[mblab]

Originally Posted by mayerae23

I noticed that some of you mentioned having issues with your dogs barking, so I wanted to share something that has helped us with Cricket a lot.

This goes back to that subtle yorkie training we read in the book, and it really does work. When your dog barks, try these two things:

1. Say "thank you!" Yorkies know they can hear better than we can, and they could be trying to alert you of something that doesn't feel right to them. Figure out what it is (the wind, the mailman, the icemaker) and say in a nice tone, "Thank you, Cricket! That's the icemaker. I hear that. Thank you for telling me!" When I first read that in the book, I thought it was so stupid, but it worked the first time! Somehow, they know that you're acknowledging their alert, they feel better because you know what the noise is, and they settle back down.

2. If it's not an issue of acknowledging their alert, then try this. Let's say you're out and the dog sees a squirrel and just can't stop barking at it. Pick him up, face him away from the squirrel, and cover his eyes firmly. They may struggle a little, but it's a good lesson and worth it. Cricket will stop barking, and because he can't see the squirrel, he'll realize that it's more fun to be on the ground and SEE the squirrel than it is to be picked up and not see anything. Again, this sounds silly, but the book said to try it and it worked like a charm.

Seriously, I second this, what book!?!

Anyway, I've enjoyed (believe it or not) reading this thread, some humor and some education, what more could you want. I don't have any advice for the OP but I wish you lots of luck!