We live in an apartment and I don't want to bother the neighbors but my dog barks at every little noise, and he barks loud. I was wondering if I should put a muzzle on him when he barks (for a little bit to show him it's bad) or when he chews the socks/shoes. I just don't want to emotionally mess him up.
2007-01-26 18:59:15 · 6 answers · asked by Josh M 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Your and your dog would be much better off to try such as this> http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2001c/manicbarking.htm
It is the best training guide that I have seen.
2007-01-26 19:18:51 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Muzzling will not correct the behaviour. Yes, some dogs are notorious for barking at nothing. Most do it out of boredom or for attention. I suggest more outside activities and exercise as much as possible. Not just out to potty and back in. You did not specify what type/how old dog.
I train with a "warning" noise more than words like no or stop. The sharp noise gets their attention better. Make sure your dog has toys he can chew or real beef bones. Try leaving on tv or radio for soothing background noise. Stop him when he first starts to bark and try to interest him in a toy. Give him some attention. Keep at it. When he barks for no reason, give verbal warning sound, rub his face/muzzle and some attention. Next time just warn and stare him down. Let him know you are not pleased with him.
Make sure he has ways to occupy himself safely. When being good, praise him/maybe a treat. And dog proof the area for things he shouldn't chew on. Make sure he explores the outside world to see what is out there. He may be hearing the neighbors and doors open/close, etc and is confused by it all. Not sure if the noises he hears are a bad thing and he should bark.
Try leashing and just taking him to open door and look outside on regular basis, he is curious too. If he barks then start the warning process. If you hear noises that seem to make him bark reassure him it's ok. Take him and go look out the door or windows. Praise when good. He may be barking in response to every little noise because he hears the noise louder than you do and may feel his home is threatened - so he barks. Put yourself in his mind, watch and listen and learn.
2007-01-26 19:20:05 · answer #2 · answered by pets4lifelady 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why do you have a barker when you live in an apartment? Your dog should not be muzzled for being a dog - this is not an ideal situation. It's time to start exercising him more (tired dogs bark less) and get him into traning classes. If he's not yet fixed, do so ASAP. After that, if you continue to have problems, then look into a new place to live where a barking dog won't be a problem.
As far as chewing shoes & socks - pick them up. He can't chew them if they aren't left out. Again, punishing your dog for *being* a dog is just not acceptable.
2007-01-26 19:06:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are electronic collars that I have seen used that will "shock" a dog when he barks. They are effective but I wouldn't use them.
As crazy as it sounds you should teach your dog to "bark" on command. This will then give you access to teach him a "don't bark" or "no bark" command and he will then understand and link your command with his behavior.
As for the socks and shoes, you need to give the dog more attention and to give him plenty of his "own" things to chew such as rawhide, nylabones, toys, and ropes. Eventually he will learn what is his and what isn't (with you help).
2007-01-26 19:15:57 · answer #4 · answered by David E 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Muzzles won't stop your dog from barking, but a bark collar will. Use one that sprays a citrus mist in his face.
2007-01-26 19:05:24 · answer #5 · answered by littlechrismary 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I suggest you visit http://www.dogsvets.net and consult a breed expert or a vet for free
2007-01-26 20:20:20 · answer #6 · answered by manoj g 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋