My 7 year old staffie barks at other dogs

I have a 7 to 8 year old staffie from November 2011. We rescued her as she was going to be put down, she is a lovely girl in every way and I love her to bits but when we go out and she is on the lead over the park, if any other dogs come up to her she will go for them. So scared as they have such a rotten reputation with people 'demonising' them all the time. Don't know what her previous owner was like so she is not a dog I have had since a puppy but she is lovely in all ways but this. Would appreciate anybody's comments. I am the lady witht he collie cross who has trouble with her skin! Precious is my other dog, she and Joy my collie cross get on fine if that's any help! Thanks everyone.

Hi, I would suggest just bringing her to dog parks etc (but keep her on the lead for the time being) and let her get used to being around other dogs. Obviously because you got her when she was already 7 you dont know why she is like this. But if she gets on fine with your collie, I dont see why she shouldnt have the potential to get on with other dogs too! But stick to big dogs for the time being and ask the owner beforehand if its ok if you let your dog near their dog! Most dog owners are more than happy to help other dog owners!

We have a collie cross lurcher from a rescue shelter. She is amazing- so gentle and playful with other dogs when we let her off leash during her walk. Seriously, she is great with every dog she meets off leash but Strangely, if on her leash, she barks at any dogs that come near- i think it's a defensive thing.
Not sure what you could do other than go to training classes since you probably dont want to risk trying out my theory in case of fights.

If your dog does this only when she is on the lead it's a sign that she doesn't trust you to be able to handle the present situation i.e. she thinks you can't protect her from an approaching dog. To resolve this you would need to assert yourself as pack leader.

This is probably frustration with not being able to get to the other dog, some dogs will even growl but it is not always aggression. The best thing is to stay calm dont get angry with the dog or panic just take her over to say hello to as many dogs as possible (always check with the owners first) and stay positive in the interaction as if you are worried the dog will pick up on this and think there is something to be worried about then may start seeing other dogs as threats and eventually become aggressive through fear. It definately sounds like she may be fearful of other dogs due to undersocialization in early years. Keep the interactions, short and upbeat and use a happy voice and say such things as good girl or lets go and say hello , she may have learnt that if she barks the other dpg leaves the situation as you take her away from them.
Obviously keep a close eye on her and watch for any real aggression warning signs. In that case just take her away fron the situation and walk in the opposite direction from the dog without any interaction with the dog - dont punish her either as she will definately start seeing the interactions negatively.

I had a similar problem until i heard of the bark stopper sold on Amazon by UK Innovations GP Ltd,.
We live on a dog friendly beach and our little cavachon sat on the window cill and barked at other dogs going past. He has improved tremendously with the bark stopper and the regular walkers are so impressed! One even bought one to stop their neighbours dog barking in the garden.
It is painless, you just point and press, and as you press the button tell her to be 'quiet' she will get the message. Do not allow children to use this though as it needs to be used appropriately to be effective, and to be fair to the dog.
I have to agree with other forum contributors, it is imperative to socialise her as much as possible, and off the lead exercise where she can meet and play with other dogs would be really beneficial.
Good luck

my dog was allways barkin so i keep a small wisle with me and blow it wen she barks she stoped after about four times if the dog is feelin unsafe on the lead then maybe get one that get go longer so he/she can have a good sniff without running off.. i wud also try posative treats so pattin her back end wen she dusnt bark at another dog then give her the treat.. dogs are like children they stop doing the naurty things wen u dont make a fuss,, i wudnt shout at the dog using there name either coz it will not work get a trigger word ars was zoot said loud n quick this will become like a failsafe for u to use x

There are a lot of aggressive dogs where I live, my 3 year old chocolate lab is as soft as a brush and great with every dog he meets on and off lead considering he has been bit and pinned down quite a lot by aggresive dogs. I would suggest letting your dog meet calm dogs at first and maybe making her present he rear end first to the other dogs as that would make her the submisive dog if shes quite dominant, or just walk her with as many different dogs as you can in the park etc, make sure she knows your the pack leader other wise she wount respect you and she will feel that she has to control situations. Or get her to sit in one place in the park and have other people walk their dogs past her and if she looks as though she is going to lunge or bark, give her a short sharp tug on her lead to the side to make her go slightly off balance then when she realises barking and lunging wount be tolerated she will calm down then you can introduce her to other dogs and then go for a walk with other dogs, the important thing is to be calm, not tense and just go with the flow!

As she is fine with your collie it doesn't sound like her barking is aggressive. Usually it is easy enough to tell by other body language - ear position esp.
It is probably insecurity, which is not surprising, given her age and having to adjust to a new situation.
Good advice above, esp around you keeping calm and relaxed and in charge, and not punishing her for barking.

Most dog people will understand the difference between her kind of barking and a dog who is actually aggressive.

My two dogs gave me the same problem,barking at other dogs big or small.The tip given to me and it worked was to use a small plastic pop bottle quarterfilled with dried peas, this was shaken when the dogs barked and only when they barked. It worked for me the dogs showed no after effects,Ive passed this onto some friends and they say it works.

staffordshire bull terriers are very vocal dogs mine does the same when she sees other dogs 9 times out of 10 she is ok but always voices her oppinion

There is some scary advice on here. Please seek a consultation with a professional!!!! Lead reactivity (barking at other dogs whilst on lead) is very common, and easily fixed using reward based techniques that have no potential fall out. Try: www.apdt.co.uk or www.apbc.org.uk or www.capbt.org/findbehaviourist-uk.php

Perhaps her previous owner encouraged her to be threatening towards other dogs (there are some absolute bumholes out there!). I would try to distract her with a treat and give her loads of praise if I were you. The whistle/dried peas in a bottle are also possibilities as others have suggested, but I think that if you see a dog ahead, it will be best to try to keep her attention on you - use greed if necessary, and tell her what a brilliant girl she is. I don't like barkbuster collars because I think that a) they are cruel and b) they may get rid of the bark but there is a chance they could increase aggression - if every time you saw another dog, you got an electric shock, you would become angry or afraid, or both wouldn't you? So does your dog, and fear aggression in particular is a bugger to eliminate.

Musonovice has recommended a dog behaviourist, but they are of very variable standard - you might be lucky and get a star, but you might not, and you'll find that you're paying through the nose to be told things that you are already doing.

Staffies are vocal - mine followed me round the house like 'Spotty Dog' off the Woodentops (may be before your time!). To my mind the greatest danger is if another dog attacks yours, because she'll probably not tolerate being nipped by some scrappy jack russell, and will nip back. Most dogs are worse on lead than off, but I wouldn't suggest letting her off because if a fight does start, as a staffie owner you will automatically be blamed, no matter which dog started it (as you seem to be aware).

You sound a very responsible and sensible dog lover, and I am sure that she will settle - the fact that she is happy with your other dog suggests that it is excitement rather than aggression that is causing her to bark (particularly as your other dog is also a bitch - often adult bitches don't get on if they haven't been raised together from puppyhood). Good luck, Bic.

Lenny, it's good to see someone knows about dog behaviour, this is an area i have been studying for the past 6 yrs, my suggestion to bic would b to assert yourself more as pack leader. U need to take control of the situation, u need to stay calm relax shoulders say thankyou precious and keep walking, you have to have a stronger will than than she has, good luck, if that doesn't work you can always bribe her with treats,lol