Doggie Dilemma or I BARK therefore I annoy

**LoudLou** · 09-15-2007, 10:30 PM

Sorry I haven't been around... we've been in the process of re-modeling the house and this is the busy season for my Mama & Pop. Things should be back to normal soon tho.

I do have a Doggie Dilemma that maybe some of my friends might be able to help:

See, I am a barker. I have a lot to say. That's why I am LOUD Louie, after all. Well, I have new neighbors, and they have a dog however, they have complained to my Mama about MY barking. I admit I do get carried away and I don't listen to Mama and Pops when they tell me to hush. I am stubborn that way.
So, short of my Mama going over and talking to the neighbors, who have already come off as Holier-Than-Thou, anyone got any advice.

I've lived here for 7 years and have always been a barker, along with the 2 Bassets across the street and the Yip-Yapper 2 doors down from the new neighbors...and then there are the screaming kids who throw apples in my yard but that's another story. Mama sez, I'm a Good Boy 'cause I never eat anything unless it comes from someone I know. We've never had a problem until now.

So, any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

WOOOF!

LOUD Louie

**crow_noir** · 09-16-2007, 02:41 AM

I'm sure someone will come alone with better advice...

The one I can think of off the top of my head right now is when a dog is barking use a squirt bottle and spray them (aim at the tip of the nose) and say "No Bark."

**Freedom** · 09-16-2007, 08:13 AM

I've read that using a muzzle will help teach the dog to whine, not bark. I do NOT like the idea. However, one of my current foster dogs is VERY outspoken.

We have tried the water squirt. He thinks it is a game and snaps to catch the water. Well, it does stop him barking, as long as we are playing with him! I'll be watching for ideas as well!

**Giselle** · 09-16-2007, 04:50 PM

In order of importance:

1) Remove the trigger. If there's nothing to trigger the dog, there's nothing to bark at. However, there are times when you cannot remove the trigger (i.e. the neighbor's barking dog is making your dog bark). In that case, move down to #4.
2) Exercise (I'm sure you already have this down)
3) Mental exercise
4) Never give the dog the opportunity to bark. If he barks when he's outside because everybody else is barking, bring him back inside. If he needs to go out for a potty, supervise him. As soon as he potties, bring him back inside.
5) Teach Quiet. Present the trigger to the dog, wait for him to stop (he will, eventually). As soon as he stops, say "Quiet" and treat. Repeat repeat repeat. Eventually, you can say "Quiet" in the middle of his barking and he will stop.

Also, to immediately stop the barking, present a deterrent every time he barks. I am *not* a fan of squirt bottles. Instead, I like using a can of pennies. Every time the dog barks, throw the bottle in the dog's direction, as soon as he stops barking, say "Quiet" and treat the dog.

**crow_noir** · 09-17-2007, 01:41 AM

#5 is the method i was trying to think of!!!

as for the last part you mentioned... each dog's personality is different. A shaker can is worth a try, butnot all dogs will react to it though... And the user has to make sure the dog never sees them as the source of the thrown shaker can.

Originally Posted by Giselle

5) Teach Quiet. Present the trigger to the dog, wait for him to stop (he will, eventually). As soon as he stops, say "Quiet" and treat. Repeat repeat repeat. Eventually, you can say "Quiet" in the middle of his barking and he will stop.

Also, to immediately stop the barking, present a deterrent every time he barks. I am *not* a fan of squirt bottles. Instead, I like using a can of pennies. Every time the dog barks, throw the bottle in the dog's direction, as soon as he stops barking, say "Quiet" and treat the dog.

**Giselle** · 09-17-2007, 07:52 PM

Honestly, I've yet to find a dog that does not react at least slightly to the can of pennies hurled in their direction. The reason I don't like squirt bottles is because I love grooming and my dogs occasionally need spraying/misting with water and hairspray. I mistakenly used spray bottles with my Peke when he was a puppy. He is now terrified of being misted with water or sprayed with hairspray. Water bottles are no longer a part of my training "regimen"!