Dog walking troubles

[Ashleigh]

My doodle Easton just turned 1 year. He's very playful and nice but when we go on walks he barks and growls at people with strollers or other big dogs!! It's so embarassing! I know it is not to be mean but he has a scary bark! I'm thinking of professional training but has anyone had success with this kind of behavior?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This can absolutely be addressed with training, and I'd suggest that you'd want to do it soon because the more he "practices" the behavior the more difficult it becomes to correct.  Look for a professional trainer who is willing to work with you on an actual walk so you can learn first how to teach Easton to walk at your side and stay focused, but then how you can prevent the reactive behavior or address it if it does occur.  There is a whole "protocol" to walking dogs in a controlled yet fun way.  Good luck.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree with Jane--there are lots of tools you can use to make the walk better and a trainer can help you learn them...and do it soon---one year old is the beginning of the end of the "love everyone" puppy-hood...your pooch now is guarding you when on walks and you need to become the one in charge. He thinks he is in charge--that is what you will be working on.