We have not gotten a complaint “yet” as our apt manager has put it, but we need to get our 2 dogs to stop barking when people come by the apt.
The problem is I don’t want to teach them not to bark AT ALL, which sorta leaves out the anti-barking collars.
What is a good way to teach them to bark when someone approaches the house, but not at every car/person who walks by the backyard or street? And to bark a few times then stop.
Also how difficult do you think it will be to teach an “old dog new ticks”? Our one dog is almost 9 years old, and our other is still a pup about 7 mo. old.
We tell them no when we are home, but they don’t seem to be getting the point. And what to do when we are not home? Sometimes (not always) we are gone to long (10-12 hrs) to lock them inside the whole day (And they still bark, just not as much indoors).
It was not as bad before our new neighbors, who have 4 kids. So our puppy constantly barks at them through the fence. This is why the barking was “brought to our attention”.
Dragon: Your idea sounds great! I only have one problem, what do we do when we are not home to tell them to stop barking?
Caffeinated Content
Caffeinated Content
You need to discourage them from barking at inappropriate things, like cars and the neighbors. That way they learn their manners. I’m sure they would still alert you if someone tried to break in.
Create a video blog…instantly.
Most dogs have no clue as to whether barking is something good or something bad. Sometimes when the dog barks, he is ignored (owner in a jolly mood). Other times, the dog is encouraged (owner sees suspicious stranger outside the house). And yet other times, the dog is yelled at (owner has a headache). Humans are consistently inconsistent. In order to help your dog know your rules, teach him what they are. Here is a good rule to start with: Barking is OK until the dog is told to “Stop Barking.” Think of “Stop Barking” as an obedience command rather that simply an unpredictable reprimand. Each time your dog barks, after two or three woofs, praise her for sounding the alarm. Then tell her, “Stop Barking.” Simultaneously, waggle an especially tasty food treat in front of her nose.
Most dogs instantly stop barking because they can’t sniff and lick the treat while barking. During this quiet time praise her continuously – - “Good girl, stop barking, what a good quiet dog you are, good dog . . .” After 3 seconds of no barking, let her have the treat. The next time she barks, require her to stop barking for 5 seconds before she gets the treat. Each time she is told to stop barking and succeeds, she will be rewarded.
If she barks even one little wooflet after you’ve given the command, scold her immediately. Timing is everything. As training proceeds, the required period of silence is increased gradually; at first “Stop Barking” means: No barking for the next 3 seconds, then 5 seconds, then 10 seconds and so on. Within a single training session, you can teach your dog to stop barking for up to 1 or 2 minutes. This is major progress, because whatever set off her barking in the first place is history, and she is likely to be quiet until the next disturbance.
Caffeinated Content
You sure are asking for a lot!!! lol
If they are looking through a door or window, you must start to show the dogs that you ‘own’ that door or window. Check out Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer) website and videos that I included. Check out especially the 1st video… Chuy, Jack & Carmine.