help!!!

[debs x]

anybody got any ideas? i have a 6 month old collie, we have had him for 5 weeks, was scared of everything when we got him,now he barks at people and dogs when we go for walks, the lunge forward kind of barking but not showing teeth,he is as good as gold with other dogs when they greeted and the same with people, and he pulls when out walking, using a halty at the moment but he is constantly trying to get it off! And he has started chewing at night time, he has got lots of toys and chew bones to keep himself busy but still chews things like my rug! tried lemon,pepper and anti chew spray, he likes the taste of them all!!! any ideas welcome!!!

[nick_j007]

Gradually introduce him to a crate for night time use.

I would seek some local help from a trainer to help you with his dog to dog behaviour.

Where are you please?

Nick
Alpha Dog Behaviour Home page. Welcome. Dog behaviourist and dog trainer Nick Jones MCFBA.

[debs x]

we are in brighton, he is fine with dogs when he has been introduced just has to bark at them befor,but wags his tail at the same time! not sure what this means? he does it to people to. i have tried things to take his mind off it but nothing seems to distract him! cant really afford a trainer at the moment so could do with all the help i can get!

[nick_j007]

Tail wagging can simply mean excitability or stimulation. Quite a few dogs will wag their tails before biting.

This should be fairly easy to resolve, but as it needs delicate handling I do advise you seek an hour or two with someone reliable in your area. See it as an investment for the future...you will thank me.

Nick
Alpha Dog Behaviour Home page. Welcome. Dog behaviourist and dog trainer Nick Jones MCFBA.

[nick_j007]

I have a lead or two if you require local help?

Thanks.

[debs x]

we have started using a canny collar and that seems to be working a treat! and as for the barking at people we have started using the word quiet when he bark and walking the other way and he has started to pick up a little on it so going to see if this will work give it a couple of weeks if not then may have to think about some extra help but cant really afford it right now! see how it goes, thanks any way for your help!

[Pawsitive]

Hi Debs,

I have a couple of links i'd like to send you but can't do it via here. I will try to send a pm.

Have a look at kikopup on youtube for vids on barking at strangers / other dogs etc

Canny collars are great but it's useful to train the heel / LLW too - again lots of great videos on youtube and i personally use a click & treat method with '300 peck' (rewarding varying numbers of steps, increasing in small increments as the behaviour becomes more reliable)

let us know how you get on!

[debs x]

thank you will give it go xx

[RobD-BCactive]

Collies with this behaviour are virtually a FAQ on other dog forums, people don't realise ahead of tiime how much dog they are taking on

I agree with Pawsitive (and if she's who I think) I can pass on links, where ppl with Collies have worked on these issues, so you can see the method & results.

[nick_j007]

Any links can be posted here! It's what forums are.