Help Needed Please - Excessive Barking

my friend as got a 7month staffie x doberman

he barks in the evening

we tried the collar that give a noise when barking(didnt work)

water spray

putting him out of the room

taking no notice (barks more)

standing up and turning our backs on him

anyone have any advice please

he a lovely dog in all other ways

thank you

tina

Give him something to do eg kong etc ?

Or do some training with him and maybe a short walk ?

Hula said:

Give him something to do eg kong etc ?Or do some training with him and maybe a short walk ?

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tried those he only barks in the house

you tell him no just barks more

thanks for reply

Does he only bark in the evening and is it at a particular time

Tina

We have an evening barker or at least we had. Bought an air horn klaxon on e bay. Only a fiver. Very quickly, no more barking. Honestly, it really worked. As soon as he started, a short blast and he would shut up for a while. When he started again, another short blast. It got to a point where just the appearance of the device would shut him up. Now, no barking and the horn has not been out for 2 weeks. Bliss! :thumbsup:

Sounds like an attention seeking ploy.

First thing I would do is to walk the legs off him (as long as he is fit enough to cope). At least two hours a day are needed to satisfy the needs of most dogs.

Next check the diet (or, really, do this first!). Some foods are like rocket fuel for dogs! Complete foods like Burns, Arden Grange etc are the best, or if the dog won't eat those then feed a raw diet like BARF. You can get amazing results just be changing to a good quality diet.

Once this is under way try to anticipate the time he starts to bark and give him something to do that is incompatible with barking. A treat ball with his food in it is a good one to try.

If he barks he must be ignored. The fact that it got worse when you tried this before is because of something called the "extinction burst". This is when the dog is about to give up the behaviour because he is not finding it rewarding but tries harder to gain attention first. If you get to this stage you must keep going as you are close to success!

One very common mistake us dog owners make is to ignore a quiet dog. If we pay attention to them when they lie quietly somewhere they are much more likely to repeat the behaviour :thumbsup: .

Another one to try is the "settle" command. This is like the "down stay" but not as strict. As long as the dog lies quietly for a few seconds to start with he gets reward. Gradually extend the time spent in "settle" until he will lie quietly for longer and longer periods. It is very easy to forget about the dog when this is happening but it is essential to reward him!

thanks for the replys

he as 3 walks a day 2 with my lot road walking free running

atm my friend trying the muzzle he barks she puts it on seams to be working for now after 5 mins she takes it of barks again gets put on

thanks again

I bought a spray collar for my barking greyhound. When she barks it lets a spray of lemon scented compressed air under her nose. Stopped her dead. You can get it off Canine Chemist, Aboistop Spray collar.

:- )

bertha said:

I bought a spray collar for my barking greyhound. When she barks it lets a spray of lemon scented compressed air under her nose. Stopped her dead. You can get it off Canine Chemist, Aboistop Spray collar.
:- )

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did think of this but was worried about his eyes

bertha said:

I bought a spray collar for my barking greyhound. When she barks it lets a spray of lemon scented compressed air under her nose. Stopped her dead. You can get it off Canine Chemist, Aboistop Spray collar.

)

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Did you do any research on citronella before you bought it?See my post in the prong collar thread. I wouldn't put citronella anywhere near a dog - especially as their noses are so sensitive and citronella can cause an itching burning sensation for a couple of days after contact

Haven't had a problem with citronella, but I only use that if the compressed air one has run out. It's just a loud hiss and it does stop her.

If it is bad for dogs why is there now warning on the canister?

The best product i have found for an excessively barking dog is a can of pet corrector, used properly i would say this has helped with 80% of the dogs i have worked with it's not dangerous for dogs as just emits a burst of air and can be carried anywhere for dogs that have this problem outside the house as well.

Its very easy to use and can be purchased from amazon although i buy mine from the local RSPCA shop as the profits go to help the animals there, it comes with instructions so well worth a try

is it something that he can hear that you can't that's really bugging him?

eg, do you have a CRT (old style) TV? the coils in those hum or buzz - usually imperceptibly to us, but could drive a dog to distraction