Quote:
Originally Posted by henrys mom  Has anyone used a prong collar on such a tiny dog? Henry is full grown and only 5 lbs!!! |
Prong collars are a big no no with tiny dogs. You can seriously hurt them, especially their tracheas.
To the OP:
I would suggest a citronella collar. I used it on my poodle when she was barking. Worked like a charm. I had used the water and pennies in a can previously with her and it didn't work. The citronella collar sprays the scent in front of their face every time they bark. They can only associate the spray with their barking because the collar or its effect is in no way associated with you or big scary men.
Also you can try having a nice quiet afternoon with one of the loud men. Have them come over loaded with chicken. Let them in without saying anything and just sit on the floor in the living room. pull out the chicken and toss a piece to Oliver so he gets the idea that really good treats come from him. Then tell him to avert his eyes and pay no attention to Oliver. At this point i'm sure Oliver is still going to be barking from the moment your dad or grandpa walks in the house. that's ok. After the first piece of chicken he has to work it out on his own that he needs to be quiet to have a piece of chicken tossed to him. Toss the chicken only at first. Don't expect him to walk up and take it from their hands. And be sure he tosses the chicken at the exact moment that oliver stops barking. after a few rounds of this Oliver might beging to pick up on the fact that if he's quiet he gets a piece of chicken tossed to him. Then your dad/grandpa can start tossing the chicken closer and closer to themselves until Oliver is eventually taking it directly from their hands and is still quiet.
This may take a few tries on different dads for it to work and BOTH men are going to have to do it seperately. The key is to make themselves as small and quiet as possible, which is why the no talking rule is in effect during these training sessions and they need to be sitting on the floor so they are on his level, laying on the floor on their bellies would be even better.
Good luck