Barking Problem I got my little Yorkie about a week ago. She is 7 months old and a very sweet little dog. The problem I'm having is she barks at everything constantly (but never bites) - even when nobody is around. She barks at family members and jumps at their feet like she's going to eat them up. She even acts like she's going to attack my 2 year old granddaughter, but she never bites. Every time she hears a noise she barks. When I pick her up to let her know everything is okay, she quits barking. She wakes everyone up at night barking. We have a baby in the house and it's starting to be a real problem because it wakes the baby up. I thought about a no-bark collar but not sure if they work. My husband is getting fed up and I am at my wit's end. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you. |
Here's my disclaimer ;): I'm NO expert, but just a couple of observations: 1. "Every time she hears a noise she barks. When I pick her up to let her know everything is okay, she quits barking."... This may actually be reinforcing her behavior by 'rewarding' her with picking her up and soothing her. It might be best to ignore her, then reward her when she's quiet and calm. 2. "She even acts like she's going to attack my 2 year old granddaughter, but she never bites."...Exactly how is she acting? Does she show her teeth as if vicious, or does she just bark and nip at her feet? She may just want to play and be overexcited and needs to be taught not to be too rough. 3. Is she alone a lot during the day? If so, her barking could be causing separation anxiety, which is causing her to be excessively sensitive and barking as a nervous response. I really do wish you well and hope you find some solid answers from some experts here on YT...you've come to the right place :) |
She's doing better Hi Roccosmommy, Thanks for your help. She seems to be getting better. . "Every time she hears a noise she barks. When I pick her up to let her know everything is okay, she quits barking."... This may actually be reinforcing her behavior by 'rewarding' her with picking her up and soothing her. It might be best to ignore her, then reward her when she's quiet and calm. I quit picking her up and ignore her like you said. She seems to be calming down a little. 2. "She even acts like she's going to attack my 2 year old granddaughter, but she never bites."...Exactly how is she acting? Does she show her teeth as if vicious, or does she just bark and nip at her feet? She may just want to play and be overexcited and needs to be taught not to be too rough. She doesn't show her teeth - just barks like crazy and jumps at the 2 year old's feet but doesn't bite. The 2 year old doesn't provoke her in any way. She just stands there. 3. Is she alone a lot during the day? If so, her barking could be causing separation anxiety, which is causing her to be excessively sensitive and barking as a nervous response. No she is home with me all day long. She stays in my office with me. She is fine with me - very sweet - it's just when someone in the family walks by when she gets all worked up. It's almost like she's trying to protect me. But my husband was able to bend down and touch her this morning and she licked his hand, so I think we're making progress. Thanks again for your help. |
I've been gone for a week so didn't see your response until now. Glad to help (or try) and really glad to hear she's making some progress :). Sounds like she sees the 2-year old as her play buddy/litter mate and is egging her on to play. Good luck and keep us posted! |
Just another opinion lol But when I have a "barker" a "mock aggressor" or an overly excited pup I find it works to redirect their attention - give them something to do as in "sit" "take it" "there" etc. I definitely agree that picking them up to "reassure" them reinforces the behavior. |
My little Oliver is a barker too but only barks if I'm in the room and he's in his ex-pen. If I walk out of the room and he can't see me he'll stop and go back to playing or if I'm holding him he's fine but he will bark til he can't anymore, go drink some water haha then go back to barking until I pick him up. I've only had him a week 1/2 and I've been trying not to give in but its hard because he won't stop. Should I just let him bark it out or should I spray him with water? I've heard a few people on here say that works. |
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