Any advice on puppies that go apeshit when they see another dog?

[qb]

My 1 1/2 year old mini schnauzers got along fine with other dogs in class & puppy play time, and also do great with other dogs they know, but whenever they see a dog on our walk they go absolutely bonkers, barking & squealing. I have cured them of barking at people with the distraction & treat method, but their reaction to dogs is so extreme I can't get a handle on it.

They also go nuts when the see a dog on TV, so I am thinking perhaps they can be desensitized with lots of puppy & dog movies. Any thoughts?

[lukasahero]

1. Same method but

start farther away - and work with one at a time. Set them up at a pet supply store, far enough away that they can see the dogs but it doesn't elicit the reaction. You can do "where's the doggie", then "look" (at you), and treat (or reward). Repeat. Slowly move closer but only to the point right before it elicits a response. More of the same. So on and so forth.

Place near me offers a class for "reactive" dogs. Might be worth looking for one near you. We had a mini schnauzer in the class we took. I had one growing up. Cute little guys. Very smart. Your's are adorable.

I wouldn't recommend 'desensitizing' by 'flooding'. What I'm suggesting above and what you've done with people IS desensitizing. Flooding, as you're suggesting with the TV is not - it's flooding, overwhelming and, depending on the reasons for your dogs reactions, could make things worse. Talk to a professional, preferably one well-versed in positive-reinforcement.

[RedCloud]

2. Sounds like a case for dog whisperer...

Most likely they need some "pack" leader instructions.

[HopeHoops]

3. SuperSoaker.

[Raffi Ella]

4. Sounds like you're doing something right,

since you were able to "cure" them of their barking at people.

They're still pretty young so it may just be their puppy excitement that they just don't know what to do with. My dog has grown out of some of her annoying habits as she's gotten older.

Squealing and barking is annoying but not vicious so it doesn't sound like a huge problem, just an annoyance, right? I would try to just correct them and keep moving. Let them know through your tone of voice that you don't approve and don't let them stop the walk, keep moving. And be consistent about it.

and also, Like my Vet told me "You just gotta keep talkin' to'em!". They're really cute btw :)

[qb]

5. Thanks all for your advice - very helpful! I will cancel the bad TV idea ;-)

:bounce:

[femmocrat]

6. Such pretty dogs! I used to have Schnauzers. :-)

I have the same problem my youngest corgi who is also 1 1/2. Taking her to classes has helped a lot, but she only stopped barking at those dogs, not all dogs. She also barks at dogs on TV.

Two methods that I have seen and used are: 1. Make the dog sit and stay until the other dog passes (Cesar Milan); 2. Turn around and walk the other way (Victoria Stilwell). Reward when quiet.

It takes a lot of repetition, though, and neither method is perfect. The best thing is lots of exposure to new situations, but if the dog is freaking out, keep it short and end on a successful note.

Good luck.

[TheCentepedeShoes]

7. My std poodle

has always been ok when playing in the yard with another dog
But he does go into his Sir Barksalot routine when seeing another dog (or jogger/walker, or cyclist, or cat) when in the house or car
I think he thinks he is safe and can show his aggressive side

[Liberal_in_LA]

8. cute dogs. Like stuffed animals almost