Silencing the Problem Barker

[Paw-Talk]

Silencing the Problem Barker



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Barking is a natural behavior, but becomes a nuisance when carried to extremes Here is what you can do about it.
by Douglas Kirk and Valerie Matthews, DVM


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I have had many dogs in my life. Some big, some small. I have always taught them with one thing in mind. You CANNOT teach a dog NOT to bark. It's like trying teaching a child not to talk. But you can teach a child not to shout as you can teach a dog not to bark excessively.
With this in mind, I have always been consistant in scolding my dogs when they bark. The only time I allow for barking is when my guard dog barks at someone on our property. But Even then I only allow for a few warning barks before I tell him to stop.
My Little dog still barks when someone comes to the door even though I have never allowed her to do so. It is her instinct to warn the rest of the pack (being me) of possible danger. By scolding her for nuisance barking, I have simply controlled a potential barking problem.
Now when either or both of then are in the yard, they are very quiet. The neighbors have commented on how quiet they are so I know they are not just quiet when I'm home. But they still bark as a warning which is good.
Unlike Franklin across the way that is hated by myself and all my neighbors. BAD DOG!!! I know it's not his fault and I should just be mad at the owners, but a girl can only handle so much before she loses her mind! :tongue3:
I believe that consistancy is the key!
Even if you have to run outside, in the rain, in your nickers, to scold your dog from nuisance barking, you should do so.
Your neighbors may not appreciate the nickers, but they will appreciate your quiet dog.
Note to self: Now how can I shut that dog up that lives next door?
LOL

I have a 1/2 Retriever/Rott that barks at strangers. this is what I WANT him to do.
We started receiving complaints from the city.
huh???we were confused!! He doesn't bark at other dogs, he doesn't bark excessively, we work from home...does he do something we're not aware of??!! How horrible we felt!!
We tried different training and also bark collars-I just couldn't STAND to use them excessively-I think they're horrid...
Turns out...it was from a particular neighbor who was doing it as a form of harrassment (among other things) to us.
We have 2 other dogs on the street that bark-one does it from seperation anxiety all day long. Think they got complaints??
NOPE!
Now, if we get one more complaint, we get to go to court!
According to the city and per legal consult, anybody has the right to file a complaint against anyone REGARDLESS of whether it has merit.
B/c this is such a "hot" topic, it will be contested in court but...
so sad!!!
my poor boy just DOING his job

Yes, unfortunately there are people who take advantage of the law.
If I were you, since you work from home, I would make a log of every time your dog barks and every time the other dogs in the neighborhood bark. You can get one from your local SPCA or pound.
This is what the complainer is suppose to be doing.
Then if it should come to the court thing, you can show that the other dogs in the neighborhood bark even more than your dog does.
This will also show if he has been honest on his log seeing as you will know exactly how many times your dog has barked.
And I would also sue his butt with harassment!
DON"T MESS WITH A SCORNED WOMAN!
LOL