Dog Health Questions: Would it work? Teaching older dog (Chihuahua mix) to stop barking/growling?

We adopted an abandoned 5-8 year old Chihuahua mix a few months ago. She is the biggest sweetheart to our family, but while walking her, we have found out that she DOES NOT like not like most other dogs or some men (even though she is fine with my boyfriend and has been OK with fix-it men who have come to our home). She growls, barks, and pulls on the leash (we use a harness with her for better control).

Clearly she was probably never properly socialized or trained... but it's embarrassing (as the humans and dogs we encounter probably think I'M the one responsible for her misbehavior) and I don't want her to continue to behave like this.

I used to attend dog training classes with my mom and her dogs (Shepard mixes and Mastiffs) when they were younger. The class used pinch collars to train, and I am comfortable using them. From what I saw, they were highly effective.

I'm going to get a pinch collar today to try it...I figure the worst that can happen is that it doesn't work.

I was wondering if anyone on here has successfully trained a rescue with antisocial barking/growling behaviors, or if older dogs who haven't been socialized simply won't change.

Dog Training Fundamentals

Recommended Answer:
She is anxious ( fearful) so using a pinch collar will only hurt her neck, pain = fear, fear = reaction and reaction is not what you want to encourage.

Your right she needs training and socilising, a short sharp 'no' when she barks and immediately she stops praise her.
Try not to walk directly towards people/dogs ( straight lines and direct eye contact is aggressive in dog language) Ask everyone to completely ignore her, no looking, touching and talking to her, which will take the pressure off her to scare them away. I would also put a little t-shirt on her this will give her some confidence like a 'portable hug' however she is gaining the confidence on her own 4 feet.
Doing TTouch mouthwork on her can also help with a barking dog ( tiny clockwork circle movements around her mouth & muzzle, very gently just moving her skin, not massaging into the muscle)

Dog training classes could be a very good idea for her and dogs are always prepared to change unwanted behaviours as long as we give them othe roptions to change to, having a strong pack leader will help her ( NILIF)

Google NILIF and start using this today at home, basically she has to earn everything she gets, which will elevate you to pack leader and give her some confidence.

Pick the Best Dog Training Collar to Train Your Big Dog to Walk

• I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time with your dog!
  
  Here is a great article that talks about why dogs bark and how you can help to stop them from barking so much! There is also a free video about how to train your dog to listen to your commands.
  
  http://www.squidoo.com/dogs-stop-barking
  
  Hope this helps!


• you will want to nix the choker/pinch idea for now. Small dogs tend to have weak tracheas, and though a pinch collar is better than a choker, I would recommend the gentle leader harness that attaches in front of the dog's chest. You should also work to desensitze her to other dogs and men, so that when she sees them, she won't go berserk over them, merely ignore them. Try putting her into a sit when you see dogs/men coming, and feeding her treats until they're gone. Gradually move her closer and closer, until you are satisfied with how close she can get before reacting.
  
  At this point, you should be more worried with the barking and growling than with the pulling on the leash. adding a device that causes discomfort is going to train her that when she sees dogs and men, she gets pinched around the neck.. Not a good association at this point. If the basic ideas you receive here don't work, consult a trainer before someone (or even your dog) gets hurt.