My friends boyfriend has an Akita that is disrupting the neighborhood with constant barking. She has a doggie door, and loves to be outside. She doesn't bark when there is someone home, but as soon as they leave, the barking is constant! If she is left inside during the day when they are at work, she eats the couch and other expensive things. She is walked every night for an hr at the very least, so she has her exercise. Animal control has been called many times, and the last time they were issued a fine, and were told if they couldn't control the barking, that the dog would eventually be taken from them.

The animal control officer mentioned something about a collar that sprays citronella in their face if they bark. I've never heard of this, but I don't feel that this is the way to go about solving the problem.

She is a very good dog otherwise. Any advice out there so the problem can be fixed and they aren't forced to give up their sweet dog?

Akitas are hard to break of a barking habit. Eating the couch is a no, no also. She can be taught not to bark but not overnight.

Unfortunately, chronic barking when no one is around or available to correct it, is a very difficult habit to break. The dog is doing what she views as her job -- she is letting "intruders" (any noise is an "intruder") know that this is her territory and they better not encroach upon it. I hate the citronella collars, but prefer their use over the electric shock collars when you have a situation where hands on training doesn't work or isn't possible. If they cannot put her inside of the house while they are gone all day, and the barking only occurs while no one is home, their options are extremely limited and the citronella collar is the solution that comes to mind. Please understand that there are no guarantees that the collar will work. Here are some links that should help them make a decision:
Citronella Collars
Citronella Bark Collar,Bark Collars,Citronella,Premier,ABS

Frankly, I would prefer to see them hire a trainer to train the dog not to destroy the house and to show them how to work with the dog on the barking issue.

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Originally Posted by RubyPitbull

Unfortunately, chronic barking when no one is around or available to correct it, is a very difficult habit to break. The dog is doing what she views as her job -- she is letting "intruders" (any noise is an "intruder") know that this is her territory and they better not encroach upon it. I hate the citronella collars, but prefer their use over the electric shock collars when you have a situation where hands on training doesn't work or isn't possible. If they cannot put her inside of the house while they are gone all day, and the barking only occurs while no one is home, their options are extremely limited and the citronella collar is the solution that comes to mind. Please understand that there are no guarantees that the collar will work. Here are some links that should help them make a decision:
Citronella Collars
Citronella Bark Collar,Bark Collars,Citronella,Premier,ABS

Frankly, I would prefer to see them hire a trainer to train the dog not to destroy the house and to show them how to work with the dog on the barking issue.

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I agree with you that they should tackle the barking problem with training! In the meantime, I guess the citronella might be a good deterent. Thanks for the links. I will pass them on

It sounds to me like she has some separation anxiety issues. They should talk with a professional trainer.

Please don't give your dog away, the reason your dog is barking and destroying the house is because it is BORED! Dogs need structure and by letting it go out the doggy door for outside play is not enough! The yard is like a big crate. You need to walk your dog every single day and show strong leadership for the dog to stop with the barking and destroying, when I first adopted my dog he has destroy two of my couches and ate a large hole in my mattress foam! Since I've been working with him, he doesn't even need to go in his crate EVER.. Please read Cesar's Way by Cesar Milan, it is not about obedience, it's about being a good, educated dog owner, it will change every thing!
It has nothing to do with the breed, that is a myth, if a dog is balance, it doesn't matter the breed!

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Originally Posted by spinphoto

Please don't give your dog away, the reason your dog is barking and destroying the house is because it is BORED! Dogs need structure and by letting it go out the doggy door for outside play is not enough! The yard is like a big crate. You need to walk your dog every single day and show strong leadership for the dog to stop with the barking and destroying, when I first adopted my dog he has destroy two of my couches and ate a large hole in my mattress foam! Since I've been working with him, he doesn't even need to go in his crate EVER.. Please read Cesar's Way by Cesar Milan, it is not about obedience, it's about being a good, educated dog owner, it will change every thing!
It has nothing to do with the breed, that is a myth, if a dog is balance, it doesn't matter the breed!

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I am a huge fan of Cesars, and use his techniques with my own dog, all the time. However, when I posted this question almost five months ago, I had asked the question about a friends dog. I researched extensively, and sent her info on how to train her dog. She didn't listen or do any of the training suggested. 3 Weeks ago today, my dog was brutally attacked by her dog, that is one of the top 3 dangerous breeds. My dog survived, but had convulsions, and had to have emerg. Surgery and 86 stitches. She isn't the same dog she used to be. Hopefully with a lot of love and encouragement, she will get over this, and be back to her same old happy self.

Just a word to anyone out there who owns a dog, whether it is in the dangerous breed category or not. Learn about the breed of dog you have. Do the research, do your job as pack leader, and then DO THE TRAINING! My dog thanks you! :)