+R for barking??

[Chris Smith]

How do I use +R for stopping annoying barking? Nalu has started barking just for the sake of barking - not because of noises outside, or someone at the door, or because of cats or squirrels. I think it is mostly to get my attention.

It has become very frequent (most of the time I am home) and quite annoying. I have tried teaching him the bark command and I think that helped get this started. It's almost like he thinks it's a game to play - "the bark game". I have also tried teaching the quiet command and praising/treating him when he is quiet but it's not working. I won't throw the ball or frisbee when he is barking but this still doesn't seem to be curbing it.

I have taken him to friends houses recently and he has barked for a large part of the visit which annoys everyone. I would like to keep taking him places so I need to curb this.

Any suggestions?

[Melissa Brunoehler]

Hi Chris~

How do I use +R for stopping annoying barking? Nalu has started barking just for the sake of barking - not because of noises outside, or someone at the door, or because of cats or squirrels. [B]I think it is mostly to get my attention[/B
Good for you for figuring this out. The best way to Extinguish this annoying behavior is to completely ignore it. And by ignore I mean keep on doing whatever you were doing when he starts barking- Don’t pause, Don’t look at him, act as if he isn’t even there. I know the barking is frustrating but ignoring is the best way to go. Ignoring is sometimes easier said then done & it will take work on your part not to react when he barks. Most likely your reaction so far has been to look at him, to see what he’s doing, or to say something to him, etc. You’ll need to “train” yourself to completely ignore him.

Other than that try to engage him in some sort of activity before the barking starts- A couple minutes of obedience, a few minutes of a game (chase, tug, find the toy,etc). At times it is more beneficial to both dog & owner to do several short sessions of exercise rather than a really long one.

[Chris Smith]

Thanks, Melissa.

Yes, my version of ignoring him so far has been like what you wrote:

"Most likely your reaction so far has been to look at him, to see what he’s doing, or to say something to him, etc. You’ll need to “train” yourself to completely ignore him."

I thought I was ignoring him by not throwing the toy, but I still look at him when he barks or tell him to be quiet, etc. so I guess he is still getting some attention from me.

I will practice, practice, practice...not to react to his large voice right now. And try to engage him more now especially since I have had more limited time with him recently.