Hi XXXXXXXXX,
Can you tell me what obedience commands the dog knows?
Has the dog been socialized with other outside dogs?
What have you tried so far?
Okay, thank you for that information. The fact that you don't have to have the dog leashed when let out is really not a good reason not to go to class. The effect a class can have on the way dogs perceive other dogs makes a big difference when they are socialized in a class. Plus classes are fun and informative.
With that being said I would like you to start home training with the clicker. If your dog likes to eat treats he will do very well. Use human food such as hot dog pieces to make it more rewarding. www.clickerlessons.com I want you to start at the begining but also incorporate the 'Leave it' training in with each session.
Whe the dog is in the car and barking the more you yell the more the dog is thinking you are going along with what he is doing. I am going to suggest a dog seatbelt so the dog cannot get to the window as well as leaving a leash on him so you can correct his behavior. You can actually set the dog up for training if you have a friend who has a dog and can pass you on the street frequently. As your friend approaches in his car (or on foot) and your dog starts barking, a firm 'no' (or leave it) then a tug on the leash if he doesn't stop should work, or you can omit his food the day before so he is very hungry, bring the bag of human food and as your friend approaches give a No (or leave it) and start treating the moment the dog takes his next breath. By treating him during quiet times he learns that when you pass another animal good things happen when he acts a certain way. He should soon be looking at you for a treat when other dogs pass. This may take a while because he has already learned a habit and now has to unlearn it for something new. However this something yields a better reward.
I think you will get a better response if you start the clicker training before you do a trial run with a friend.
dog training consultant
24 years training & behavior,pet first aide, Therapy dog eval., PA Animal Response Team