Barking Problem

[coco122]

I have a six month old Bishonpoo. He is a great dog, but is very yappy. When he hears noises outside he barks. Even when there is someone walking past our house, someone talking outside, or someone comes to the door (UPS delivery guy). Even if he's in his crate, someone comes over, he starts barking like crazy and it takes a while until he stops. I feel really embarrassed when people come over because he won't stop barking. I tried stepping on the leash, spray him with water, and tell him NO Bark or Quiet. Nothing seems to work. I don't know why he keeps doing that!! I'm not spoiling him, and we're firm with him! I'm not sure if he's scared, being too hyper, type of breed, protective, or being aggressive. I would like to stop this bad behaviour while he's young before it gets worse. Does anyone have suggestions how to prevent my dog to stop being so yappy. Anyone has helpful advise I would really appreciate it.

[Sarah]

What does your trainer say about the barking?

[jude09]

Hello coco12!

I suggest that you click on the link below to read more about BARKING;

Barking!!!!

[Sarah]

Nice to see you Jude!

[coco122]

My trainer suggested step on leash, and say quiet, or hand over muzzle technique. The problem is when I'm outside with him, he's all excited and barking when sees people, and it's hard to have a handle over him when he's hopping all over the place. It's difficult when he's in his crate, when someone comes over, and he won't be quiet.

[mia]

Hi Coco,

I would not usually recommend a product but this summer my daughter came out almost everyday with her German Sheperd puppy and she my Golden would swim and play all day. Now the water is so cold and I won't let my Golden go in and she doesn't bring her dog out now.

But, when she comes out Holly is thinking it is play time and gets so excited and barks like crazy. I was in Petsmart and saw a product called "Bark off" and it was $10, I thought OK, try anything once and it was amazing, I turned it on and Holly looked around and stopped barking, the next day she came out and she didn't even move. Of course I re-enforced it with the "no Bark" command. I don't know if you want to try it but it worked for me. It is sure better than the shock collars that I would never use. This thing is also portable on a 9Volt battery so you can stick in in your pocket when you are outdoors.

Good luck,

Mia

[MaryAnn]

It's OKay for a dog to bark and let you know someone is approaching....that is a good thing. However, I understand your dilema once you invite that person into your home.

I have a Schnauzer and if you are familiar with that breed....they can be very vocal. Here is what worked for me...

* Before I even open the door...I send my dog to a certain area where she is too remain until I go back and let the person in. (I usually just point or say "Go"....not many words.)
* Then I give her a high value treat. I wait and give her her treat only after I let the person in as this gives her time to calm down.
* She enjoys her treat, then I say "OK" (my release word) and allow her to go and greet the guest (s).
* Also, I will sneak a treat or toy to the guest to give her when she is calm and quiet. I want her to associate good things come to her when people come over.

It does not happen quickly, and I will tell you that it may take a long while.....but be consistent. The less talking you do - the less they get confused.

Pretty soon....before you know it....the doorbell will ring and your dog will immediately retreat to his/her area, and wait patiently for you to release them. Be sure to have a release word.

[CUsmile]

We have been using the positive reinforcement with treats. It worked great on our Border Collie and our new Mini-Aussie Pup is getting the training too. She is VERY vocal at EVERYTHING! But, she is doing much better. I found that taking her to the walking parks and being consistant, which is every 2 minutes of No barking and holding treat to get her attention is a pain but, the only thing that has so far been effective. Now it is getting to the point of a reminder as we start our walk and then rewards when she refrains though I KNOW she is wanting to bark!! It takes a while and LOTS of consistancy. Plus...always being or talking NICE and not with alarm or frustration has been a BIG training experience for me since that is what works best. It is hard when something happens to quickly for me to react or I feel the dog might get hurt. But, staying calm and saying "come" in a happy tone works wonders compared to snapping at them when I get scared or frustrated. It is almost as though they are training me!