Stop The Barking!

    • Gold Top Dog

    Stop The Barking!

    Okay, so recently...within the past few weeks...Marley has been barking at ANY little noise he hears. It's like he's startled by anything. Is this a phase? or can I do something to tell him I do not want this kind of behavior.

    What was worse was that we had him at a restaurant last week and he barked at a person in a white visor when she walked in! The white visor thing is another problem, but can I get him to stop somehow? Hmmm...[8|]
    • Puppy
    Have you tried keeping a spray bottle of water at hand and give him a quick spritz when he starts to bark inappropriately?
    Michelle
    • Gold Top Dog
    I think you need to desensitize him to the white visor, you get one and put it on the floor let him smell it, when he comes to it, not barking good boy and treat, if he's barking tell huh huh, then try it on your head do the same thing for a few days that should work.
    with the barking, go look out where he's barking let him know you see the terrible beast, the minute he stops barking tell him thank you good boy  come, praise him for coming and NOT barking, give him a treat, after a few times alternate the treats but keep up the praise. eventually stop the treats, well you can give one once in a while cause he's so cute.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Michelle-
    Thanks for the suggestion, but he likes to be squirted in the face! He will actually open his mouth and drink the water![8D]

    Debv53-
    Thanks for the suggestion...I will try that! Especially, with the visor thing! I'll let you know how it goes![;)]
    • Puppy
    I have a great solution for the barking.  Keep a little breath spray (Binaca) with you at all times.  When the barking doesn't stop after you've given whatever command you use ONE TIME, approach the dog with the spray and spray one small squirt aimed at the bottom lip/chin. 
     
    A lot of trainers use this in extreme cases instead of those awful bark collars.  See, most poisonous plants taste like peppermint to dogs, so while it doesn't hurt them, they have a very strong aversion to the smell/taste. 
     
    Most dogs only need about a week of training this way until all you have to do is show them the spray or make a spray sound and they immediately stop.  Its complete aversion training without any cruelty.  Its also great to take on a walk with you if you have a dog who gets barky with other dogs outside. 
     
    Some cautions:  Don't use too much, make sure to spray as far away from the nose and face as possible. You'd be better off missing the mouth completely than risking spraying in the eyes or nose.  And, make sure the nozzle is facing the dog before you spray, not your face.  LOL!
    • Gold Top Dog
    PLEASE don't use something like this.  If you MUST spray, use a little lemon juice in the water.  Only natural stuff should be used.
    • Puppy
    I don't think this is cruel in any way. 
     
    The idea is to use it for a couple of weeks, not a lifetime.
     
    As long as you carefully spray towards the chin/lower lip, there's no problem.
     
    I am against any type of cruel training.  I don't see how lemon juice is really that different.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Lemon juice is at least natural and NOT a bunch of pressurized chemicals.
    • Puppy
    It could still burn, I guess. 
     
    I think the thing that works well with the peppermint is the natural aversion to the taste. 
    • Gold Top Dog
    Lemon could work...he hates the stuff!

    Any opinion on those collars that make the noise when they bark? Worth it? Not worth it? Not humane? Let me know. TIA
    • Puppy
    Hmmm....those noise collars could potentially cause hearing damage, I think.  Seems cruel to me. However, I think this is just one of those things that maybe should be taken on a dog by dog situation, if you know what I mean.
     
    For instance, a skittish dog could freak out with a collar like this, but maybe another one wouldn't be bothered by one.  We had a dog who responded really well to a very soft, firm, "Uh-uh."  But, we have one now who barks until he's hoarse and completely ignores us when we give a command during this time.  He is perfect in every other way and is actually quite submissive and wants to be very good, so its puzzling.  The breath spray worked perfectly for him.  Go figure.
     
    I'd try a citronella collar before a sound one.  You can get one with a remote and control.  Then, you can use a control word and then hit the spray at the exact moment he barks.  I think you may never need to actually leave the dog with it on because its the same aversion training as the spray (only I don't think your guy will be as enthused about this as the water spray!) The one bad thing I've heard about this is that the collars (any type) can go off with even a small noise or sometimes even a certain movement, like scratching, so who knows what the poor dog would be learning from the collar while you're not around.  Personally, they're just not my cup of tea.

    • Gold Top Dog
    ORIGINAL: snackattackjack

    It could still burn, I guess. 

    I think the thing that works well with the peppermint is the natural aversion to the taste. 


    Most dogs also have a natural aversion to citrus fruits as well, including lemons. >^^;<

    Eevee and Shippo LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE minty stuff lol...
    • Puppy
    ORIGINAL: astaracheetah

    ORIGINAL: snackattackjack

    It could still burn, I guess. 

    I think the thing that works well with the peppermint is the natural aversion to the taste. 


    Most dogs also have a natural aversion to citrus fruits as well, including lemons. >^^;<

    Eevee and Shippo LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE minty stuff lol...

    Most dogs love peppermint- there are peppermint treats and goodies available made especially for dogs. I bet Eevee and Shippo would love them! [:D]
    • Puppy
    I think those peppermint treats are not quite as concentrated as a breath spray, though.