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Originally Posted by Brendajoyce  About collar. I would never use a shock collar. This is a citronella spray collar. It's harmless but dogs don't like the smell. I originally got it for Taz. One spray was all it took. All I have to do is "collar Taz" when she is over-barking, or show her the collar. I've tried it on Lil Bit but battery is too low so it was unsuccessful. I do need to have some control over the barking. |
Once you have the dog interested in and used to working with you, train him to bark on command and when he's doing that very well and getting his rewards every time he does it on command and is quite used to the command and doing it every time, now train him to go "Quiet". While he's barking and stops for any reason, or stops when you clap your hands or stand up and say "Quiet", and make a slashing gesture across your throat or put your finger up to your lips, he'll see that stopping barking once he gets the treat and quiet praise you, brings him positive rewards and instant gratification and a happy mommie the instant he stops barking. Just keep working on the command and give him his just rewards instantly when he goes "quiet" and he'll jump into the game fast. It's just as easy to train him to "Quiet" whenever he's barking and reward him with the instant gratification of a treat and praise as it is to rely on collars or spray aversives and in time, he'll think of it as a game he's quick to want to play.
I worried that Tibbe might begin to bark a lot and then go quiet to just get treats but instead, he learned what was appropriate barking and would begin to police himself to bark a bit and then stop on his own as he knew that prolonged barking would usually bring a "quiet" from me. He sensed that I didn't like it, even though I'd treat and praise him for going "quiet" on command. It's amazing how a well-trained dog doesn't usually push your buttons - he begins to learn what behavior you like and what you don't and is pretty happy to keep you happy with him. Plus, a well-trained dog just usually isn't that upset for that long to keep barking on and on - they get bored doing it. Tibbe's too busy doing his thing to stand and bark for long and if he does and it finally gets on my nerves(I think a certain amount of daily barking is healthy and good for them), I "quiet" him, even if it's a cat in the back yard he's been barking at. And he quits instantly and is always pleased with my response of getting up and getting him a treat and a quick smile and genuine praise, which he always gets anytime he willingly stops himself from instinctive barking on my request. The very least I can do is reward that kind of good behavior and encourage his always obeying me.