out of control

I own a 7month old miniature schnauzer we got of to a very good start really enjoying his company and loving going for walks but since I've moved he's turned into barker and only able to take him out when there are no dogs around hes turned into the monster dog can anyone out there help put finley back on the right track

Are you sure you live where you say? I saw a schnauzer today at 6.45 am yapping at my boy from the opposite side of a duel carriageway! The lady looked a little embarrassed! She shouted over he just wanted to play! Spooky seeing this thread after that!

Did you socialise him well around other dogs? What's his recall like? Is it 'I want to kill that dog over there' or 'I want to go and play' sort of barking??? Do you tighten the lead when he does it? Can he be distracted from it easily???
Sorry lots of questions but just wanted to get a clear picture.

Sorry to hear you're having problems.

Without seeing exactly what he's doing, it is difficult to give advice.

There's a possibility that with you moving its a confidence thing - i.e. he has lost some confidence and feels threatened by the other dogs, so tries to frighten them away.

But equally he's getting to the age where he'll be testing the boundaries and seeing what he can get away with.

Minihaha on here has years of experience of minis and may be able to offer some more useful advice.

Apart from the barking, what is he like? Does he listen and do what you ask or does he just do what he wants?

in answer to your question no he's not easily destractd and no its not an aggresive bark he just thinks everyone has come to see him and yesi have his lead short itsgot sobad it really upsets me ive waited so long tohave him now I feel maybe I shoudnt have bought him and yet he's so lovable

he's lovable hes funny he listens sometimes he's manic hyper but I love him to bits and I'm going to keep looking for help and advise till we both get it right never joined anything like this before so thanks for you help

In my opinion you would probably be best getting the advice of a professional.

Do you take him to training classes? If not it may be worth getting him enrolled, there are many who are willing to do one on one classes if you are initially worried about taking him training with other dogs, and perhaps you could slowly introduce him to classes with other dogs on the advice of the trainer? Just a thought

Can I ask what food he gets and how much exercise he has - these can both have an effect on hyperness.

Hi Min, I'm sure and hope this is just a phase Finlay ( nice name) is going through. Persevere and it will pay dividends.

Socialise as much as possible, and as others have already mentioned try attending a class - please let us know how you get on x

Hi Min are you saying Finley has started to bark at other dogs when you are out?
He is still very young and I would guess the move has made him insecure because he is unsure of his new surroundings and 'what is out there'. Barking is a way of 'getting in first' and saying 'don't mess with me' . He is also at the adolescent stage where hormone levels increase, this may add to the problem.

OK what to do about it. It is important that Finley learns to meet and greet other dogs now before he gets any older, only taking him out when there are no other dogs around will not teach him to do this. I would as the others have suggested try to find a good APDT run puppy class in your area where he can meet other dogs under supervision, here is a list.
http://www.apdt.co.uk/local_dog_trainers.asp

Other things to try are ..
..have a play before you take him out to expound some of his energy,
..buy a small squeaky toy, let Finley have a little play with it teasing him by hiding it/showing it to him so he is aware of it then put it away and keep it just for walks. When you see another dog approaching produce the squeaky toy to distract Finley ,
..when you see another dog approaching if there is the space (say you are in a park) approach it in an arc rather than a straight line so Finley won't feel so threatened,
..teach him to 'watch me' and take tip bits out with you, then if you see another dog approaching use the tip bit to distract Finley. To teach 'watch me 'take a treat, hold in front of your eyes and ask Finley to 'watch me' saying 'good boy' but not too excitedly, then give the treat and praise. Extend the 'watch me' time and see how long you can hold his gaze lowering your voice to a whisper saying 'good boy' all the time you have his attention. Each time his eyes leave yours make a sound 'ahah' then go back to back to 'watch me, good boy' when he returns your gaze, now treat and praise. Do this a number of times each day starting in a quiet place where there are no distractions (eg in the house)and progress to a place with distractions (eg the garden). Eventually you will get his attention for long periods.

And finally, enjoy your Mini they are wonderful clever and funny little dogs.....