I got a mini dachsund exactly a month ago and he just started going on walks last week after getting his last set of vaccines. I live in a family/pet oriented neighborhood; every time we go out we end up seeing kids/dogs/moms with baby strollers/etc. I try to go at different times of the day but we always see someone out, even when walking late at night. He's okay with seeing adults but we have problems with him reacting to other dogs and kids. If I can spot a dog/kids before him i try walking away or crossing the street. But with the layout of the condos here, I'm not always able to spot kids/dogs leaving the garage area.
Today some little kids were biking in their driveway and my boy started barking at them, making them stop. Their dad was outside, but I was so focused on trying to recall my puppy I forgot to apologize for the barking. Overall I was super embarrassed and now I'm dreading our next interaction when I go to walk my reactive puppy.
Before my puppy would run back home if anything scared him but after some more experience outside hes more vocal and just stands there. I am able to recall him after some leash tension and a "lets go", but it takes a while for him to walk away. I feel bad that he barks at the kids trying to play outside, I dont want them to feel afraid to play in their neighborhood (though they seem more curious than afraid when I see them). If I continue to walk and recall him when he is barking will he be desensitized to dogs and kids later on? Is this a temporary puppy phase or do I have to do more intensive desensitization training? I have social anxiety and I get so embarrassed when he starts barking at the neighbors (especially as the new neighbor in the area), any tips would help!
submitted by /u/KaleParticular2960
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