Dog barking...I don't want to be the bad neighbor!?

Question

We have a four-year old lhaso apso mix, which we got two years ago. For those first two years, we lived in a large apartment. There were never barking problems.

We just bought our first home, and it has a fenced in backyard. Now, from the time our pup goes outside to do his business until he comes back in, he is barking. It doesn't matter what time it is, and it doesn't matter if we are with him or not.

He barks at EVERYTHING. If he glimpses any type of movement (even shifting light, it seems) or hears any sound from the other side of the fence, he runs in that general direction barking his head off, and doesn't stop for quite a while.

I understand that he's probably just protecting his territory, and having a backyard will be an adjustment for him. But my husband and I leave pretty early for work, and we don't want to be the annoying neigbors with the noisy dog. What can we do?

Also, my pup is not an outside dog. We let him out to do his business. He's inside all day, and quiet.

Please read the question before answering. We just bought the house (we've lived for there for two days). We do not keep our dog outside all day, he is not destructive or alone all day, and he isn't barking because he's bored.

Answer 1

A manual electronic collar might not be a bad choice for your dog. This means that you control when your dog gets the zap from it. When he barks a few times, okay, but if he's going on and on, then initiate the zap correction. Our friends used a manual collar to boundry train their lab mix and it was very effective.

The "barking" collars, can sometimes be set off by loud noises or other dogs barking and zap your dog when he's not even barked (my sister had this problem with their bark collar).

On another note, you are in a new place and your dog is still getting the feel of things, so you might find that this barking is only temporary as he's not gotten comfortable where you live now. If you have the time, you might try to distract him from the barking when outside with a little play of fetch or something. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Sounds like you already are... and we really, really, REALLY dislike your kind immensely! (I have one up the street from me)
and as much as I love animals... you can't help but get angry at the dog. We are not the type of people to report anyone for anything or hurt an animal in any way but we are the type of people to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear if someone else were to decide to do something about it! And there are PLENTY of idiots in this world willing and morally able to do something horrible too...


You can't buy a dog and then leave it outside all day while you're at work. It is not only selfish, but mean as well. No one suffers but the neighbors and the dog. You're fine... but I suppose that was the point huh?

To solve the problem. Set up an area in your home where the dog can't be destructive while your gone. Perhaps think about installing a dogie door or a treadmill? Dogs react by barking as a nervous habit, it is a way for them to vent their nerves and their energy. Watch Cesar Milian. and make sure you are actually there with the poor thing every now and then... You can't train an animal if you're never there to instill the lesson. They will just revert right back to their old behavior when left to their own devices.

Answer 3

you are right, he is protecting HIS property. the thing is, that the property isn't HIS its YOURS. and he doesn't understand that. I had a dog with the same problem. He would bark at every noise he would hear or any body he would see. What you need to do is teach your dog that you are the alfa in the pack. dogs look at you and only see you as one of the "pack". He is the alfa male in the pack at your home. So he takes the responsibility as the protector. The best way to stop him is to get between him and what ever it is he is barking at, (if it is a person,) greet them. go over to them and show your pup that you know the person is there and that they arnt causing any harm to you or the property. also, instead of hitting him or talking to him when he is being bad, make a noise that sounds like " psssst" and only that noise every time when he is bad. reason being, when you hit a dog eventually they will fear you and attack back. and when you talk to a dog it excites them, never say there name when they are bad, they think you are loving them, all you should do is stand by them and make that noise at them, and for a more demanding affect, point your finger at him. have you ever heard of the dog whisperer? http://www.dogchannel.com/experts/cesar/default.aspx?WT.srch=1 look at the pack mentality part in it it will help a lot, good luck with your dog!!!

Answer 4

It seems that anyone who suggests a Barking Collar gets the "thumbs down" here. There are few different types of these collars, some emit a very mild charge - more of a "buzz" than a shock, some whistle, some even spray. They are very safe and effective. Don't get discouraged by the "thumbs down" and get one. Your dog will get the message quickly and then you can take it off.

Answer 5

Maybe "Calling All Pets," the radio talk show by the animal behaviouralist in Michigan or Wisconsin, can answer this. You can put the title of the program into a search engine and get the web site, which is part of the NPR system.

I've been very impressed by the advice in the past. That lady really knows animals.

Answer 6

You need to do something quickly. Most cities have nuisance and noise ordinances against dogs that constantly bark. If you don't want to get turned in you have to train your dog not to bark.
There are training collars available for dogs that will shock them when they start barking. Eventually the dog will learn to stop barking as much and the collar can be removed.

Answer 7

You have to get this barking stopped or you will be the neighbor from hell. My son had the same problem and he solved it in short order with one of those collars that shock the dog when it barks. It may seem cruel but it won't be as cruel as what your neighbors will do when they get to the point of no return.

Answer 8

That's a tough one. Can you put him in the garage? Have you thought about a doggy door, so he can come in and out as he pleases...it will be an adjustment for him. You could always mention as you meet your neighbors about it being an adjustment period and let them know they can alert you if it becomes a problem. Give them your phone # so they will know you are sincere....communication is a good thing to have in a new neighborhood.

Answer 9

Buy a Bark Collar at your local pet shop. My son got one for his dog and it broke his dog of the unnecessary barking. It is not cruel
and it teaches very quickly not to bark incessantly. He no longer has to put it on the dog, animals are quick learners and his neighbors are much happier.

Answer 10

So glad to hear that you want to correct this problem. I totally hate barky dogs.

Try a bark collar. It has a microphone and gives the dog a shock when he barks. Fast and effective.