Barking at Strangers

[FirstYorkie]

If you want to try Chachi's advice, I think the important thing is that you do it quietly and calmly. No yelling. No stress on your part.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by FirstYorkie

If you want to try Chachi's advice, I think the important thing is that you do it quietly and calmly. No yelling. No stress on your part.

Absolutely and dont grab the muzzle roughly just lightly cup your hand over the muzzle and say no bark. Chachi waas an extreme barker and this has worked for us. We had to do it a few times before he got the message though.

[Mueyinter]

Originally Posted by FirstYorkie

As far as the barking at strangers, from what I've read, you need to drastically increase her exposure to new people. Take her for MORE walks, not less. Take her to places where there are alot of people. While there, do as Julie suggested and try to distract your dog and give lots of treats when NOT barking. Do NOT reward barking with your attention. Dogs are like kids - negative attention is better than no attention.

I wish I had seen your original post. I would have told you to stop tapping her on the nose for barking at strangers. Strangers are stressful to her. She barks because she thinks you and she might be in danger. Tapping her on the nose increases her stress level and "adds fuel to the fire". So does yelling at her. She thinks "strangers come. they're scary. even mom gets scared. i know she does cause she starts barking (yelling) and lashing out".

As far as the night-time barking, I would do 2 things. I'd try to wear her out more in the evenings. Take her for those walks we talked about above. I would also consider buying a DAP diffuser. Vets here carry them; I'm sure they do in the States, too. You might even be able to find it online. It emits a scent that is soothing to dogs. It takes several days to build up, but if you're losing sleep, it might be worth looking into.

This is long. Hopefully, there's something here that you'll find useful.

Thank you guys for the advice I will try them out. For the past few months it's been difficult to take her outside for walk because the weather was too cold, and she'd shake like a leaf even with her jacket on. Now that the weather is finally getting nicer I will take her for walks more frequently.

I have a few questions:
1)When I tell her "quiet" do I say it in a loud & firm tone? Or more softly?
2)When I take her on walks, and she starts barking at someone do I just lead her away from the people calmly? She'll just stand there & bark is I don't. Do I use the quiet command when she's barking at strangers outside? I think when she's barking she's too franctic to stop & listen to me.

I really appreciate all the advice. Thanks again, you guys are the best.

[FirstYorkie]

YES! You've got it. Calmly walk away when she is barking. Do not reinforce her by yelling at her OR by reassuring her. Strangers are non-events for you; demonstrate that to your girl.

I would teach quiet like I would any other command. I would start in a place with fewer distractions and where you are more likely to get compliance. Maybe when you are out in the yard with her and she half-heartedly barks at something. As I said, though, don't think you are going to say quiet and she's going to instantly be cured. At first, you are going to reward one second of quiet (half second if that is all you can get). Then, two. Then, three. And on and on. Gradually increase the duration and gradually increase the level of difficulty.

As with other commands, you don't want to let her practice refusing the command. Dont' say "quiet" when you know she can't be! If kids are running and screaming close by, you know she's going to ignore you. Don't give the command then. Just walk her away.

Clear as mud?

[Mueyinter]

Seems whenever I take her outside she ignores anything I say. I guess I should take her out when, no one is around to have the least distractions as possible. I'll be sure to have a pocketfull of treats when I take her out also.

I'll let you guys know how its goes after this weekend.

[FirstYorkie]

Originally Posted by Mueyinter

Seems whenever I take her outside she ignores anything I say. I guess I should take her out when, no one is around to have the least distractions as possible. I'll be sure to have a pocketfull of treats when I take her out also.

I'll let you guys know how its goes after this weekend.

Sounds like a good plan!