How do I stop my 7 month old puppy from barking?

Question

This is getting to be a real problem. I even went out and got a collar that gives out a high pitch whenever she yelps when I leave the house but she's gotten use to that and now its worse than before.

I want to keep her but if she continues I'd have to let her go and I don't want to.

Any suggestions?


Thanks.

Answer 1

They have a surgery availalbe (humanely questionable) that will muffle your dogs bark. It won't eliminate it, but it will just mute the deep resoning sound of it. They just put a little whole in his voice cords. I haven't done it, but I've heard about it. Call and Ask your vet about it. GL!

Answer 2

Barking when you leave the house is likely a symptom of separation anxiety. It's pretty common for puppies to want to be with you all the time, and the barking is just a protest over being left alone.

If you haven't already, you may want to consider crate training for her. Dogs are den animals, and they need to feel secure in the absence of their pack leader--you. A small crate with a blanket or a t-shirt that smells like you will keep her comforted.

Crate training is a gradual process, though...you can't just put the dog in there, shut the door and expect her to feel safe. Introduce the crate to the home and allow her to investigate. Reward with treats if she goes in willingly; once you accomplish that, try closing the door for a few minutes at a time. If she does all right, open the door and reward her. Then practice closing the door and leaving the room, again for a few minutes at a time. Once she realizes it's no big deal, she'll begin to settle into her new 'den' knowing that you'll come back for her.

This *should* put a lid on the barking, although it does persist, a vibrating collar is also an excellent tool. Combined with the crate, you should be able to get the barking under control. And, contrary to what many people here seem to think, getting another dog will only result in two lonely and upset dogs, and more barking. Your puppy needs YOU to comfort her and reassure her that you'll be back and that she is safe.

Don't give up on your girl...good luck!

Answer 3

Since you mention that she barks when you leave the house it is most likely cause she is lonesome. Do you have another dog? If not, you may need to come up with a companion for her, which may not be feasible for you.

I've used bark collars that emit shocks not noise - they zap the throat when the dog barks. I know this sounds harsh but in some instances you have to resort to this! These collars are about 45 dollars and I can tell you, they do work - and once the habit is broke, they normally don't start again!

Good Luck

Answer 4

Buy bitter apple. You can find it at a petco, petsmart, or any pet store that is. It works great!!! Spray it at his mouth when he barks and the taste is awful. Hell shake his head for a few seconds while licking his lips. It is completely safe and non toxic, but it tastes horrible i guess. It worked with our dog and when he had chewing and biting problems as well. Its only like 6-8 dollars and lasts forever. Just be consistent. Good luck!

Answer 5

hello let me say that i believe that all dogs have the right to bark because it is part of how they communicate,its like us talking,shouting its almost the same but without speech and i dont believe in those collars either.if your dog only barks when your not there then he is saying im alone,where are you,please come back to me.what you can try is get him some dog toys that are safe for him remember hes a baby,leave the tv on a channel that has people talking,or the radio,if you have an old jumper or shirt with your smell on it leave it with him it gives comfort,or if your able to record your voice on a disc of you just talking to him over and over again in a soothing voice.he is panicking when you leave because all he knows is your gone,your not there and plse get rid of that awful collar and plse dont leave him alone for to long or you may end up with a very disruptive mixed up dog and he does not deserve that.good luck with your baby dog and may you have him for many happy years to come.

Answer 6

start teaching her that barking is unacceptable...get a water bottle with a sprayer on it and a can of rocks.(apparently it is the doggy equivalent to our nails on a chalk board) and when you are away can you put her in a quiet room where she cant destroy or hurt herself? i.e. puppy proofed laundry room or something where she wont disturb anyone else.
then when you are home you have to be consistant with the training. when puppy barks tell her no firmly and shake the can of rocks or give her a squirt with the water bottle. if she persists then put her on a leash when you are home and when she barks give the leasha gentle tug(dont take her head off) and tell her no...if these fail then i would think about going to a doggy obedience class in your area..check out petsmart.com to see if they offer classes. your dog has to have all her vaccinations in order to attend f.y.i. good luck

Answer 7

What the hell?

DOGS BARK! Didn't you think of that BEFORE you bought a dog?

Get the dog some training or go to the vet for advice, the dog could have separation anxiety or just be really bored and not excersized enough.

You have to let her go is a frickin cop out! Suck it up and deal with your decision to be a pet owner and do the responsible and humane thing.

Answer 8

Yeah I agree it could well be separation anxiety - it's hard to know. Check out this article for some tips on how to stop excessive barking - http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/how-to-stop-your-dog-from-barking.html

Good luck!

Answer 9

Maybe get her a companion??? Or give her some big bones to keep her busy while your not home? Does she have toys?Or u could try a shock collar!