| BayleighL | 05-19-2017 02:11 PM |
Bark-on; Bark-off
Quote:
Originally Posted by Retiredflake
(Post 4725844)
CJ watches TV and barks at absolutely every animal; dog, cat, squirrel, horse, bird, bear ..... even cartoons with animals she will bark?? How could she possibly know the difference in cartoon form but she knows. she also will recognize the first two sounds in a commercial with an animal and will run out of the bedroom to go and bark at a commercial because she knows an animal is coming up on the screen. She is so smart. BUT, it is driving me crazy! How can I break this. I have even searched for filters to go on my TV for dogs to no avail. I have tried the coins in a can as well as the squirt bottle, NO, raised voice, whispering calm voice. She is 4 if that helps with ideas. Thanks in advance for your ideas.
|
Having had two previous dogs that were barkers, we were determined to train our new yorkie not to bark, understanding that she is a dog and that dogs do bark sometimes. Here's what worked for us.
After considerable research prior to getting her we decided on a strategy that seems to have worked - mostly. When she would bark we would turn our backs and walk away. Not shushing, not talking, no no-no's. No eye contact. She was ignored. We did this in every circumstance. And it worked. Occasionally she does need a refresher so we do the same thing. We would wait for her to be quiet and then turn back and invite her to join us with a lot of love (no food treats). A couple of circumstances needed special attention - first, the doorbell. We decided it's okay to alert to someone at the door but she has to stop on command. So, we give the sit command and she stops. It took some time, but we have succeeded. Before she got the hang of it, we would without a word remove her from the door so she did not get the reinforcement of the door opening. We do pick her up at the door after a good sit and she gets to see the visitors. The one interesting thing I found is that if there is a stranger at the door she will alert - not barking, but huffing. If I greet the welcome stranger with a handshake she stops. If I greet an unwelcome stranger with no handshake she continues on alert. No matter who it is, she can't lick, jump, etc. Basically, she's ignored until they choose to greet her. Even the grandkids.
Second, with regard to noises - like TV or sudden sounds - we had to employ the same strategy. She's so good now, that even as I am typing they are delivering our new roofing up on the roof with bangs and drops and hammers and she's silent and not even shaking.
Third, was when we would return to her after a time away. She was not greeted until she was quiet. And, no jumping allowed. There are plenty of wiggles and I'm glad to see you's but no jumping or barking.
The other thing we found is that we had to make sure there are plenty of dog appropriate play options available so she's not bored. Bored dogs will find something to do. And if what they want is your attention, they'll find a way to get that, too. Our pup knows now how to bring a toy and sit and wait or sometimes she'll just walk up and look at us with imploring eyes waiting for us to discern her desire. All without barking. Your pup may have decided that this is a social event with you, so the ignoring (turn off set and walk away) might work. Good luck! I know you'll find a way to help your pup find fun and excitement without barking at what my mom used to call the "squawk box". :animal36 | 