Yorkshire terrier barking at bicycles

[Randi]

A friend of mine in the building got a cute little Yorkshire terrier last summer, he's a sweet little guy, not agressive, and playing with other dogs he meets in the park.

However, when a bicyle comes within 5 meters of him, he starts barking like mad. This is a bit of a problem of course, especially since the woman who owns him, used to complain all the time about dogs running lose and barking in the park (her windows are facing the park).

She got him from a breeder when he was 8 weeks old and payed a fortune, but to her knowledge, the dog has not been in a "situation" with a bicycle ever. So does anyone know how she can handle this?

[Freedom]

What about some desensitizing?

Get a bike, lie it DOWN on its side. Let the dog bark, approach, sniff, etc.

Maybe even start with a small child's 2 wheeler?

Or has she tried carrying the dog up to a bike? One standing on the kick stand, no one on it?

That seems the easiest thing. Oh and have a handful of treats! Take step closer, treat, take a step closer, treat. Even if the dog is barking, he's getting closer, and eventually he can sniff it.

Hope that helps!

[Randi]

I suggested what you said, but she says she has tried that, except for laying the bike down. There's one man who can come close with his bike, and her dog doesn't bark, so there's hope. :)

Thanks!