How can I make my chocolate lab quit barking?

Question

I just had a 5 ft tall 194 ft of fence put around my back yard for him. He seems to enjoy having the run of the yard, but he barks and barks and barks at everything walking by, at cars, at me, and at anything he sees. It has to be driving the neighbors crazy. What is my dog thinking and how can I get him to stop barking?

We have the ball with the liver treats inside. He is so big, he trashes toys and chews up everything.
If he sees me, its just a fiasco. I thought about putting him in the garage to make him shut up, but he starts chewing up the drywall.
We walk every day to the river, He needs some valium I think.

This dog is very smart and he loves water. I have thought about building a fountain in the back yard and building this shed I viewed at a farm supply store made of solid wood. and a walkway and some other things to make him feel more at home. Less lonely.

Answer 1

Many dogs bark because they're bored, hungry or thirsty. Try playing rigorously with your dog before you leave the house and before his bedtime, to give him plenty of exercise and wear him out. Kongs stuffed with treats or peanut butter and other logic toys can keep a dog occupied for hours. It also sounds like your pet may have some issues with separation anxiety. Behavior specialists suggest that when you arrive home you should basically ignore the dog until he calms down. Don't greet him with enthusiasm, as it only gives him more incentive to act "crazy."

Some people find bark collars very effective in curbing unwanted barking, including the ones that give a static correction. The problem with most "shock" collars is that people leave them on their dog for more than 12 hours a day, which is when it becomes inhumane. A condition called pressure necrosis can develop where the metal probes touch the dog's skin. It's exactly like bed sores. Simply limit the collar's use and you should have no problems.

In bark collars with static correction, the stimulation level itself is very soft, meant to be no more than a distraction. Some bark collars are self-adjusting and have a ramping feature -- the longer the dog barks, the strength of the static correction will increase until the dog ceases to bark. The correction level will be set at this level unless the dog increases his barking once again. These collars can be very effective when used correctly (can help the problem within days), and have saved many a pet from going to the shelter.

Answer 2

I have an Airedale that was the same way. Here is what I did. There is a Citronella Spray Barking Collar on the market. Every time the dog barks it sprays out citronella. The dogs do not like the smell of it or the taste if it gets into their mouth. Have your dog wear this collar for about a week, you will find that it will not bark as much, AND after the citronella is gone, just the simple knowledge that the collar is on with deter the dog from barking. I had to only refill the sprayer one time. And now she only barks a little here and there when people come up in the yard. Otherwise my yard is quiet!

Also another thing I did was when the dog came inside I took that collar off. When letting the dog outside, I first would not put the barking collar on and then if She barked I first stated NO BARKING..if she continued then I brought out the barking collar..stated NO BARK and placed the collar on her. If she barked then she got disciplined by the barking collar.

Don't use the shocking collars as it is not humane and can cause damage.

Citronella barking collars are Completely safe and non damaging to your pet. Vet recommended.

You can purchase this item at Wal-Mart, PetSmart or Petco. They are about $50 sometimes less but well worth it and yor neighbors will love your dog once again!

One other tid bit..it could be that your chocolate lab is bored and needing your attention. Labs are very active dogs so maybe get it a couple new toys, but don't forget to reward the lab when it quits barking...maybe a long walk or a game of frisbee.

Good luck

Answer 3

First does the dog bark inside when he sees thing in the window? We use the water spray bottle, every time she barks i say no bark or quiet. If she listens i reward if not she gets a spray to get her attention repeat the command if she stops i reward. As far as outside i do like the citronella spray collar however it doesnt work on all dogs. I bought a supersoaker with 40 yard range she still gets the water spray for not listening. We have a hard rubber ball, a basketball (now deflated) and a big hard plastic ball outside. Things she is allowed to chew. Bones didn't work for us she digs and hides them. If i go out and play catch for 15 min and she does a lot of running she doesnt bark as much after. she loves to play fetch with the deflated basketball more than anything. Good Luck

Answer 4

First, make sure he has things in the yard to keep him busy. Kong toys or Busy Buddies stuffed with treats may do the trick. To occupy him longer, place a few around the yard. Or, put two or three in a large bucket and fill the bucket with toys. He'll have to dig through to find the stuffed toys.

To train him you need to be outside with him. When he starts to focus in on something, tell him to leave it and call him to you. Praise him when he comes and give him a treat or play with him. He should eventually get the idea to not bark, or at least to only bark once or twice.

Answer 5

Ahhh, sure, the beautiful, OBNOXIOUS dachshund... try employing ICE chilly water in a squirt bottle. Or, a larger determination is to easily thoroughly forget approximately her while she barks, on the different hand some distance as turning your returned on her. as quickly as she stops barking for a 2d, turn around and compliment her like loopy. it is "helpful reinforcement". in view that punishing her undesirable habit would not artwork, try praising her for her good habit and forgetting she exists while she barks.

Answer 6

Play with him and wear him out. Barking takes alot of energy.
Teach him to bark on command, so he makes a connecion with his barking and a name... then you can easily teach him to stop barking on command. but most of al. Wear him out with some serious playing.
When mine barks I make him come inside (which works for a dog who prefers to stay outside and bark)

Answer 7

Shock collars work well, but I understand if you can't use them for ethical reasons.

Just an idea: When he barks, you can go to him and get him to calm down. Once he stops barking, let him run around again. Rinse and repeat.

Answer 8

they have a bark collar that sparays citronella, so It doesn't hurt your dog, just bugs them. Good luck.

Answer 9

they make things that slide in the fence so he can't see anything and they make collars that'll shock him when he barks. fix the fence firsr

Answer 10

thats a good question