Barking Dog! I know most of you would never resort to "negative reinforcement," but perhaps some of you are desperate enough to try this....... But then - I guess even spraying a dog with water is "negative reinforcement," and a lot of you do recommend this...... This is from an article written by a vet... . . . negative reinforcement can be useful. Perhaps a little story will help explain: As a veterinary student, I lived in the basement of an animal hospital. We did a lot of boarding, and there were occasionally dogs that barked at night. These dogs were warm and well-fed, with plenty of water. Their kennels were clean and dry. All they lacked was entertainment. I quickly learned that hollering "quiet" was pretty much useless. Here is what worked: I'd put a little water in a Dixie Cup and quietly stand in front of the barker, not saying a word. Within a minute or two the dog would bark again, whereupon I'd immediately dash the water in his face, turn around and go back to bed, all without saying a word. I'd usually have to do this two or three times the first night, once or twice the second night and maybe even once the night after that. Nearly always, after the second or third night, peace and quiet. "Quiet" repeated calmly and clearly once or twice in a normal voice will teach your dog to associate the word with water in the face. . . Later, in situations where he would ordinarily bark but stays quiet instead, calmly praise him. -------- Carol Jean |
thanks, im gonna have to try that.. lexi barks just knowing she's going out side to bark....at nothing...i cant take it... |
I have tried many things to calm Nikko down when he gets into his little barking fits. The only thing that has worked for me is the pennies in a can thing. Now it has gotten to the point that all I have to do is say the word "can" and he immediately shuts up. Before that, I tried yelling "quiet" and he would bark louder. I would softly say "quiet" and he would continue barking. It can be frustrating but I think tossing a cup of water in the dogs face is a little excessive. Of course, knowing my boy, he would probably love it because he loves to take a bath and loves water. :rolleyes: |
Though considered "negative", that's pretty gentle considering the outcome. Good idea! Yeah yelling at them doesn't work, lol. |
Please dont take offence Nikko's_human.... You just brought a flash to me of an old neighbor I had about 10 years ago... She had two Min Pins and when anyone came to the door the dogs would sound off like mad!!! she was always dressed like Mrs. Roper from Threes Company, in some big Moo Moo but she was 90 pounds soaking wet! Well... there she would be.... flailing her arms and shaking that can of pennies! Making more noise than the damn dogs! I always got a kick out of watching her! I would think to myself.... She has got to be doing that wrong... that cant be teaching them anything! lol I now know that it is a good technique... but boy was she a hoot! |
the idea is to not just stand there shaking it like a mad women lol :D you are ment to shake it once quick and sharply to make the dog jump and then look at you and not what ever the dog is barking at, then if it barks again do it again and so on untill the dog learns if it barks and dont stop when told this nasty sound happens. :D or if all fails wear ear plugs lol :D |
Let's be honest here...... A little water in the face doesn't hurt a dog!!!! I am sure it's more the "shock of it all" -- rather than the water... And - Don't know about your dogs, but mine play with the "kids and the hose" in the summer. And they keep running back time and time again to be soaked by the children. ****** I had a cat - I tried to stop him from ruining my screen by spraying water in his face...... that didn't work! He thought it was great fun. And, this same cat would sit at the sink forever playing with the water that was coming out of the tap.... Plus - please remember - the vet mentioned that he had to do this only two or three times... I think this is much kinder than having to discipline or trying to correct your dog all its life for barking... Might be worth a try. Carol Jean Carol Jean |
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:09 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2003 - 2018 YorkieTalk.com
Privacy Policy - Terms of Use