My dogs bark at everything that moves, and sometimes they howl for no reason. At first I thought they were doing it for extra attention, but now it has become a bad habit. My neighbors are annoyed and they complain about it. How do I make them stop, without making them wear a shock collar or something that will hurt them. They didn't always do this.
2007-04-28 11:36:09 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
You need to be ready with a squirt bottle full of water. The instant they bark, squirt them in the face. Then, as soon as they stop praise them (lots and lots of praise!!) for being quiet. You can use a command word like "quiet" or whatever you want simultaneously with the squirt bottle.
Most dogs don't like the shock of cold water squirted in their face, and if you're very consistent, they should learn.
Maybe they are doing it for attention? Do they get lots of exercise? Play time? Training for the mental stimulation dogs need? If they didn't always do this, it sounds like they're frustrated and bored - they need something to do.
2007-04-28 11:43:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is obvious that you and your dog have never attended an obedience class. This is a must and a first step to having a safer and better pet. After having your dog become reliable in the basic commands you can begin teaching more advanced commands one of which is the "quiet" command. To teach this command you begin with issuing the "quiet" command when the dog starts barking. Of course the dog will not stop barking, you then proceed towards the dog and gently grab it by the muzzle and issue the command again. The dog will initially pull away, just regrab, gently, and give the command again. I have to explain the grab. It is not to keep the dog from opening it mouth and barking. The grab is an alpha jesture that the dog understands, just as never allowing the dog to exit the house before you is an alpha jesture. As in all training techniques consistancy is the key. Always correct the dog when it is barking even if it is across the yard from you. Just walk over, grab the muzzle, issue the command, repeat until the dog stops barking. Since my dogs are all well trained (one knows over 75 commands and words) I can use this technique. Say the dogs are barking at a cat across the street, I issue the "quiet" command and they mostly stop but let out another muted bark or two. Then they get warned that the next time they bark they will get a command that they do not want and that would be the "get in the house" command. So they would rather stay outside and be quiet then have to go into the house. One word about the squirt bottle, DON'T use it! It is aversion and only works because the dogs fear it. It isn't any different from swatting your dog with a rolled up newspaper. They both work because the dog fears it and fears you. You never ever want your dog to fear you for any reason at all.
2007-04-28 19:54:47 · answer #2 · answered by DaveSFV 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every time he starts barking or howling, spray him with a water gun. Or say "No" very loud and firmly. Don't give him any positive attention for this.
2007-04-28 19:22:13 · answer #3 · answered by tkron31 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't shock them, thats mean. Take them for a walk, play with them...see if that will mellow them out.
2007-04-28 18:41:33 · answer #4 · answered by p_verbeek 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Disiplin them
2007-04-28 18:43:50 · answer #5 · answered by Flower Child 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take them for more walks; they are bored.
2007-04-28 18:39:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just cut there vocal cords
2007-04-28 18:39:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
tell them to SHUT UP!
2007-04-28 18:40:44 · answer #8 · answered by Andy B 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋