Training Labrador Mix Staffordshire Dogs & Puppies - Male Dog aged 1yr 6 months - Behaviour has Changed Badly

by Katie
(south wales)

Training Labradors and Staffordshire Terriers

Hi, I have a 1 year 6 months old cross Labrador and Staffordshire Terrier. We had him from the age of 7 months from a dogs home and he has been fantastic. He has always been curious of strangers out on walks all he wanted to do was jump up and lick them and there were no signs of aggression.

For the last few weeks I have (I am female) noticed that when out on walks he goes to sniff a man walking by then starts barking like mad (could this be some sort of dominant behavior to protect me?), he goes ballistic when the postman comes in the morning and we (my boyfriend and myself) cant seem to stop him from barking every time the door knocks.

Recently our next door neighbors friend was in the garden and he run so fast towards her barking his head off - luckily when he is in the garden he is on one of those long leads so he cannot leave the garden. I have never seen it towards a woman before but I don't know it's whether he has got scared because she has to use one of those devices you hold against your throat to speak.

He was castrated just before he was one years of age.

Can you advise what we need to do as I don't want things to get worse - he is around my 2 year old niece twice a week (i never leave them alone) and he is fantastic with her so gentle etc but it worries me this sudden change in behavior.

Just to let you know I am the one he listens too most of the time, he tends to walk all over my boyfriend which I have told him he needs to be more firm with him. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks for your question there are a few things that I would firstly consider...

1. Any sudden change in behavior should be investigated by a medical professional as there might be a medical reason for the sudden behavior change.
2. Dog training classes are excellent - I can't stress this enough they are fantastic - not only do you get access to a professional dog trainer that can spot and correct any negative behavior as it happens but you can also ask other dog owners how they cured similar problems - I would enroll in a class straight away.
3. One of the best dog training techniques that can alleviate barking and problems associated with your dog barking at a passer by or someone at the door is called Focus Attention Dog Obedience Training.

1. Start the process some where quiet and get your dog used to regular training sessions that last for about 5-10 minutes.
2. Attach a leash to your dog.
3. Call your dog's name - don't let him see the treat in your hand.
4. As soon as you call his name - move to the right or left.
5. As soon as your dog responds give him lots of praise - hold the treat at eye level and look directly in to his eyes at level with your eyes and give the treat. This training method trains your dog to focus on you and not the distraction - by responding to you he gets a treat but he has to get eye contact first.

Hope this helps

Dog Obedience Training Online Guide