I don't have much experience with dogs, much less untrained off leash ones. One is pretty big (a lab maybe?) and always runs right up to me and my wife barking territorially whenever I'm out in my garden, and doesn't stop until one of my neighbor's kids comes and gets them. I've had dogs try to fight me before and they make me really nervous. I just want to touch grass :(

How should I be responding to the dog when this happens?

  • D61 [any]
    ·
    3 years ago

    So the dog is just running up to you while you're outside and constantly barking?

    Not lunging at you, not actually trying to bite or nip, not charging at you when your back is turned to it?

    If you've got a friend/family/acquaintance who is more of a dog person you could ask them to come over and see what the dog is doing. Maybe they'll have a better shot of trouble shooting than us.

    Alternatively, if you can try some different treat options (peanut butter, cheap block of cheese, maybe a dog treat that has a hollow core) that the dog might like that you can stick a Valerian Root tablet in there that might curb some of the edge. CBD oil might be an expensive option but it might work too.

    NOTE: DON'T feed this dog by hand, use a wooden dowel rod or a solid stick with a blunted end or a long handled wooden spoon or something.

    If possible, be patient when the dog is barking at you and if you notice any hesitation or pause in the barking, that is when you try to offer the treat. (It doesn't have to be exact, this isn't a science).