My 4 yr old lab keeps barking everytime my boyfriend and I are on the couch or laying in bed. He really barks if my mom gives me a hug. How can I prove he is not the alpha dog in this house.
2006-10-05 09:04:46 · 6 answers · asked by expensv_1 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
barking collars do not work on him. He learned to change his bark so he will not get shocked or sprayed.
2006-10-05 09:34:29 · update #1
He is being possessive - dominant of you. Your dog must submit to you, boyfriend and Mom, that's the only way he will accept them as pack members. You can achieve this by taking him for walks. You must master the walk. First- use the collar high on the neck behind the ears just like they do in dog shows. You move first and then the dog follows. Do not let him lead you out the door or down the street. He must walk by your side just behind you (in heel position). - Walk him once or twice *every day* at least 30-40 minutes. A tired dog is not a possessive dog.
Pack leaders are calm and assertive. You must become the authority figure and let him know that this barking behavior is not wanted. Correct him by snapping your fingers or clapping your hands to get his attention and firmly saying "no" or "shh" or "hey". Don't let him protest by yipping or grumbling - that's him trying to back-talk you and get the last word in. Keep correcting him until he learns to stay calm during an event that would normally trigger the unwanted behavior. Remember, you must both (and all 3 - include Mom in this, too) be pack leaders. Good Luck!
2006-10-05 10:10:40 · answer #1 · answered by simplycreative_2115 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're obviously trying to correct him (yell at him or something)when he does it...so he wins everytime...he gets what he wants...attention. We tried a couple of things on our lab...first our trainer suggested a squirt bottle...which worked for a bit, but was very hard, because we had to squirt her in the rear instead of the face, and when she was barking at us, she was facing us...tough to do to get the point across. Next, we filled a coffee can with rocks...and everytime she barked (we could tell as I am sure you can when your dog is about to bark) we shook the can to make a loud noise...which she HATES...So I would find something he absolutely abhores such as water in the rear or loud noise when they are doing it to deter them from doing the deed you don't want them to. In any case, try to ignore him at all costs when he does something like that to get your attention.
Also, the hugging your mom thing...get your boyfriend to distract him, by making him sit, or laydown...doing any kind of tricks when you hug from a distance...slowly getting closer to you two while you're hugging. Any training of any dog takes a long time and patience so don't be deterred if things take a while. Consistency and patience is the key. Good luck!
Remember, there are no bad dogs...just bad owners.
P.S. I HATE shock collars, an unfortunate way to train your dog.
2006-10-05 17:05:44 · answer #2 · answered by vargasmicus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leaders control all resources. Make your dog work for anything that he wants from you (food, attention, the leash on for a walk, etc.). If he doesn't do what you request (sit, down, shake...whatever he knows), he doesn't get it.
Ignore him when he barks at you. Acknowleding him, even if to yell at him, reinforces the behavior. If it is truly unbearable, remove him and put him in his crate or get him involved with a rawhide or other chew toy. Show him how to behave appropriately.
2006-10-05 17:05:37 · answer #3 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you taken him to obedience class, or training.
all dogs need to be trained regardless, this will help him and you understand whos boss without yelling at him or whatever it is that you do when he behaves this way.
Its like giving children guidance, and rules.
If you put the hard work into your children, hopefully you can acheive great results, respect and so on.
Without rules or guidance they could turn out major crime lords , brats etc.
Training is definately the go
Ring around and get some prices
I can guarantee you it is worth it in the end
Good luck.
2006-10-05 16:21:22 · answer #4 · answered by jordancassandra 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a bark collar.
2006-10-05 16:17:52 · answer #5 · answered by DeborahDel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to find a way to let him know that he is not the leader of the pack. one thing that has worked for me is to hold it down on its back until it submits, or stops struggling to get free. this sort of establishes dominance and shows him who's boss. maybe even have your boyfriend do this with it. dont hurt it, just restrain it .
2006-10-05 16:43:01 · answer #6 · answered by c.a.d 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋