[yorkietalkjilly]

Oh, dogs wonderful manipulators of their humans. They are so cute, just think, they realized what gets your attention off your work, onto them! They strongly disagree with your being home, ignoring them, focusing on the phone, the laptop, as dogs want our constant attention if we'll allow it. The more they get their ways by driving you crazy, the sooner they learn how to control you using those tools. They love these games - heck, they're bored, have nothing else to do, why not? We give in immediately, even bad attention brings you back to focusing on them! And IF my dog paid my bills, did my work, folded clothes - ugh!, heck, I might put up with manipulative barking, lavish w/all attention wanted, hahaI LOVE how canny, clever they are.

Many ways to rehabilitate them. But you'll have to give it total dedicated focus for 6 wks., give or take, depending on you, your dogs. Stay unemotional, positive, upbeat as you say, 'no bark!' !then quickly, happily herding them out of the room, into a far off room, closing doors, forcing yourself to ignore them until they have gained control of themselves, gone quiet for 5 - 7 minutes. Then reward w/smiling 'good quiet', allow into your room, but the first bark, say, 'no bark!'! laughingly force them into that far off room, ignore until quiet. Smart dogs soon learn barking gets them happily banned from your presence, going, staying quiet then rewarded w/smiles, Mommy's presence. AHA! They don't really see it as punishment because mom isn't mad, stays cool, happily puts them away SMILING! Dang! What just happened? Soon, they begin to process what causes what, gain control.

Smart dogs pick up on what quickly gets them banned w/in 2 wks. and it's actually funny to see them gagging down, struggling to stop barks that just come out before they learn full composure works far better. Believe it or not, dogs can control wanton barking when the risk/rewards get figured out. All it can take is a look at them and they swallow a bark, ANYTHING to avoid that new, more boring room, not being w/Mom. Less savvy, maybe more unstable, nervous dogs take your fun, happy, dedicated devotion to the program for up to full 6 wks. Such is the life of a dogowner. Bear in mind, there are many ways to fix them if this too hard. But stay calm, happy, positive, don't scare or show anger. This just works like a charm for those dedicated enough to keep themselves under control, always respond properly to barking you dislike.