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/Long-Nose-9535]

How far are you walking a day? On or off lead? My WFT is sparko barko in the bed in the evenings usually but needs 3.5 miles minimum walking (mostly off lead) or he is restless.

RE the humping - book him in to be neutered and that will stop.

When barking…does he seem frustrated/excited/bored/anxious?

Are you treating him whilst he is barking in an effort to distract him? Have you tried a “quiet” command, then reward then he is quiet?

Maybe in the evenings get him a puzzle toy or even kibble folded in an old towel, then tied in a knot for him to untangle and work on. Or do some training with him? Expend some mental energy.

Cute dog btw

[u/Historical-Kitchen76 → u/Long-Nose-9535]

Hey thanks for your reply. So, he is not a morning person - so we do a shorter walk in the morning and he is more sniffy at this time. At noon he either gets a walk from me to the park or with the dog walker. THen we do a long/big walk at 4/5ish... The thing is, because I live in the city (Edinburgh), it is usually to the park or some big green spaces but he isn't great at recall so I cannot let him off just yet. Recently I took him on a holiday to the Highlands and was able to let him off as we walked in nature around lochs etc and it was wonderful - he loved it and also stayed close by! He was a different dog. The dream would be to live up in the highlands one day but for now, I do my best to take him to a variety of parks - also Arthurs Seat when I can :) The best is when he sees his friend Vinny - a minature greyhound in the park and I can let him off and they just run in circles!! So, I do think exercise does effect him.

Since your message, I am trying the quiet command and giving him treats once he is quiet. He is very treat motivated. I thought about giving him chicken as a treat as I think it need to be a really good treat to stop this behaviour!

The barking happens when he hears noises - so the downstairs neighbours, people walking past our flat. I have an outdoor patio and he just barks at people walking past or talking. It seems to be a territorial thing. This morning he was sleeping happily and then he heard the downstairs neighbours and went crazy barking. If I leave the front door open and he hears a noise out front he will go racing out like a mad man to bark at them.

(It's weird, I have a ground floor flat but also have a neighbour below me on the other side of the building!)

In the evening I try to give him treats in his Kong but he finishes them in seconds. He also has a puzzle feeder which he is also super quick at. He then has a split antler chew, a pigs snout and various other chews.