New to Yorkie's. Barking problem.

[Lucky]

Hi guys,

I'm new to Yorkshire Terriers and need a little advice (though I think this case is an issue for a lot of breeds as well).

My new Yorkie, "Nicolas" has a barking problem.

When he wants something, he barks for it. I recently adopted him from an owner who no longer could support him and therefore, I am trying to figure out his temperament and discpline.

I've been trying to discipline him to not bark. For example, when he does bark, I ignore him until he stops barking. Do you find this a very effective method? I need experienced owners. I want a method that's effective and enforces the dog to obey without any harsh punishment.

But aside from the barking, he's really adorable.


And

Does anyone here use Wizdog? I'm thinking about buying one and house breaking it. Although the owner did claim he usually feeds Nicolas early in the morning and in the afternoon, since Nicolas doesn't eat much. His bathroom breaks are in the morning and in the afternoon, and says he has "no problem" if this is done consistently. What do you guys think?

Thanks for your concern and hope to you hear from you all.

[JeanieK]

Just wanted to say welcome to YT. I'm sorry you are having issues. I have no advice, but i hope someone can help you. Good luck.

[pat022351]

When I first got Sadie, I ordered WIZDOG and wasn't at all impressed with it. It's made of plastic with a wobbly plastic grate that fits on top of it. Sadie wouldn't go near it. Simple Solution Pee Pads have worked out great. She's only 9 months old and has been 99% trained on them for at least 6 weeks - which I think is GREAT for a Yorkie!!

[Lucky]

Thanks you two.

Hmmm as for Wizdog, I guess it works for some dogs and others not. Who really knows these things.

Anyhoo, Nicolas is still having barking issues, like if I'm on the bed--he barks at me because he wants to be on the bed also. Another, he'll start barking at me out of no where if I'm not playing with him or... something. He's a mysterious lil dude. I have no idea how to correct it effectively. He's very lovable and always wants my attention. Ahhh.

Someone please help!

[bebeyorkie]

Hi and Welcome

I have 2 yorkies my girl is a barker. She doesn't bark @ all times only when she's trying to get our attention or is playing. But even then it gets pretty loud and annoying. She's very smart and if I say "no no more bark" she stops. Just be consistent with him and stop him right when he starts barking. It might take awhile till he gets it but just be consistent and he'll soon get it.

Good Luck

[rv214]

i agree. when i just ignored tucker's barking, he would keep doing it until he got my attention. he still barks at things that go bump (day or night) but he's gotten better about stopping when i tell him "no bark." the only other time he really barks is if he needs to go outside to potty and then it's more of a growl/whine.

[mistyinca]

There was recently a discussion on this. Here's a link to my suggestion. Barking thread

[Lucky]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all your replies. I appreciate it.

As for Nicolas, the negligence seemed to succeed until my boyfriend came in and broke the training. I guess we just have to keep ignoring him whenever he barks. But the prior owner told me sometimes he barks whenever he needs to go outside, so it'll take awhile before I know the differences.

The more I say "hush" or "no" in whatever medium of frequency. Usually just a soft "hush", he seems to bark louder and more. It's almost like a game of "I'M GOING TO BARK LOUDER! HA!"

Originally Posted by mistyinca

There was recently a discussion on this. Here's a link to my suggestion. Barking thread

Hi Misty, I only see one post from the thread, is that what you wanted me to see? Get back to me.

[mistyinca]

Originally Posted by Lucky

Hi Misty, I only see one post from the thread, is that what you wanted me to see? Get back to me.

Yep, that's the one. This is what works for me. Chloe is just now starting to bark, but when it gets out of hand, the spray works wonders.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by mistyinca

Yep, that's the one. This is what works for me. Chloe is just now starting to bark, but when it gets out of hand, the spray works wonders.

Thanks for the help. I think I'll get use a spray, as well. Nicolas will bark incessantly for anything!!! It's stressful.

[aliash]

Bella recently completed a training class. The instructor suggested that I say "Quiet" when she barks. You have to use a loud firm voice, and get right on her level. It works every time!

[Txgurl06]

my little skoshi wont bark lol only when hes playing with the cat he does a growl bark combo. but never barked at us or while we are playing with him! we kind of want to hear him lol!

[holloway4aba]

That is a good plan. I am a behaviorist, and conditioning is my game. Ignoring him when he barks is the right way to go. Of course when he stops barking wait at least 10 sec. of him being quiet and calm, and give anything he may want. Going outside, toys, affection, etc. Also, try to give all affection, etc. only when he is calm and quiet. Good luck! He may have an extinction burst at first, which means he may bark more, but hang in there. If you are consistent, the problem will decrease rather rapidly.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by aliash

Bella recently completed a training class. The instructor suggested that I say "Quiet" when she barks. You have to use a loud firm voice, and get right on her level. It works every time!

Hi Aliash, I tried that method actually and it sorta worked. It only works for that time being but it doesn't really make him remember not to bark again. I say "No barking!" in a loud, firm voice and Nicolas submits with a low, soft growl. Almost like a "grr, fine.... for now."

Although ignoring him just makes him bark over and over again until he gets tired, by the time he stops *I'm* tired.

Trying to hang on.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by holloway4aba

That is a good plan. I am a behaviorist, and conditioning is my game. Ignoring him when he barks is the right way to go. Of course when he stops barking wait at least 10 sec. of him being quiet and calm, and give anything he may want. Going outside, toys, affection, etc. Also, try to give all affection, etc. only when he is calm and quiet. Good luck! He may have an extinction burst at first, which means he may bark more, but hang in there. If you are consistent, the problem will decrease rather rapidly.

So far, "No barking" with a loud, firm voice has been working. I'm guessing it's because every dog is different. But if it keeps going on for weeks on end, I'm switching back to ignoring him. Thanks for the luck (irony).