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please help. I have a cocker spainal that HATES new things. It is such an annoyance during the day. My mom had the stove-top up today and he started barking and wouldn't stop. Do you have any ideas? We have already tryed his crate, the hallway, and scolding him. He just ignores us. PLEASE HELP ME!!! I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DEAL!!!!! :confused: :( :( :confused: :( :confused:
get a bunch of new, weird things and introduce your dog to them in the yard or house maybe...give your dog treats while doing it and when your dog is nice, praise it.
just a suggestion hehe
One step that should have been taken when your cocker was a puppy is socialization in all aspects of the word. Socializing in different atmospheres, people, dogs, distractions, noises, etc. What you need to do is bring him around new things, as tz1 stated, and slowly introduce him to them positively. When he responds in a good manner, reward him endlessly. The more he interacts in new situations, the less reactive he will be.
Scolding him or putting him in his crate can have adverse effects.
Scolding him - don't yell at him for a behavior. While you are yelling, you are reinforcing the behavior. Good or bad response from you does not steer the dog away from the behavior, it directs them how to respond.
Crating - if you are yelling at him to get in his crate, you are ruining his crate for him. He will begin to see it as a punishment versus a nice place to go when you're away or what have you.
Welcome to PT!
how old is your cocker?? did you get him from a reputable breeder? there are lots of cockers that are bred by ppl who don't know how to breed properly and the pups will have behaviour problems. it could just be that he wasn't socialized well enough. never scold him for being afraid. dogs can react aggresively when they are afraid. i agree with the suggestions everyone said.
introduce your dog to knew things. do not force him into it. give him lots of treats, reassurence, and praise when he is being brave. Good Luck.
he is 3 in feb. and we went to Virginia to get him from a good breeder. :) so yes it was a good breeder.
With all the issues going on in your house I STRONGLY reccomend a reputable behaviorist with private lessons. Good luck.
yeah. we need something done. the first time i ever posted this was awhile ago and Alex has gotten somewhat better.
I am glad he has gotten a bit better. :) It'll take time, but it's worth it.
again, we left and got pro. help. we are going back for Alex's problem January 1st. Until then we are going to be working with him a lot.