CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Behaviour & Training => Topic started by: Joules on December 30, 2007, 05:21:40 PM
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Coco's barking has got really bad recently - she is especially bad when I go into the field with the alpacas. ::) She used to be like it when I went into bits of the garden that she is not allowed in but she got used to it. Now, she shows no intention of stopping and will just stand at the gate barking her head off >:( I know she is just jealous of them getting my attention but it is really doing my head in - I have tried putting her in the car (she will normally settle down if she is in there) but she knows when I am in the field without her and barks, if I leave her in the house she barks too. >:D I have tried everything I can think of - ignoring her, not giving her attention until she is quiet, praising calm behaviour etc etc. She understands the "speak" and "quiet" commands but it just goes out the window when she gets one of her strops on >:(
I am thinking I will have to resort to an anti bark collar of some sort. :-\ My neighbour who has had a similar problem has just got one of the citronella ones and it stopped her dog barking within a couple of days :blink: I have also seen these ones which emit a sonic pulse which the dog finds unpleasant:
http://www.scottsofstow.co.uk/ProductDetails.aspx?language=en-GB&product=1188010
Since this one is £20 and the citronella one is about £80 obviously I would prefer the cheaper option but I am not sure if they are any good. :-\
Has anyone tried either of these methods or any other sort of anti bark solution? Obviously I am not prepared to use the one that gives an electric shock or anything nasty like that :o Also, if it stops them barking, what about barking in the night if they need to go outside - how does that work? Obviously I do not want to stop "I need to wee" barking :huh:
Any advice will be gratefully received :D
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Must run in the family >:( Sasha is a incessant barker too. I bought a bark deterrent device it plugs in the wall and triggers a ultrasonic burst to interupt the barking. [It DOESN"T work] I think Coco like Sasha just doesn't like to be left out. I know the barking can do your nut in so I hope someone has a solution. I don't think I could use a shock collar. I think they are cruel.
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Ive tried the spray collar of Daisy and it didnt work >:( When you find a cure pleeeeeeeeeease let me know ;) :005:
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I've used the Multivet citronella spray collar with success. It takes a little time for them to associate the noise they make with a spray then the penny drops, so if I don't bark I don't get sprayed.
It won't help to stop the barking if they haven't got the collar on, so they won't reach a point when their behaviour changes because of this collar, but mine knows if that collar goes on she'd better be quiet or she gets sprayed.
So if you want pretty instant results it's great, if you want long term changes then it's not the solution. Phoebe is a barkaholic when she's out with the others and it was driving me insane because she was setting them all off, and I was beginning to feel people were avoiding me, so after trying several things and also realising it was impractical to go for 3 x 1 hour walks twice and day and fit everything else in, I resorted to this and I'm pleased with the results.
I have also been lent a portable device for cars or gardens, which ladylola may be talking about. Mine runs off batteries and gives out a ultrasonic noise if they bark but I have found that the novality soon wore off from that one and they can quite happily bark through that noise without so much as batting an eyelid. ph34r
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Coco's barking has got really bad recently - she is especially bad when I go into the field with the alpacas. ::) She used to be like it when I went into bits of the garden that she is not allowed in but she got used to it. Now, she shows no intention of stopping and will just stand at the gate barking her head off >:(
As she has "got used" to you going into parts of the garden that are off limits, it is likely that she will - eventually - get used to you going into the field, too :)
I am sure that she could be *cured* without the use of aversives - taking her to the field, and not leaving her but using the quiet command in order to reward her, then taking a step away and rewarding her, repeat over and over again, the next day build up to two steps away, reward, the next day, three steps away, reward.......but it really depends if the barking is disturbing the alpacas or nearby neighbours as to whether a long-term solution is an option ;)
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As she has "got used" to you going into parts of the garden that are off limits, it is likely that she will - eventually - get used to you going into the field, too :)
I am sure that she could be *cured* without the use of aversives - taking her to the field, and not leaving her but using the quiet command in order to reward her, then taking a step away and rewarding her, repeat over and over again, the next day build up to two steps away, reward, the next day, three steps away, reward.......but it really depends if the barking is disturbing the alpacas or nearby neighbours as to whether a long-term solution is an option ;)
I thought she would get used to it too Rachel but it does not seem to be happening and it is 3 weeks so far - I would much prefer not to have to resort to aversives but there is a limit to how long I can tolerate it. It is not doing the alpacas any good or my neighbours! >:( Have tried doing it gradually, giving her a bone or a toy when I leave her in the garden etc etc but none of it seems to be working and I really do not want it to take much longer as I am getting to the end of my patience with it - I think it might be a bit too long term to persevere with this now as the progress we have made in 3 weeks is minimal ::) The quiet command will only work when I am near her which is no good if I am down the field - the thing is, before the alpacas arrived, she used to come into the field and have a run around so she is probably pretty peed off to have lost her playground :-\ What I would ideally like is for her to be calm around the alpacas and not harrass them so she can come into the field with me and potter around while I do what I have to do out there - sadly, it looks like that is a very long way off as all she wants to do is chase the alpacas while barking her head off >:(
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I know some have used clicker training to get some dogs used to horses --- not quick and easy but a solution
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My ex groomer used a citronella collar on her dog Tyler. He used to go in a corner, shut his eyes and bark nonstop until it ran out and then run round barking with glee. ::)
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Ive tried the spray collar of Daisy and it didnt work >:( When you find a cure pleeeeeeeeeease let me know ;) :005:
Now actually thinking about it, wee Daisy Duke used to get stressed by this spray collar so I gave up, maybe Mark might have a solution :-\
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I have done something that some will be cross about ph34r
I got a water bottle and put some stones in it - I gave it one shake (not thrown it or dropped it or hit a dog with it) and said quiet and it had worked - this was mainly done in the car whilst I was driving as I was on my own with the dogs and they were in a crate in the boot
Now if i go to that bottle they stand still and look at me and i just have to say quiet and it's done don't even need to touch the bottle now
Please note - this was one shake to get the dogs attention and not dropped or thrown or hit the dogs with it at all
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I have done something that some will be cross about ph34r
I got a water bottle and put some stones in it - I gave it one shake (not thrown it or dropped it or hit a dog with it) and said quiet and it had worked - this was mainly done in the car whilst I was driving as I was on my own with the dogs and they were in a crate in the boot
Now if i go to that bottle they stand still and look at me and i just have to say quiet and it's done don't even need to touch the bottle now
Please note - this was one shake to get the dogs attention and not dropped or thrown or hit the dogs with it at all
All punishment has the chance of going badly wrong but may work for a time.They may not work at all.
There is every chance that if you use one of these products or a rattle bottle that the behaviour will resurface at a later date :'(.
Then what? Off to buy an e collar next. >:(
Have you thought about employing a trainer to help you get to the root of the problem rather than treating a symptom of it but a good one will cost you even more than the citronella collar. Dogs bark for a reason and it is this reason behind the barking you need to address to find a true cure.
I know where i would be spending my money but everyone must do what they think is best for them, their conscience and their dogs.
I have trained all mine to quiet on cue with a clicker that cost £2.50 and a clicker training book that cost about a tenner, no shouting, no rattle bottles and no fancy gadgets.
All it took for me was just patience and a little understanding of how dogs learn and how to teach them.
Best of luck in whatever road you choose.
Mark
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I tried a spray collar when we first got lily as she was awful for barking but I would never use one again tbh. It stopped her wanting to play or interact(she mostly barks when she's excited) and made her really miserable. Not exactly the desired response. It also got set off by other dogs if they stood beside her and barked. Plus they dont learn not to bark unless you have it on constantly and thats not practical or fair. Only used it for a few hours over two days but would not recommend it at all unless you have a major reason to stop barking ie neighbours complaints and the threat of an ASBO!
All I do now with Lily if she doesnt respond to 'quiet' is to give her a time out in the kitchen. She knows she'll only be let out if she is quiet for a few mins. Much easier!
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I never use the bottle any more it went in the bin ages ago, but i have exactly the same one for one of the kids school juice
Every school morning they stand and watch me and once it has been filled and put in the lunch box they get a biscuit ;)
I now use the quiet command and if this doesn't work I walk out the room (hard if driving - but we have sorted that, with a cover over the crate in the car as she was barking at birds sheep etc)
Mark I totally understand what you are saying, and I am lucky that it didn't back fire on me, and we found another solution for the constant barking in the car ;)
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All punishment has the chance of going badly wrong but may work for a time.They may not work at all.
There is every chance that if you use one of these products or a rattle bottle that the behaviour will resurface at a later date :'(.
Thanks guys for all your replies and experiences - I am very loath to use anything that may have a negative effect in the long run, hence my post ;)
Mark, I have clicker trained Coco to be quiet too and I have taken her into the field on her lead and clicker trained her to be calm around the animals - she is as good as gold when I am with her. Getting her to stop barking when I am near to her is no problem. However, this will not work if I am 100 ft away in the field which is when I have the problem. :-\ She stops barking when she sees me walking back towards the gate - if I waited until she was quiet as I would prefer I would have to spend the day in the field! I never come right up to her or come out of the field until she is quiet though. As for the reason - I really believe that Coco barks mainly for attention, she is very focussed on me and barks when she cannot get to where I am. It is tricky when I am the only person she lives with - it is inevitable that she will focus on me although I do get other people to play with her, take her for walks etc to try and counteract this. I have tried being patient but there are other considerations and I cannot have the alpacas getting stressed either :-\
Sounds from peoples' experiences though that these gadgets do not always work too well so I will persevere a bit longer with the clicker and consider some one to one sessions. It is not the cost that concerns me, rather that I find a way to stop this behaviour without creating further problems. As anyone who has a very barky dog will know, persistent barking can really drive you nuts >:(
Note to self - remember to buy some earplugs!
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As she has "got used" to you going into parts of the garden that are off limits, it is likely that she will - eventually - get used to you going into the field, too :)
I am sure that she could be *cured* without the use of aversives - taking her to the field, and not leaving her but using the quiet command in order to reward her, then taking a step away and rewarding her, repeat over and over again, the next day build up to two steps away, reward, the next day, three steps away, reward.......but it really depends if the barking is disturbing the alpacas or nearby neighbours as to whether a long-term solution is an option ;)
I thought she would get used to it too Rachel but it does not seem to be happening and it is 3 weeks so far - I would much prefer not to have to resort to aversives but there is a limit to how long I can tolerate it. It is not doing the alpacas any good or my neighbours! >:( Have tried doing it gradually, giving her a bone or a toy when I leave her in the garden etc etc but none of it seems to be working and I really do not want it to take much longer as I am getting to the end of my patience with it - I think it might be a bit too long term to persevere with this now as the progress we have made in 3 weeks is minimal ::) The quiet command will only work when I am near her which is no good if I am down the field - the thing is, before the alpacas arrived, she used to come into the field and have a run around so she is probably pretty peed off to have lost her playground :-\ What I would ideally like is for her to be calm around the alpacas and not harrass them so she can come into the field with me and potter around while I do what I have to do out there - sadly, it looks like that is a very long way off as all she wants to do is chase the alpacas while barking her head off >:(
Three weeks is no time at all to get used to new animals and a new routine (as you say, she has lost her playtime/space that she had before alpacas, and she won't understand why she can no longer do what she used to do) - I really do think that this will get better in time; but I am thinking in terms of months, not weeks, and I do appreciate that this may not be possible if the alpacas are stressed or the neighbours are irritated :-\
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I have a Mekuti Calming Band, based on the TTellington Touch. Fixes in a figure of eight around the muzzle. It does work inasmuch as it makes her think when she is having a silly session, barking at me when I am in the outer garden and she settles and sits and watches, or sleeps, instead (still the occasional woof!).
Most of the time, if she really starts, I only have to wave the thing at her!
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Sorry if this is a stupid suggestion........
Julie, you say Coco is ok coming into the field with you on a lead, could you not then perhaps use a long line and tie it around your waist?
This would mean that you would have control of her actions at all times but still have hands free for her and the alpaca's.:dunno:
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My ex groomer used a citronella collar on her dog Tyler. He used to go in a corner, shut his eyes and bark nonstop until it ran out and then run round barking with glee. ::)
Sorry but that made me laugh, that's my kind of dog :shades: :lol:
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My ex groomer used a citronella collar on her dog Tyler. He used to go in a corner, shut his eyes and bark nonstop until it ran out and then run round barking with glee. ::)
Sorry but that made me laugh, that's my kind of dog :shades: :lol:
My dear departed Georgia did that when I borrowed one and tried it on her, she would fly off out the back door with her head to one side, bark for all she was worth until she emptied it, paused, and then carried on barking normally. >:( :005:
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My ex groomer used a citronella collar on her dog Tyler. He used to go in a corner, shut his eyes and bark nonstop until it ran out and then run round barking with glee. ::)
Sorry but that made me laugh, that's my kind of dog :shades: :lol:
My dear departed Georgia did that when I borrowed one and tried it on her, she would fly off out the back door with her head to one side, bark for all she was worth until she emptied it, paused, and then carried on barking normally. >:( :005:
Brilliant. You could never get angry with a dog who was smart enough to figure that out :shades: :lol:
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Sorry if this is a stupid suggestion........
Julie, you say Coco is ok coming into the field with you on a lead, could you not then perhaps use a long line and tie it around your waist?
This would mean that you would have control of her actions at all times but still have hands free for her and the alpaca's.:dunno:
No, sadly that wouldn't work as she would be barking and lunging at the alpacas then ::) When I have taken her into the field, I have just walked her round the field not near to the alpacas and she is fine - when I do that I am giving her my full attention though. I need to be able to handle them and feed them etc plus doing stuff where it would be hard if I had an exciteable cocker attached to me! :005: Also, I am trying to get them used to me being around and handling them so I am not sure Coco would help their confidence just yet!
My ex groomer used a citronella collar on her dog Tyler. He used to go in a corner, shut his eyes and bark nonstop until it ran out and then run round barking with glee. ::)
Yep, I can see Coco doing that too ::) My neighbour was told though that you must never let the spray run out - that way the dog doesn't learn that they can empty it! I can see me having to buy citronella by the gallon :005:
I have a Mekuti Calming Band, based on the TTellington Touch. Fixes in a figure of eight around the muzzle. It does work inasmuch as it makes her think when she is having a silly session, barking at me when I am in the outer garden and she settles and sits and watches, or sleeps, instead (still the occasional woof!).
Most of the time, if she really starts, I only have to wave the thing at her!
This sounds good - I might try one of those in conjunction with the ear plugs, clicker and treats :lol: It would be good to have something to use when I do not have the time to turn every trip to the field into a training session ::)
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Hamish so far doesn't do much barking when out, but tends to get his barking head on early evening indoors after his wee walk. I've been trying the time-out method which I've started seeing results with, although it has to be said you need a MOUNTAIN of patience !! When he barks its straight into the hall for time-out - when he is quiet I let him in. This routine is continued until he gives in and stops barking, which is on average 3 time-outs. Last night when he started barking I opened the door to the hall and just pointed to it and he stopped which I'm hoping (fingers etc crossed) means it is starting to get through to him. In fact, I've just done the same a few mins ago and amazingly he has stopped barking and is now lying on the settee.
I think he gets barky in the evening because with it being dark he only gets an on-lead walk early evening, so I've been doing short bursts of training with my clicker as well, plus hide & seek with some of his tea which seems to also help. As you say persistant barking can drive you nuts and some nights when doing the time-outs I've had to really force myself to stay calm - certainly not easy, but I'm hoping if I persist it will help.
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My ex groomer used a citronella collar on her dog Tyler. He used to go in a corner, shut his eyes and bark nonstop until it ran out and then run round barking with glee. ::)
Sorry but that made me laugh, that's my kind of dog :shades: :lol:
My dear departed Georgia did that when I borrowed one and tried it on her, she would fly off out the back door with her head to one side, bark for all she was worth until she emptied it, paused, and then carried on barking normally. >:( :005:
Brilliant. You could never get angry with a dog who was smart enough to figure that out :shades: :lol:
Nothing backfires faster than a cunning plan! :005:
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Hamish so far doesn't do much barking when out, but tends to get his barking head on early evening indoors after his wee walk. I've been trying the time-out method which I've started seeing results with, although it has to be said you need a MOUNTAIN of patience !! When he barks its straight into the hall for time-out - when he is quiet I let him in. This routine is continued until he gives in and stops barking, which is on average 3 time-outs. Last night when he started barking I opened the door to the hall and just pointed to it and he stopped which I'm hoping (fingers etc crossed) means it is starting to get through to him. In fact, I've just done the same a few mins ago and amazingly he has stopped barking and is now lying on the settee.
I think he gets barky in the evening because with it being dark he only gets an on-lead walk early evening, so I've been doing short bursts of training with my clicker as well, plus hide & seek with some of his tea which seems to also help. As you say persistant barking can drive you nuts and some nights when doing the time-outs I've had to really force myself to stay calm - certainly not easy, but I'm hoping if I persist it will help.
Thank you, you may have helped me solve my problem. Teal has her barky moments and the Mekuti band (I mentioned earlier) often works, but not these last few days. She is driving me crackers, perhaps it's because she is due in season any time? We have to walk on lead in the evenings, can't be much fun when our usual walks are tearing round fields having fun. The last few days she has been standing around at home barking, listening for something to bark at - little monkey. No sign of being in season yet, but wonder if there is a connection there. Will try the time out idea. Playing isn't working at the moment she is too distracted (but by what? I don't know?).
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Hamish so far doesn't do much barking when out, but tends to get his barking head on early evening indoors after his wee walk. I've been trying the time-out method which I've started seeing results with, although it has to be said you need a MOUNTAIN of patience !! When he barks its straight into the hall for time-out - when he is quiet I let him in. This routine is continued until he gives in and stops barking, which is on average 3 time-outs. Last night when he started barking I opened the door to the hall and just pointed to it and he stopped which I'm hoping (fingers etc crossed) means it is starting to get through to him. In fact, I've just done the same a few mins ago and amazingly he has stopped barking and is now lying on the settee.
I think he gets barky in the evening because with it being dark he only gets an on-lead walk early evening, so I've been doing short bursts of training with my clicker as well, plus hide & seek with some of his tea which seems to also help. As you say persistant barking can drive you nuts and some nights when doing the time-outs I've had to really force myself to stay calm - certainly not easy, but I'm hoping if I persist it will help.
Thank you, you may have helped me solve my problem. Teal has her barky moments and the Mekuti band (I mentioned earlier) often works, but not these last few days. She is driving me crackers, perhaps it's because she is due in season any time? We have to walk on lead in the evenings, can't be much fun when our usual walks are tearing round fields having fun. The last few days she has been standing around at home barking, listening for something to bark at - little monkey. No sign of being in season yet, but wonder if there is a connection there. Will try the time out idea. Playing isn't working at the moment she is too distracted (but by what? I don't know?).
Hope time-out suggestion helps. Keep us posted re how things go.
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I have found that with my cocker Lottie will run up to the others barking and this sets them of running and the slower once like lottie and Len run barking its like a chases. It happens when we play ball they are OK in the Field or long grass. I fine that if it gets to much i put them on the lead to calm them down {the barkers that is} and after 2/3 minutes let them of again if they start the barking they go back on the lead this works for me after 2 time of going back on the lead they calm down. its excitement.
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Hamish so far doesn't do much barking when out, but tends to get his barking head on early evening indoors after his wee walk. I've been trying the time-out method which I've started seeing results with, although it has to be said you need a MOUNTAIN of patience !! When he barks its straight into the hall for time-out - when he is quiet I let him in. This routine is continued until he gives in and stops barking, which is on average 3 time-outs. Last night when he started barking I opened the door to the hall and just pointed to it and he stopped which I'm hoping (fingers etc crossed) means it is starting to get through to him. In fact, I've just done the same a few mins ago and amazingly he has stopped barking and is now lying on the settee.
I think he gets barky in the evening because with it being dark he only gets an on-lead walk early evening, so I've been doing short bursts of training with my clicker as well, plus hide & seek with some of his tea which seems to also help. As you say persistant barking can drive you nuts and some nights when doing the time-outs I've had to really force myself to stay calm - certainly not easy, but I'm hoping if I persist it will help.
Thank you, you may have helped me solve my problem. Teal has her barky moments and the Mekuti band (I mentioned earlier) often works, but not these last few days. She is driving me crackers, perhaps it's because she is due in season any time? We have to walk on lead in the evenings, can't be much fun when our usual walks are tearing round fields having fun. The last few days she has been standing around at home barking, listening for something to bark at - little monkey. No sign of being in season yet, but wonder if there is a connection there. Will try the time out idea. Playing isn't working at the moment she is too distracted (but by what? I don't know?).
Hope time-out suggestion helps. Keep us posted re how things go.
Well, would you believe it - the little monster is now in season and quiet again. How weird is that? Fascinating creatures aren't they? She's back to her normal cheeky self again. I am rather cross though, a friend (and she wont be if she does this again) who is into obedience, was walking with me the other day, and when Teal barked and I checked her with "quiet", the third time she woofed , said friend whipped out a bottle full of stones from her pocket and cracked Teal over the face! >:D If this is what they do to teach obedience I want nothing to do with it.
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Joe is 4 1/2 mths old now and has only ever barked once - a single yap! (When do they normally start to bark?)
My problem is that he whines and howls every time he is left - even if I go to the loo - which we are trying to ignore, but it is very frustrating! I assume that when Joe finds his bark, he will use that instead. :'(
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Honey is 4 1/2 months, and has recently found her voice (encouraged somewhat by our lunchtime sitter!)... neighbours have assured us that they don't hear her when we are out, so I'm not overly worried. She was most definately the noisiest pup in puppy romp last weekend... and the whines are getting more and more... but she is so sweet with it! :005:
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Hamish so far doesn't do much barking when out, but tends to get his barking head on early evening indoors after his wee walk. I've been trying the time-out method which I've started seeing results with, although it has to be said you need a MOUNTAIN of patience !! When he barks its straight into the hall for time-out - when he is quiet I let him in. This routine is continued until he gives in and stops barking, which is on average 3 time-outs. Last night when he started barking I opened the door to the hall and just pointed to it and he stopped which I'm hoping (fingers etc crossed) means it is starting to get through to him. In fact, I've just done the same a few mins ago and amazingly he has stopped barking and is now lying on the settee.
I think he gets barky in the evening because with it being dark he only gets an on-lead walk early evening, so I've been doing short bursts of training with my clicker as well, plus hide & seek with some of his tea which seems to also help. As you say persistant barking can drive you nuts and some nights when doing the time-outs I've had to really force myself to stay calm - certainly not easy, but I'm hoping if I persist it will help.
Thank you, you may have helped me solve my problem. Teal has her barky moments and the Mekuti band (I mentioned earlier) often works, but not these last few days. She is driving me crackers, perhaps it's because she is due in season any time? We have to walk on lead in the evenings, can't be much fun when our usual walks are tearing round fields having fun. The last few days she has been standing around at home barking, listening for something to bark at - little monkey. No sign of being in season yet, but wonder if there is a connection there. Will try the time out idea. Playing isn't working at the moment she is too distracted (but by what? I don't know?).
Hope time-out suggestion helps. Keep us posted re how things go.
Well, would you believe it - the little monster is now in season and quiet again. How weird is that? Fascinating creatures aren't they? She's back to her normal cheeky self again. I am rather cross though, a friend (and she wont be if she does this again) who is into obedience, was walking with me the other day, and when Teal barked and I checked her with "quiet", the third time she woofed , said friend whipped out a bottle full of stones from her pocket and cracked Teal over the face! >:D If this is what they do to teach obedience I want nothing to do with it.
hmmm I would be tempted to do something else with the bottle of stones...and it doesn't involve a dog, just the 'obedience' person.
Well done for restraining yourself ;)
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;) Was just going to post what Helen said >:D >:D
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OH MY GOD i cannot believe someone would do that to a dog let alone someone elses dog :o Agree about using the bottle for training the obedience trainer >:D
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I went to see a lovely westie with a barking problem yesterday and they proved my point that all to often things like rattle bottles, citronella, and pet correctors do not work! They have tried the lot before calling me in.
Infact this dog is now quite nervous and it will take some serious work to rebuild its confidence and trust in its owners.
This is a situation that could have been improved long before it got to this stage if they had only known what they were doing.
Dogs bark for a reason and suppressing the behaviour WILL NOT make it dissapear for good as some famous TV trainers will have you believe. GRRRRRRRRR >:D
Mark
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After reading all the replies on here I decided not to use any intervention to try and stop Coco's persistent barking. :-\ The only thing I have tried is, after hearing about the Mekuti calming band I wondered if Coco's Gentle Leader might have a similar effect ie bringing her awareness to her nose and mouth and making her aware that she is barking. 1st time - magic, not a peep out of her, second and subsequent times, not so good, although some improvement. However, I am persevering with using nothing most of the time and rewarding her for being quiet and I have to say we are getting there although the problem is by no means solved. ::) She will now tolerate me going into the field for a short time without complaint or just the odd woof so I am hopeful that we will eventually get there! ;)
Thanks to all of you for your experiences and advice! :D
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Well done Julie, knowing Coco and what a determined young lady she is, that is progress in itself. You'll get there, I know you will. :clapping: :003:
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I'v read all of the thread so far (fri 8.55pm) and just wondered if Coco is trying to protect you against the Alpacas who are alien to her.
I'm probably barking up totally the wrong tree (no pun intended) as do not have that much experience of dogs but going on what Top Barks
was saying that dogs bark for a reason.
I know you say Coco barks when left out of your sight, but this just might be different if it is to do with the Alpacas.
Anyhow, I'll shut up now and let someone who knows what there talking about help you.
sal/Oska
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hi sal
No, the reason Coco barks is 'cos she wants to be where I am at all times ::) She is a demanding little madam and likes to be centre of attention at all times as befits someone with her irresistible cocker charms :005: She is not protective of me in that way and I think what she really wants is to come into the field and "play" with the alpacas in the way she tries to "play" with cats, rabbits and deer, ie by chasing them round like a loon barking her head off >:( Needless to say, the alpacas are none too keen on this game. :shades: She is really not barking in distress it is more excitement and to get attention. :-\ Am hoping she is getting over it now though ;)
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Hi Joules it was just a thought I do hope the situation improves soon for you.
sal/Oska
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hi sal
No, the reason Coco barks is 'cos she wants to be where I am at all times ::) She is a demanding little madam and likes to be centre of attention at all times as befits someone with her irresistible cocker charms :005: She is not protective of me in that way and I think what she really wants is to come into the field and "play" with the alpacas in the way she tries to "play" with cats, rabbits and deer, ie by chasing them round like a loon barking her head off >:( Needless to say, the alpacas are none too keen on this game. :shades: She is really not barking in distress it is more excitement and to get attention. :-\ Am hoping she is getting over it now though ;)
Have you tried introducing her to the alpacas? Both Milo & Netta (B&W male, Blue Roan female), with Milo leading, bark at other dogs and animals through our front fence, even people if they are being ignored. When I visit my parents in the New Forest they go belting down the drive to bark at horse riders as they pass the house - they stand at the gate and really embarrase me! However, when I have taken them out for long wlaks on the Forest we have walked into a clearing or round a large set of gorse bushes to find several New Forest ponies stood around, all across the path that we are on grazing. Milo and Netta just walk straight past them, no barking, sniffing or chasing, they hardly even gave them a second glance. I was so pleased with them. My godfather's parents took one of the Golden Labs for a walk on the Forest donkey years ago and got kicked in the head and a cut underneath her eye for getting too close to a pony!
That said Milo can be rather vocal around the house - he barks in a morning if I'm not feeding them quick enough, or if I walk into the room after being away fom them - from getting in from work in the evening or even just having been upstairs for 5 mins or so. I really can't understand it or them!
Glad to hear that you have had some progress though.
Regards,
Russ
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Have you tried introducing her to the alpacas?
Yes, I have frequently taken her into the field on a lead to walk around near the alpacas to get them used to each other - unfortunately if she is off the lead she will terrorise them by chasing and barking at them >:( Was talking to the alpaca breeder the other day and she offered to sort her out by putting Coco in a field with some of her stud males - they are less timid and would probably teach Coco that she needs to show them some respect ::) However, if she is outside the field and I am in it she is not barking at them but at me - she doesn't bother with them unless I am in the field with them >:(
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Hi everyone, I still have trouble with Charlie and his barking, when he goes out for , his walks. I have tried sitting him down, until he stops barking but could be there with him forever May even get an asbo withh is noise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Tried giving him a treat that doesn't work. What else could i do as it drives me mad, anything for a quiet time walking!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
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Just thought I would post an update on the situation with Coco and the barking! It is now 9 months since the alpacas arrived and things are much better although we are not quite there yet. After all the stories and advice on here, I did not use any aversives in the end even though she was driving me to distraction >:( She has gradually learned to tolerate being in the garden while I am in the field for short periods although if she thinks I am taking too long or if anyone is out there with me she will still go barmy. ::)
The biggest improvement though has been in her behaviour with the alpacas and when she is in the field. She is whistle trained so I took her out and walked around the alpacas on the lead for a while then let her off and keeping her focussed on me with a tasty treat got her to recall to me. Started some way away from the alpacas and gradually increased the distance so that eventually the alpacas were actually between her and me - recalled her from there meaning she had to run past them without chasing or barking at them. She has done really well and although she will occasionally still have a bit of a chase, it is more half hearted and she usually stops when I tell her no. :luv:
It has improved things no end because it means that most of the time when I am out in the field poo picking etc she can be out there too although now the chickens are out there too, I have to make sure she cannot get at their food - bizarrely she doesn't show much interest in chasing them :huh: What sort of a gundog is she anyway? ::) :005:
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"What sort of a gun dog is she anyway""
A GORGEOUS ONE :lol2:
Really pleased she is doing so well around them. Looks like you have gone about it the right way. Sasha is like Coco in that she will bark to be with me. The Alpacas are really beautiful. They are much smaller than I thought they would be and they have faces to die for. :luv: :luv: :luv: Well done Coco keep up the good work.
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:huh: What sort of a gundog is she anyway? ::) :005:
she's one that can tell the difference between chickens and fezzies ;) :luv:
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:huh: What sort of a gundog is she anyway? ::) :005:
she's one that can tell the difference between chickens and fezzies ;) :luv:
But not between rabbits and alpacas! ::) :005:
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Great to hear your hard work and effort is paying off Julie. :shades:
Now you've just got to train her not to nick your lunch!! ;) :005: