Too much barking?

[roxyluv]

Roxy is 16 wks old -- and she is the love of my life. But there is one slight problem -- as soon as we step out of the house, she goes on high alert, barking at everyone and everything we come across. She's fine in the house, and I honestly don't mind that she barks to alert us of visitors, etc.

She doesn't act aggressive at all -- it's more like a "Hi I want to come lick/play with you" bark. As soon as I walk up to the person/dog, she stops barking and the playing/licking ensues. But initially, she sounds like a tough girl, and I've had more than one person ask if she was friendly because of it.

I want her to learn that she can't go meet everyone she sees, and that she doesn't have to protect me. I've read a few posts on teaching her to bark and be quiet on command, so I'm going to try that. And I've started teaching her to sit and stay when I stop walking, and to look at me for further direction. And her puppy classes start soon, so maybe those will help. But I was just wondering if anyone else has dealt with this type of behavior and what has worked for them.

Why is she barking when we're on walks -- to protect me, just to say hello, to say she's boss, or something else? Is her barking a normal reaction, or does it differ from dog to dog? Will she outgrow it, or is this something I should nip in the bud before it becomes more problematic? I thought Frenchies weren't supposed to be barkers :)

[roxyluv]

That's a good point, about her not being old enough to have the instinct to protect me....I hadn't even considered that. When she barks I really just try to calm her down -- I say "Roxy NO," or "It's okay Roxy," something like that, but that didn't seem to be working alone. So I paired it with trying to divert her attention away from the source -- like telling her to sit and look at me, then praising her if she was quiet. And I think I've been having more success with that. I'll try it with treats too, which she loves, so that should really help. And I'm hoping puppy class helps her get past this phase as well. Thanks for the pointers.

[joycegil]

Bleu is barking at the window at NIGHT! Keep in mind that he is half deaf (in the blue eye ear). I think he is scared. But I've tried everything. He wakes me up and nothing is there.
Maybe more treats or a more stern NO. :confused: