My new boy ... Alfie.

[Cataholic]

Barking comes along with the breed. I try to curb Prue's barking and how I manage it varies from day to day. Prue has finally become used to the neighbors and if I spy them first, I announce that there is to be NO BARKS. Taking treats along with you might help. You may want to have the neighbor give Alfie a treat when they next meet. I also yank on Prue's leash when she starts barking in an out of control fashion. It drives me nuts, but think of the protection he's giving you. Maybe give Alfie a treat if he shuts up. Treats do wonders for some dogs.

I throw this out there for whatever anyone might find it is worth. Which might be nothing, LOL! When Jasper barks, I no longer 'shush' him. I thank him for whatever reason he is doing it for. Usually to announce a guest to the home, or an intruder (mail person, person in front of the house). I have found that be recognizing that he is doing his 'job', he barks a lot less than if I direct him to stop. He seemed to feel that tension in my voice and position in 'hushing' him up.

Jasper will low bark as someone walks on the porch, and it goes to a straight bark when they get to the door. I immediately go to him, pet him and say, "thank you for letting me know someone is here, I have it now", calmly and in an appreciative tone. He stops. He doesn't bark much when we are out walking, but does the whimper/whine to get closer, and I do the same thing. "I see that cute doggy, thank you fo letting me know..." and we keep on walking. I really believe, with Jasper, it works.

I will admit he is a low barker in general.

[K9soul]

Chris, Alfie looks so wonderfully sweet. I am so happy for you, and for Alfie, that you can help give each other a new life. Alfie is one very fortunate pup. I know you still miss Bob terribly. In some ways it must hit you anew as Alfie begins making this his new home. I wish you both the best and I know Bob must be wagging that ever-wagging tail of his to see you smile again.

[ChrisH]

Thanks kaycg.

Barking comes along with the breed. I try to curb Prue's barking and how I manage it varies from day to day. Prue has finally become used to the neighbors and if I spy them first, I announce that there is to be NO BARKS. Taking treats along with you might help. You may want to have the neighbor give Alfie a treat when they next meet. I also yank on Prue's leash when she starts barking in an out of control fashion. It drives me nuts, but think of the protection he's giving you. Maybe give Alfie a treat if he shuts up. Treats do wonders for some dogs.

Glad the little guy tolerated his bath. He looks happy now. Sorry about peeing on the bed! I hope it was just an accident. Was it Bob's bed? Maybe there is still a little scent left?

Well, I am glad he is keeping you company. I bet he will really bond with you.

Thanks sas.
When he was fostered he would go out for a walk along with a number of other dogs so I think it must be a bit confusing for him at the moment. Today the only other dogs about were in the distance and yesterday we only met one dog, a Springer no less. He wasn't on a leash and bounded up to Alfie and in a matter of seconds had sniffed and licked and bounded off again. Alfie whine/barked cos he'd gone but I blocked his view and gently made him focus on me. By the time we moved off again a minute or so later the Springer was long gone out of sight and all was calm.

I throw this out there for whatever anyone might find it is worth. Which might be nothing, LOL! When Jasper barks, I no longer 'shush' him. I thank him for whatever reason he is doing it for. Usually to announce a guest to the home, or an intruder (mail person, person in front of the house). I have found that be recognizing that he is doing his 'job', he barks a lot less than if I direct him to stop. He seemed to feel that tension in my voice and position in 'hushing' him up.

Jasper will low bark as someone walks on the porch, and it goes to a straight bark when they get to the door. I immediately go to him, pet him and say, "thank you for letting me know someone is here, I have it now", calmly and in an appreciative tone. He stops. He doesn't bark much when we are out walking, but does the whimper/whine to get closer, and I do the same thing. "I see that cute doggy, thank you fo letting me know..." and we keep on walking. I really believe, with Jasper, it works.

I will admit he is a low barker in general.

Thanks Johanna, it's good advice.
I've recently been watching 'The Dog Listener' Jan Fennell's video and begun re-reading her book and her advice is very similar to yours.

Chris, Alfie looks so wonderfully sweet. I am so happy for you, and for Alfie, that you can help give each other a new life. Alfie is one very fortunate pup. I know you still miss Bob terribly. In some ways it must hit you anew as Alfie begins making this his new home. I wish you both the best and I know Bob must be wagging that ever-wagging tail of his to see you smile again.

Thanks Jess.
You are so right, the loss of Bobby does hit me anew at times, mostly due to Alfie's different ways. Bobby barked at the doorbell and got agitated when the phone rang, Alfie doesn't, Bobby pulled on the lead and ignored other dogs, Alfie is the opposite ... I do, I still miss my Bobby boy very much.

[Taz_Zoee]

Alfie is adorable!!
The pictures of Ebby on the couch looks like Ebby is pretty relaxed with Alfie right there. That is great!

I throw this out there for whatever anyone might find it is worth. Which might be nothing, LOL! When Jasper barks, I no longer 'shush' him. I thank him for whatever reason he is doing it for. Usually to announce a guest to the home, or an intruder (mail person, person in front of the house). I have found that be recognizing that he is doing his 'job', he barks a lot less than if I direct him to stop. He seemed to feel that tension in my voice and position in 'hushing' him up.

Jasper will low bark as someone walks on the porch, and it goes to a straight bark when they get to the door. I immediately go to him, pet him and say, "thank you for letting me know someone is here, I have it now", calmly and in an appreciative tone. He stops. He doesn't bark much when we are out walking, but does the whimper/whine to get closer, and I do the same thing. "I see that cute doggy, thank you fo letting me know..." and we keep on walking. I really believe, with Jasper, it works.

I will admit he is a low barker in general.

This is exactly what I do with Taggart (he is also a low barker). I try to do it with Zoee, but she is such a loud (and constant) barker it is a little more difficult. But I do not do what my BF does, which is immediately YELL when she starts barking. I get off my rear and go see why she is barking. And usually when I get up she'll stop barking....unless someone is outside. Which I think is GREAT!