Barking - last resort! Update!

[CJ]

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!

[Michele]

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.

[Nicola]

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 

[Michele]

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 

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. 

[Nicola]

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 

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. 

Brilliant. You could never get angry with a dog who was smart enough to figure that out 

[Joules]

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.

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!    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 

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    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 

[Doggone Mad]

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.

[Ian B]

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 

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. 

Brilliant. You could never get angry with a dog who was smart enough to figure that out 

Nothing backfires faster than a cunning plan! 

[CJ]

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?). 

[Doggone Mad]

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.

[AmandaA]

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.

[CJ]

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! If this is what they do to teach obedience I want nothing to do with it.

[ednotdave]

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. 

[Karma]

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! 

[Helen]

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! 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