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Originally Posted by Ellie May  Wow, Wow, Wow, Wow, Wow... FirstYorkie that article is Ellie exactly. ... |
I thought that sounded like what you were describing. I might add that whole website is really awesome (
www.clickersolutions.com). I have learned so much from them. There is an email list that you can subscribe to as well.
In your case, Ellie May, here are a couple of other things that I'd do.
First, close the curtains and keep music playing to help drown out the outside noises that set her off. I know it's a pain but her adrenaline levels are really high. You want to calm her down a bit. She's so "out of her head" that she's not capable of listening to you.
Here's another thing that takes effort on your part but would probably help. In theory anyway, a good leader (aka "the alpha dog" - ugh, I hate to use that term), always goes to investigate when a younger pup alerts them to danger by barking. Once you've investigated, you can tell them "That's enough. Quiet." If they continue barking, then and only then, are you within your rights to reprimand them for barking.
Likewise, for outside alert barking, a good leader goes outside first, takes a quick look around and gives the all-clear before the pup comes out. Only then, can the leader indicate that the youngster is out-of-line when he yaps.
I know these take effort but I think they would reassure Ellie that you have the situation under control - which means she can relax.
Until you get her a little less wild-eyed, I would not take her to the petstore and I would put her in another room with a wonderful treat (bone or stuffed kong) while you vacuum. Yes, you want to get her used to those situations in the end, but she's not ready yet.
I also think it would help her if you followed the NILIF program (Nothing In Life is Free). I'll post it below.