When talking with a friend of mine about Comet (2 1/2 year old Black Lab mix, fixed) and his apparent anxiety/aggression toward people and cars (but not other dogs) when on the leash, someone suggested trying dog calming products like sprays or collars. I've done a bit of reading, but it seems the only real tests on these products have been done by the companies that produce them, so I'm skeptical.
Has anyone had any experience with these and do they work with dogs who will growl/bark/lunge at people and/or cars?
A bit of background: This behavior started when he was about a year and a half old. We have been attempting to curb this behavior with positive reinforcement, but the results have been mixed. Basically whenever we come within a certain proximity of people at which he starts showing he's uncomfortable, but doesn't react, we give him training treats. If he does react and bark, growl or lunge, he doesn't get one (We don't punish him; he just doesn't get rewarded). Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes he's good, we give him a treat, then he turns around and lunges. Sometimes he'll lunge, then turn and look for a treat. Sometimes he just sees someone down the street and automatically looks for a treat before we've even approached. Overall, it's trending in the right direction (I think?) but I am wondering if we need some extra help, at least for a while until he's got this thing down.
Thoughts? Concerns? Criticism?
All are welcome.
Thanks!
Has anyone had any experience with these and do they work with dogs who will growl/bark/lunge at people and/or cars?
A bit of background: This behavior started when he was about a year and a half old. We have been attempting to curb this behavior with positive reinforcement, but the results have been mixed. Basically whenever we come within a certain proximity of people at which he starts showing he's uncomfortable, but doesn't react, we give him training treats. If he does react and bark, growl or lunge, he doesn't get one (We don't punish him; he just doesn't get rewarded). Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes he's good, we give him a treat, then he turns around and lunges. Sometimes he'll lunge, then turn and look for a treat. Sometimes he just sees someone down the street and automatically looks for a treat before we've even approached. Overall, it's trending in the right direction (I think?) but I am wondering if we need some extra help, at least for a while until he's got this thing down.
Thoughts? Concerns? Criticism?
All are welcome.
Thanks!