Well, first we;re trying what the wife and I suspect is the real problem. We're taking the Okham's Razor approach and thinking that the simplest answer is the right one. We think Maddie's activity level might be too low.
Since we got Julie, the dog's walks have gotten shorter and slower because Julie is more of a cruiser than a racer. Maddie often gets bored even during the walks. The trick is, I can really only exercise the dogs in the evening and my wife's legs are generally too sore to take the dogs on a longer walk (she's pregnant). So, this morning we started a new routine where I walk only Maddie before going to work. I took her on a walk of the same time as before but double the distance in the hope that it would wear her down a bit more. I walk her the same tonight. Hopefully, this will have the effect of keeping her energy level more even thereby curbing the barking.
After talking with my wife last night we came to the conclusion that Maddie's barking is much worse during the day than in the evening when she's more tired. I think this may work.
Thanks for all your help, Hamoth! You've been great. |