Why does my dog bark around dogs for no apparent reason?

Question

I have no problem with my 5 1/2 year old Old English Sheepdog barking inside the house or while walking him (which I adopted in January of 2013). He normally barks inside when the door bell rings, or he hears a strange noise outside, which is normal, and a reaction that I want him to have.....but other than that, he is a well mannered, balanced dog at home.  I like the fact that he is easy going at home, doesn't ruin my furniture, and is a pleasure to be around......

But when I take him to a dog park where there are other dogs, he will stand in the midst of them and bark inseccently....(sorry for the misspelling) . He is not showing aggression, as he just stands there and barks. No teeth are bared.....Other dogs try to interact with him (which I would like), but are turned off and get false signals (I believe) because of his barks, which I see as not directed at anything or anybody..... I sense the owners get a little ticked off too because of his barking behaviour.....

I am beginning to feel that he is feeling some type of anxiety about something, but I am not sure WHAT it is! If it IS anxiety, I would like to find out what is causing it.........

The option of NOT taking him to a dog park is out of the question, as he seems to enjoy running around free to explore. (So don't just suggest I don't take him to a dog park anymore!)

Would it be a good idea to consult with a dog behaviourist to see what is causing him to bark around other dogs?  Sometimes I have to get him out of the situation while at the dog park, as it causes me to be embarrassed because he barks like this. I move him to another area of dogs so he can "bother" other dogs and their owners.......LOL.........

Any help would be welcomed and put into use......

Thanks.....

blogdog123 · Accepted Answer

Two things to consider: 
1. Your Old English Sheepdog has a strong "herding" instinct due to his breed. and
 2. If your dog has NOT been properly socialized he will bark at the other dogs and people until he is properly socialized or trained. 

These dogs instinctively bark at passers by at the house because they are protecting their turf.  This is what all dogs do. It is normal.

However a dog that has NOT been properly socialized around other people or pets will feel anxiety and a little overwhelmed if placed into a new environment that he is not ready for. Kind of like a child. A frightened child will stand there and cry, a dog will bark. Your dog sounds like he is overwhelmed at the park. He may be trying to bark to let you and everyone else know he is uncomfortable with his surroundings. He may start to bump into people and pets to try to "herd" them as he is a "working dog" and this is what this breed does.  This dog doesn't need a "behaviorist" he needs a trainer to socialize him with other dogs to learn how to get along, how to play and not "herd" others etc. Do this and you will both be happier for it and both of you will look forward to happier days at the dog park.
It is not his fault

? · Answer

We tend to think of dog training as a series of steps for teaching particular behaviors. To teach a dog to stay in a particular position, you reward her as she remains in place for gradually longer times, at gradually greater distances, with gradually increasing degrees of distraction. Read more https://tr.im/trainanydog

Now, this is fine, training does involve teaching dogs specific behaviors with a step-by-step approach. This week, though, I’m going to discuss three mental habits that will not only enable you train more effectively but also make life pleasant for both you and your dog.

edgar · Answer

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Why does my dog bark around dogs for no apparent reason?

3 Answers