Barking Sheltie

[christinaMO]

Hello

can anyone suggest anything for our 2 1/2 yr old sheltie who barks alot especially when she is outside, summer time is the worst, we want her to be able to sit outside with us a family and enjoy the summer months, she is at her worst when the kids are playing in the pool and yes we have put her in there as well but she cant be in there the whole time, i certainly dont want to use a shock collar....HELP!

[Karen]

Shelties are known for being pretty "talkative." You may have to keep her on a leash right next to you and "correct" her (quick tug and "shh") consistently until she gets the idea. They are herding dogs, so the barking and keeping the "flock" under control is instinctive behavior. If you can convince her that YOU are in control, and she need not be, things may quiet down a bit!