Barking Dog problem

[dtemp]

So we just got a new dog. She's a sweety, but there's a problem. Apparently, after we leave, she starts barking (found this out from the neighbors). She doesn't bark while we're home, just after we're out, which makes disciplining difficult.

Any suggestions?

d(and no, I'm not getting her "debarked")temp

[Tubaryan12]

Have you tried leaving the TV or the radio on while you are away?

[Carroll]

We had one on whom the neighbors called the police. She never barked when we were home, either. Upon the recommendation of the dog psychologist (police employed) we bought and used one of those shock collars. It would deliver a mild jolt when she barked three times in rapid succession. I tested it on the back of my arm to make sure it was a mild shock. She learned quickly where the limit was and would bark twice... wait a while... and bark a couple more times. She seemed no worse for it and it satisfied the neighbors.

http://petsafe-warehouse.com/bark_contr ... ZAodi30ILg

[dtemp]

Have you tried leaving the TV or the radio on while you are away?

Yes we have, no luck.

Thanks Carroll, I will look into that.

[Thomas Maurice Booth]

I was a marketing and sales representative for Invisible Fence, which is owned by Pet Safe, and we carried both the small and big dog Bark Collars that are manufactured by Pet Safe.
The collars work fairly well for what they are. The collar senses vibrations made by the dog's vocal chords when it barks. When the collar feels a vibration (which can only be set off by the dog barking, no false corrections) it gives the dog a feeling like that of a static charge, correcting the dog's behavior. The collar is entirely humane and has no ill-effect on the dog. The biggest hastle I came across was getting the dog used to wearing the collar, but after several days they had adjusted just fine. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll try and answer them.

TMB

[Rick F]

I've been tempted to get one of these as I've been wakened numerous times by a neighbor's dog that's left outside. He/she barks at the squirrels going for breakfast.

http://www.smarthome.com/6117vs.html



There's an indoor model as well...

http://www.smarthome.com/6117v.html

[Dennis K.]

You could feed your dog a salami wrapped sominex before you leave...

[ThomasP]

Cesar Milan

Get a book, watch his show. Great stuff. Logical, practical, quasi-natural...

[tofu]

I was a marketing and sales representative for Invisible Fence, which is owned by Pet Safe, and we carried both the small and big dog Bark Collars that are manufactured by Pet Safe.
The collars work fairly well for what they are. The collar senses vibrations made by the dog's vocal chords when it barks. When the collar feels a vibration (which can only be set off by the dog barking, no false corrections) it gives the dog a feeling like that of a static charge, correcting the dog's behavior. The collar is entirely humane and has no ill-effect on the dog. The biggest hastle I came across was getting the dog used to wearing the collar, but after several days they had adjusted just fine. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll try and answer them.TMB

Many trainers and vets would disagree that these devices are humane. Also Invisible Fence leaves your dog with no escape from a Coyote or even another dog. The dog is trapped because the other animal has no electrical barrier and your poor animal knows he can't go past the barrier. The pet has lost the option of running away from the attack. Several folks in my area have lost pets from just this type of situation. It just never occurred to them that these lazy man devices could cause this. There is no substitute for proper training.

The OP dog might suffer from separation anxiety. It doesn't think you're coming back when you leave. Try leaving and driving off as the dog probably also associates the noise of the car with your leaving. Park down the street and walk back and listen if the dog is barking or have your wife stay behind to listen for the dog barking and for how long. Many neighbors will tell you the dog barks all day when in reality he may just a bark bit when you leave and then be quiet. Once you confirm how long the dog barks you need to condition it to you leaving and coming back. Do this by leaving and coming back for various intervals. When the dog stays quiet
walk in and reward with a small treat. You might also give the dog a small treat when you leave. The dog will start to associate your leaving as being a good thing. Depending on how smart your dog is this might take a while or he might pick up right away that you leaving is good and staying quiet is also good. They make small training treats and you can find them in your local pet store. Training your dog properly will also build your bond with the animal and your confidence and his/her confidence in all types of situations. A good obedience school is a good place to start.

[ThomasP]

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/index.php