I have a 5 month old puppy, and he barks at everything, he hears paper move and he barks. I am moving in to basement suite and can't have him barking at everything, I don't know how to stop him from barking.

Shock coaller that is set off by the vocal cords vibrating, works really well and is only strong enough to tell them NO but doesn't hurt to bad... Yes I've shocked myself, and we use one on a almost year old Maltipoo and he;s had it for 6 months? So it should be okay for your puppy

Shock collars are effective but for a less shocking (hehe) method there are collars available that spray a tiny amount of citronella up towards the dogs nose... they hate the smell of it and it's just as effective in a lot of cases.

Once he is trained not to bark you can just switch to a normal collar so he still thinks he is wearing the citronella one.

And finally... remove the normal collar and you should have a bark-free dog.

It's a slow process but it can be remedied.

There are much less cruel and much more effective methods than what others suggest. One of our dog members will soon be along to give you some help.

Shaz, from experience any type of collar dogs can tell the differnce if it's the "good" or "bad" collar.

Not always, I have used the citronella ones before and I always did the normal collar up so the buckle was at the front... it felt heavier where the little box was on the other one...

Hmm, never had that happen, what kind of dogs? And how big was the collar?

There are a lot of ways to stop a dog from barking. My suggestion would be this:

When he is barking, get a treat. Chances are, he will stop barking when he sees it, because he will be more interested in smelling the treat. Tell him "quiet". After a few seconds of no barking, give him the treat.
Increase the time that he needs to stay quiet. If he barks at you, say quiet again, a bit louder. Praise him again after a few seconds of silence.

It may take time. If this doesn't work, let me know.

There are a lot of ways to stop a dog from barking. My suggestion would be this:

When he is barking, get a treat. Chances are, he will stop barking when he sees it, because he will be more interested in smelling the treat. Tell him "quiet". After a few seconds of no barking, give him the treat.
Increase the time that he needs to stay quiet. If he barks at you, say quiet again, a bit louder. Praise him again after a few seconds of silence.

It may take time. If this doesn't work, let me know.

I wouldn't recommend this method but if it has worked for you, when done properly it is an option.

The dog may condition itself to bark because it knows that if it does you are going to come running with a treat for it. Dogs aren't silly :)

I wouldn't recommend this method but if it has worked for you, when done properly it is an option.

The dog may condition itself to bark because it knows that if it does you are going to come running with a treat for it. Dogs aren't silly :)

It's easy to remove the treat and replace it with something as simple as attention, it just takes patience. Eventually they will learn the command "quiet".

There are a lot of ways to stop a dog from barking. My suggestion would be this:

When he is barking, get a treat. Chances are, he will stop barking when he sees it, because he will be more interested in smelling the treat. Tell him "quiet". After a few seconds of no barking, give him the treat.
Increase the time that he needs to stay quiet. If he barks at you, say quiet again, a bit louder. Praise him again after a few seconds of silence.

It may take time. If this doesn't work, let me know.

My dog has a lot of 'false alarm' barking when I am working with her with treats. She barks a lot more at little noises when she knows I have treats nearby too. One thing I've found that helps is to have the stereo on low with surround sound speakers and some soft music.

my dog has a lot of 'false alarm' barking when I am working with her with treats

Yeah it does take time with that method, and doesn't work for all dogs. Sadly there are very few methods that don't involve the use of citronella or shock collars.

I can see how over time it would work, but it would be harder while the training is happening.

If your dog is small or jumps a lot, the collar MAY not work. It worked great on our large dog (we called him the 'one bark wonder') it just made a sound he didn't like. But I tried it on my bouncy poodle and I took it off and threw it in the drawer, because every time he was having a good time running around, it would go off. And that wasn't right. It was because of his tags making noise and his huffing. I have just done the verbal at this point.

There are much less cruel and much more effective methods than what others suggest. One of our dog members will soon be along to give you some help.

I totally agree!


What's the history of this animal, was the animal taken in as a rescue, was the dog given to you because the dog couldn't be cared for, did you get this dog as a pup fresh from his mother? What I am getting at is, dog's behavior is predicated on some of the past that the animal might have gone through. There are reasons dogs bark and it's getting to the bottom first to figure out why the animal is acting this way. Sometimes it's the action of being scared, having separation anxiety, lack of attention or even feeling insecure so the outcome is barking. If the dog has any form of anxiety or insecurities using a shock collar will scar this animal bringing out other issues. I am not a believer in shock collars and do feel they are cruel. Barking is a productive behavior, it's about finding the reasons they are barking obsessively and then treating the personality of the animal first. Sometimes all it takes is changing the routine of the animal and making him/her feel safe and secure. You never want your dog to be scared of barking for reasons as obvious, you do want your dog to warn you if need be. Also for the animals own sake that is their defense if another animal is to threaten them. More info would be great to go further in my advice, at this point I do feel the back ground is important. Also, what type of dog is this?

That is true MsCanFix. It does depend on the history of the dog and the temperament.

I don't see how citronella collars are cruel though?
Shock collars yes, I don't like using those...

I trained my cockapoo to quit barking by very gently holding her nose and telling her no shouting in the house. If she didn't bark after I let go. I gave her lots of praise and hugs telling her good girl. The trick is to be gentle. Also if you lay the dog on its back and say no firmly it will help. Just remember gentle and lots of praise when they do good works. Just like with kids, because lets face facts our four footed friends end up a part of the family too.

That is true MsCanFix. It does depend on the history of the dog and the temperament.

I don't see how citronella collars are cruel though?
Shock collars yes, I don't like using those...


Now as far as what I said these were my exact words Quote myself "I am not a believer in shock collars and do feel they are cruel."

I never mentioned citronella collars, didn't feel the need to even go there until the OP responds with some history of the animal. It's so important to get into what the posters are saying, not twisting the words or sentences, keeping the responses true and accurate to what is actually being written, not doing this can cause confusion to the original poster that needs answers.

Training and punishment sort of speak is made so much easier if the personality of the animal is addressed first. Once the owner appeases the personality conflict most of the time, in time, with routine and consistency the behavior of barking subsides.

Now as far as what I said these were my exact words Quote myself "I am not a believer in shock collars and do feel they are cruel."
. It's so important to get into what the posters are saying, not twisting the words or sentences


I wasn't referring to you, I was referring to Wondergirl.
Please don't get snitty with me, I was only asking a simple question and it was separated from my answer to you (which I agreed with you by the way... )
I know you are very experienced with shelter dogs which I respect a lot but not all dogs have been abused or ar even from a shelter so we can't assume that until the OP posts a reply. And no I'm not "twisting your words" I've just noticed that you always mention shelters.

:)

I got my dog as a puppy, he was 12 weeks when I got him. He is a poodle,lab,malamute,and a boardercollie mix. He is very smart, but he barks when people come into the house, I am just thinking mabey he is doing this to protect me. I donno.

If he is barking when people come into the house then I would say yes.
Mine do the same. I tend not to worry too much about them barking immediately when people enter as I like the protection and don't scold them too much for them barking at strange people.

If mine bark once the people have entered the house and I greet them, then I get mad. I have made it ahabit to touch whoever enters so the dogs know they are friendly.

I like the suggestion AuntSwee posted about holding their nose gently and using a voice command such as 'quiet'.

I guess the barking is not so bad, but he also digs holes in the back yard and gets into the garbage a lot.

The barking can be controlled with a little training.
If you son't want him to bark at the door at all that is your choice.
I just prefer it for safety as I am alone here at night :)

Digging and garbage are hard! They can only be taught if you catch them in the act otherwise they won't know why you are being mad at them.
I had to get a metal bin for my rubbish and keep it in the bottom of our pantry cupboard!

Yeah digging is hard because I never catch him doing it. But there are huge holes in the ground. Getting in the garbage he will sneek in there and bring it over into the livingroom where we are and start chewing on it.

You could try some yukky smelling products in the garden, in the areas where he digs most (garden beds are the usual culprit)
That's hard too because you need to leave him space to do his business...

Let me think on this one for a bit... :)

I have used pieces of old wire fencing or screen or chicken wire. Placed flat over the hole secured with a rock or lawn staples. It's a real attractive look:p At one point I have about 6 in various places in the garden and yard. My pup got bored of that habit and I put the fencing away.:)

Good idea Dahlia, it might look messy for a while but it should break the habit!

I know you are very experienced with shelter dogs which I respect a lot but not all dogs have been abused or ar even from a shelter so we can't assume that until the OP posts a reply. And no I'm not "twisting your words" I've just noticed that you always mention shelters.

I did not single out shelters or abused dogs, please re-read my post. No one is assuming anything, that is why I would not go into advice until the OP responded with the questions I have asked. You think I'm snitty, I think your over zealous for a popularity contest of raining title. Everyone is here to help others, not who can achieve the most "agreements"

Bringing up different ideas are my ways to get the poster thinking themselves and being open-minded, not just to react so intensly to the behavior but to look into the mind set first. I don't think I have ever suggested all dogs have been abused or come from a shelter, I have stated though that many from the latter come with issues that may have to be dealt with due to that circumstance. Some straight from the mother come with issues, I am not favoring one to the other, merly thoughts. You notice I mention shelter dogs have you noticed that is because most of the posts I respond to have to do with OP's asking about their adopted animals.

Why bring this up? I believe it was you that started this argument by saying that I "twisted words and sentences" when I wasn't even referring to your post...
I had moved on from it and continued helping the OP with the information she provided after you left.


I think your over zealous for a popularity contest of raining title. Everyone is here to help others, not who can achieve the most "agreements"


So you are implying that I am only here to achieve "agreements" not help other people... real nice...

And no, that isn't twisting your words... you said it loud and clear.

Congratulations, you will no longer have to deal with me having 'discussions' with you.

I think the best solution is just to stay away from topics you have posted in to avoid confrontation...

Having some pretty bad issues at the moment and really don't need to be put down more than I already am

Now, to the original poster you state now that the barking is not so bad, you have to just stay consistent and define the boundaries to where and what you want your dog to be barking at. I do agree with the introduction to your guests allowing your dog to not fear them. Praise the dog at a productive bark, one that will be protecting you with a treat and scold firmly and consistently at a bark that you're not agreeing with. Does the dog have chew toys that will keep him interested in, it sounds as though maybe the digging is from boredom. The breeds that you mention, some have the tendencies instinctively to search and find and you definitely have a breed mix that are all very smart rather cunning dogs which is OK it's a matter of keeping the dog busy. The breed mixes you mentioned like to be challenged and you have to create activities that cater to that. Give the dog a Kong toy and that will be the challenge to get the treat out of it. Some toys come with long ropes in them that the dog has to pull out the rope from the hole in order to get to the treat, they love those kind, they like to flip the rope around when their doing this. If you don't want to put screen or barb wire over your holes that the dog has dug try sprinkling a good about of red pepper or black pepper all around and in the hole, they sneeze at the smell and that discourages them also. Good luck

I said 'chicken wire' not 'barbed wire'
Chicken wire is a type of fencing.

Barbed wire is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

. If you don't want to put screen or barb wire over your holes that the dog has dug try sprinkling a good about of red pepper or black pepper all around and in the hole, they sneeze at the smell and that discourages them also. Good luck


NEVER put barbed wire in an area where dogs "live." Never.

Now, to the original poster you state now that the barking is not so bad, you have to just stay consistent and define the boundaries to where and what you want your dog to be barking at. I do agree with the introduction to your guests allowing your dog to not fear them. Praise the dog at a productive bark, one that will be protecting you with a treat and scold firmly and consistently at a bark that you're not agreeing with. Does the dog have chew toys that will keep him interested in, it sounds as tho maybe the digging is from boredom. The breeds that you mention, some have the tendencies instinctively to search and find and you definitely have a breed mix that are all very smart rather cunning dogs which is ok it's a matter of keeping the dog busy. The breed mixes you mentioned like to be challenged and you have to create activities that cater to that. Give the dog a Kong toy and that will be the challenge to get the treat out of it. Some toys come with long ropes in them that the dog has to pull out the rope from the hole in order to get to the treat, they love those kind, they like to flip the rope around when their doing this. If you don't want to put screen or barb wire over your holes that the dog has dug try sprinkling a good about of red pepper or black pepper all around and in the hole, they sneeze at the smell and that discourages them also. Good luck


Maybe we should put some "barbed wire" over you and see how you like it.

****Taking a long bow******

Thank you. Thank you.

Shucks folks. I just call 'em as I see 'em.

NEVER put barbed wire in an area where dogs "live." Never.


Woah woah woah, I live on a ranch and all we use for the most part is barbed wire. All my animals dogs, horses, cows... and the local deer know what it is and avoid it, the dogs crawl under it and the horses and cows (most of the time) leave it alone)

If the animal was raised around it from the time they were born they know what it is, and you can teach them it hurts, I would rather use barbed wire than "hot" fencing

woah woah woah, I live on a ranch and all we use for the most part is barbed wire. All my animals dogs, horses, cows... and the local deer know what it is and avoid it, the dogs crawl under it and the horses and cows (most of the time) leave it alone)

If the animal was raised around it from the time they were born they know what it is, and you can teach them it hurts, I would rather use barbed wire than "hot" fencing

I don't think the OP lives on a ranch but in some cityscape where barb wire would be dangerous for other pets and children. Ranch life is different. Please do not encourage someone to use this barbaric form of fencing as it could cause a serious injury to an unwitting child.

woah woah woah, I live on a ranch and all we use for the most part is barbed wire. All my animals dogs, horses, cows... and the local deer know what it is and avoid it, the dogs crawl under it and the horses and cows (most of the time) leave it alone)

If the animal was raised around it from the time they were born they know what it is, and you can teach them it hurts, I would rather use barbed wire than "hot" fencing



I don't think the OP is choosing between hot fencing and barbed wire nor do I think OP's dog has been raised around barbed wire.

But, of course, I could be wrong.

I also think it's barbaric but, again, I don't live on a ranch.