Reactive barking

[eggr675850]

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Any tips on how to tackle reactive barking?
My boy is doing so well in so many areas but his reactive barking is starting to drive us all a tad barmy. It’s only a problem at home . When we are out on many of our long woodland off lead walks it’s not an issue. Birds squirrrels etc he will have a chase and then stop. But at home, it’s a different matter. Cats in the garden, squirrels, birds he goes nuts and practically throws himself at the window. Same if we are in the car. So I’m guessing this is a territorial thing. I’ve taught him the quiet cue and he does respond eventually but I’m dreading summer a bit as whenever he goes in the garden he just runs around barking and barking quite frenzied. The neighbours will go nuts. As I said we don’t have this behaviour on his off lead walks. The car barking I can cope with as I have taught him the ‘quiet’ cue and then I treat, but when he’s in the garden the barking is frenzied and he will not listen. Inevitably I just end up taking him back inside which seems such a shame. What other methods can I try to get him to stop barking in the garden . I would add I never leave him in the garden unsupervised. The garden is large and very green . We have foxes , badgers etc so I guess this is sending his nose into overdrive too. TIA

 

[JudyN]

I'm wondering if you could entertain him in the garden with sniffing games, or maybe even set up a small agility course for him - something that will exercise his brain and he can get really focused on. OK, it'll be a pain that you'll have to be doing stuff with him whenever he's in the garden, but this might help break the habit in time.

Also, maybe take him back inside the house the moment he starts barking (you might need to take him out on lead so you have to retrieve him from the other end of the garden). Rinse and repeat ad nauseam. Eventually, he should realise that the fun stops when he barks - and that there are much more fun things to do in the garden, i.e. the games/agility.

 

[eggr675850]

I'm wondering if you could entertain him in the garden with sniffing games, or maybe even set up a small agility course for him - something that will exercise his brain and he can get really focused on. OK, it'll be a pain that you'll have to be doing stuff with him whenever he's in the garden, but this might help break the habit in time.

Also, maybe take him back inside the house the moment he starts barking (you might need to take him out on lead so you have to retrieve him from the other end of the garden). Rinse and repeat ad nauseam. Eventually, he should realise that the fun stops when he barks - and that there are much more fun things to do in the garden, i.e. the games/agility.

Thanks , yes, I think
On lead is a good idea , then a prompt return in if he persists . Hoping he’ll get the message . I’ll keep you posted.

 

[JoanneF]

I'd agree that the moment he barks in the garden, you bring him in. It won't take long for him to realise that barking = end of garden time, provided you do it immediately and consistently; every time.

In the house, I'd block access to windows, or you can buy opaque film to cover the windows. It clings, rather than sticks, so you can take it off while you are there (and re-use it) so you can keep working on your ”quiet” cue.

 

[eggr675850]

I'd agree that the moment he barks in the garden, you bring him in. It won't take long for him to realise that barking = end of garden time, provided you do it immediately and consistently; every time.

In the house, I'd block access to windows, or you can buy opaque film to cover the windows. It clings, rather than sticks, so you can take it off while you are there (and re-use it) so you can keep working on your ”quiet” cue.

I'd agree that the moment he barks in the garden, you bring him in. It won't take long for him to realise that barking = end of garden time, provided you do it immediately and consistently; every time.

In the house, I'd block access to windows, or you can buy opaque film to cover the windows. It clings, rather than sticks, so you can take it off while you are there (and re-use it) so you can keep working on your ”quiet” cue.

Tricky that, I have a big extension with beautiful big bi fold doors that open into the garden. They’re lovely, but it’s like a cinema screen for Ted going to do the lead and straight in. Over and over if necessary!!!