Brendan’s two German Shepherds are giving him trouble by barking at dogs on the street who are out for a walk with their owners. How can he stop this territorial behaviour?

Question:

Hi Glynne

I have 2 German Shepherds. My male has been to your classes for training. Judd is uncontrollable when people with dogs walk past our house. We have an inconsiderate neighbour who walks his 2 dalmatians any time from 7.30pm to 8.30 pm and on a rare occasion early mornings. My dogs go absolutely ballistic and only the female responds to my command to stop and come inside. Is this a territorial incident or aggression? How does one stop it as my neighbour’s tolerance is waining. They do not bark for any other reason but for people walking past with dogs or if the dogs in the area are “talking”.

Hi Brendan
Walking one’s dogs is hardly inconsiderate - after all that’s what many of us do! And there’s nothing worse than having to brave it past aggressive dogs, intimidating law abiding citizens out for a daily constitutional with our best friends.
And of course Judd is going to put up a good show by barking at dogs on the street, because he’s protecting his territory from the ‘enemy’ after all, a dog has to do what a dogs gotta do!
This problem must be appropriately managed because I don’t think you have a chance in hell of convincing the boytjie these ‘spotted foe’ aren’t about to conquer his home and garden!
Either put up a solid wall so the villains can’t see into Judd’s territory or keep him inside until ‘the danger’ has passed.
Perhaps a bit more training wouldn’t hurt either? We are now at Pinetown Junior Primary School, corner of Old Main Rd., and Beviss, on Saturdays – 2.15 for 2.30.
Warm wishes
Glynne