes time, but with ruthless consistency and patience, he ' ll learn that pulling NEVER gets him what he wants and that the ONLY way to get what he wants is to play by your rules. You can also encourage the behavior you want with yummy treats (chicken, liver, steak, cheese, hot dog, etc.).
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Oh, and housebreaking:
http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/err ...
tell your dog to STFU and go play with the other dogs or you'll take him to the pound!!!
Excessive barking is usually due to lack of exercise, boredom, or even anxiety (understandable in your situation).
I would recommend with a newly adopted adult dog that you have him evaluated by a trainer and get him enrolled in obedience.
Socialization is critical for a dog, but the most important time for them is by the age of 4 months. If they're not properly socialized by then, they will have social issues with other dogs. They can be corrected but it takes work.
Obedience lessons will help you to bond with the dog, gain his trust, socialize him, and set boundaries that will make him feel more secure in his new home. This will set him up for success in his new life with you.
