Barking - last resort! Update!

[jann]

  Was just going to post what Helen said   

[Elmo]

OH MY GOD i cannot believe someone would do that to a dog let alone someone elses dog Agree about using the bottle for training the obedience trainer

[Top Barks]

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
Mark

[Joules]

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! 

[Michele]

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.

[sal]

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

[Joules]

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    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.    She is really not barking in distress it is more excitement and to get attention.    Am hoping she is getting over it now though 

[sal]

Hi Joules it was just a thought I do hope the situation improves soon for you.

sal/Oska

[RussB01]

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    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.    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

[Joules]

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 

[charlie06]

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!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Joules]

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. 

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    What sort of a gundog is she anyway? 

[ladylola]

"What sort of a gun dog is she anyway""


A GORGEOUS ONE 


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.    Well done Coco keep up the good work.

[Helen]

    What sort of a gundog is she anyway? 

she's one that can tell the difference between chickens and fezzies 

[Joules]

    What sort of a gundog is she anyway? 

she's one that can tell the difference between chickens and fezzies 

But not between rabbits and alpacas!