HELP- excessive barking
 

My 8 mo old puppy has just recently started barking excessively. I think she is mostly doing it for attention, she will bark at us when she wants attention, but she also barks when she hears any noise in the hallway. The problem is we live in an apartment and I am just waiting to start getting complaints. I don't know what to do! I have tried shaking the can at her and spraying with water, both just made her bark more. We are trying to ignore her when she barks but that doesn't seem to be working either. I have to fix this problem before my neighbors start complaining or I get kicked out. What should I do???:mad:

Their big barks aren't for the squeamish!!
 

Hi,
I just rejoined the community after a too-long absence of yorkies. We're dealing with the same thing with my 5 month old Coby. After several weeks of wanting to wear permanent ear plugs, I think we're finally getting somewhere. So be ready for lots of patience. The bad thing for you is that you live in an apartment where it's a bit more crucial.

Remember that they can sense your emotions. When the pup barks, you probably flinch or panic, knowing that the neighbors can hear. That only adds to whatever feeling is causing the barking. My husband is really guilty of that. Whatever things you're trying, stay really calm, don't raise your voice (they just think you're barking back) and keep trying. Coby is learning the finger on the lips - shhhh - sign. A hand command is better than yelling. We've tried turning our backs until he's quiet, clapping, and now we're on the water bottle. We also tried time out in his little kennel (carefully so he doesn't hate it - it wasn't a punishment, simply a consequence). Slowly, the barking is subsiding. Coby ONLY barks for attention, nothing else. Make sure the water is on stream, not mist. They like that too much. I've also heard that a tiny bit of lemon juice or vinegar in the water helps (just be sure not to get in the eyes). I hope to nip this before having to try that.

Good luck - and remember to stay calm; if you get frustrated, they're on to you!!! ;-)

Someone sent me a good article about this, but I don't know where it went. You can do a search on barking. What I did was make up a sound bababa (I know it's silly), and whenever she starts to bark I say it, and when she hears it she stops barking and comes to me right away. I give her lots of praise, and it really seems to be working. I tried all the negative ways to stop her, but none worked. This positive reinforcement is working well.

The British woman dog trainer on It's Me Or The Dog on Animal Planet uses a couple of techniques that have been mentioned. One was crossing your arms and turning away from the dog when it exhibits behavior you do want want, barking being one of them. She also recommends a funny loud noise, and one that makes them run to you sounds like something I may have seen on one of her shows. Try to catch her program if you can -- you will learn a lot. Also, that other show about the misbehaving behaviors treated by the Monks of New Skete, the ones that raise those beautiful German Shepards, has some good info.

Good luck!