I have a 3 yr old mail sheltie and he has developed a very annoying habit of lunging, spinning and out of control barking at other dogs, the vacuum,and the blender. If I even if touch the plastic lid on the blender he right there lunging and barking. He has been obedience trained and did very well but when we walk in the neighborhood and pass by a yard with another dog he starts and I'm not sure of the correct way to stop this behavior. I have made him sit and stay while I use the vacuum or blender but he can't control himself. I also have an 8yr old female sheltie that is very calm and would never think of this behavior. We really need some help!
Thanks for posting, sorry it has taken so long to reply!!
I had the same problem with my sheltie he developed the problem at a young age and his too was directed towards the vacuum cleaner and other dogs. I found the best way to deal with it was to have him on a lead and then when he started this behaviour sharply pull on the lead and firmly say "NO!". The second he stops you have to praise him. The best way to start off with is to use the vacuum cleaner not turned on, same with the blender. If he becomes calm around them not turned on then you have to advance to turning them on. Get someone else to help switch on the appliances as you will need to be ready to correct him as soon as he starts. The same applies around other dogs, pull on the lead sharply, say "NO!" and then get him to sit straight away. Be consistent and get people to help you out by bringing their dogs over. Sometimes starting with them further away and working up to getting closer can help.
Just remember to make you commands clear and stay calm,
