I agree with Gemy. Especially since you haven't raised Lexi from a puppy, the barking is a trait that may have gotten her what she's wanted in the past so she's continued with it. I would take the steps Gemy has outlined and while things may not be perfect in a week or two you should see definite improvements.

So what do I do? Ignore her? walk out of the room?

I love Lexi but her barking at mealtimes is becoming too much so what do I do? Ignore her shout at her which neither works

A sharp clap usually works with my dogs. You can also cut her off in mid bark with a loud "Shhhhh!". Crate in a different room other than the one you're eating meals in. If you're living and dining rooms are connected, put her in the living room if you still want to keep an eye on her. I don't walk out of rooms, I continue doing whatever I've started and ignore. If the barking is becoming too much, crating in a different room other than the one you're busy in may be the better option until the barking is under control.

Is your husband holding a grudge because he didn't want this dog or wasn't his opinion asked?
I've heard of using an air horn to discourage wrong behaviour but it is a noise you would have to be willing to put up with.

I hope he is not taking your relationship issues out on your pup. Is there someone who can take Lexi for a little while until you and your husband are in a better place? So sorry that you're going through this.

How do you know he hates her...does he tell you this, or do you see it in his actions toward her? If he is being violent w/ her or anything, please re-home her asap. Are you safe as well...???

As far as the barking, have you tried putting her in another room? Also put pennies or nails in a can and when she barks shake them to startle her out of it. You could also try the bark genie...it's on Amazon.

I agree with Susan. I would not want to be with someone who didn't like my dog. I believe you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat animals, especially their own pets.

That is exactly what I would do!!!!!:thumbup:

Given that each dog is different what I have noticed with Razzle is he can get into what I call barking jags - that is he gets so excited with hearing himself bark he stimulates himself to bark some more. Now this is not at the dining table but usually at the window or if the doorbell goes. For him what has worked is if I interrupt that ever crescendoing barking. You can use a number of different methods - including the pennies in can or a whistle - or a shrill cluck cluck sound coming from you. Or what I do is to walk out and using a soft finger to the side of his neck push his head away from what he is focussing on accompanied by a loud ssshing sound.


For the next couple of weeks accept that *your* mealtime will be interrupted as you persistently and consistently get up and correct his behaviour.


On the plus side if your husband sees your commitment to obedience training and that you are trying really trying to correct very annoying behaviour he slowly may experience a sea change with respect to your dog.


Only you know what is going on between you and your hubby and I will say that if you feel threatened or in danger or you feel your dog is - quite simply leave... I know there are organizations here in Canada that help woman in these situations unfortunately I know nothing about the USA orgs that do this.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Here is a very useful link from the ASPCA regarding why dogs bark and how to overcome it:


Barking | ASPCA


Behavioral problems do not develop over night so you must be persistent and patient when training dogs and acknowledge that you and/or your family have reinforced the behavior by not handling it in the right way from the beginning. Now, you must reinforce the correct behavior so that the dog knows what behavior is acceptable.


If you need further assistance, you may want to call a shelter for a dog behaviorist recommendation. They will have someone that they use in order to ensure dogs can be placed in new homes. Training for you and the dog can be immensely beneficial since we are not all born with the knowledge regarding how to train dogs and what to expect during the process.


I am not going to speculate on what is going on with your marriage. If you need assistance, feel you are in danger or the dog is in danger, please PM me and I will try to assist you.


Otherwise, I am going to assume your husband is not very patient and feels helpless with the dog, thus, has become frustrated. It happens..


Good luck.

Ooohhh...so sorry. This is a bad place to be regardless how you got there. If the issue is between you and hubby, the Yorkie being undisciplined and ill mannered won't help. I agree that you can adapt the Yorkie's behavior...and should...if this is truly 'spoilt' behavior...meaning that you do the easy thing and just give in. Many here have described re-conditioning the Yorkie to behavior more acceptable. If Yorkie behaves more mannerly, what will the relationship with hubby become? An honest assessment may be necessary in all cases, but truly, I got all three of my Yorkies as their 'second' owner and none were less than 14 months old when they came to live with me. They are my angels, although not perfectly mannered at all times. But, they do know mommy is maybe more stubborn in what she wants of them and will persist in actively and passively modifying and shaping their behavior, and not just give in. They usually get what they want, but not until I am ready to give it. I wish you the very best in deciding where this path will lead you.