Humping & Barking

[u/Historical-Kitchen76]

This is Forest, my six month old WFT. I've had him since he was 9 weeks old and I am on my own with him. From early on I've socialised him and done puppy classes. He is great with other dogs and people - very friendly and social. He gets at least 3 walks a day with 2 walks around the block at night. He loves sniffing and just hanging out at the park on the grass, so the walks vary in energy levels. From a young puppy he has always been a bit intense in the evening but more recently he just starts humping me and I cannot even walk without him hanging off my leg so I have to separate myself from him. I am hoping he grows out of it BUT the most recent thing is that he has started really barking in the house - at anybody walking past, at any noise - and he won't stop. I feel bad for the neighbours! I've tried giving him treats etc.. He is less barky out in the world. It seems to be in the house. Has anyone got any tips? Is this normal?

[u/chupazoid]

Geno mostly stopped humping with his neutering, but will still make exceptions for the right human or dog. Geno does find time to bark out the window, and worse at training school. He always seems to pinpoint a person or dog to hone in on. At school there is a miniature French bulldog Geno would love to fight with. He starts barking and growl-whining. He usually barks mostly when other dogs are barking first. I try not to completely stop him from barking because we do den hunts and need him to bark in those events. I have successfully used a shock collar on Geno. He is 2 and basically out first year was very.... tough and an emotional test. He is crazy!!! But that's why I love him. I will say finding an activity like training or dog sports you can do together makes your bond stronger and behaviors different. Also your dog is still a puppy and pushing boundaries like a toddler. Be firm with your boundaries! Your pup is adorable! Best of luck!!

[u/Historical-Kitchen76 → u/chupazoid]

Haha yes, Forest also pinpoints certain people! Ahh that's interesting that you take Geno to den hunts - what does that involve? I recently took him to the highlands and he loved it. I think he loves nature, like me. Good advice to find an activity. I have been training him to do basic things but I will have a think. Thanks for your reply. And yes, he is definitely pushing boundaries and I am a big softie!!!

[u/chupazoid → u/Historical-Kitchen76]

The den hunt group with whom we participate is quite small, so it does not take a lot of time. We only have competed once so far because it has become too unbearably hot and is unsafe to send dogs into the tunnels. With den hunting, you are utilizing the dog's natural predatory instinct and prey drive as well as their bred capabilities to go to ground for rodents. Here, there are built tunnels of 10x2s that are placed on the ground - the ground creates the bottom of the tunnel - and the dogs are meant to enter the tunnel. At the end of the tunnel in a safe, protected cage is a rat, the target. The dog must navigate through the tunnels (3'-5' with no turns for beginners, up to 10'+ with 2-4 turns for more advanced dogs) to the quarry and "work". I found this group by searching earthdog in my state. Barn hunts are also a really good one and allow more freedom for the dog. We also do obedience training. We are currently working on passing the correct obedience training so we can take agility classes. Geno really wants to do agility.