What is the best way to stop my dogs barking at night and early morning?

Question

They fight with each other quiet a bit too. They get treated the same feed the same, but feed separately otherwise one dog doesn't get any.

Answer 1

It sounds like there might be a dominance problem. Are they both the same sex and not spayed? Is there other dogs around your house that bark too? My dogs bark a lot when the others get going outside and if they bark inside they get popped on the nose and told no. They also make collars for dogs to stop barking, some shock and others spray out a scent that dogs don't like to teach them not to do it.

Answer 2

It depends on the breed. If they are a breed like cairn terriers there isn't too much you can do as it is instinctual and very difficult to break.

If it were one dog you may be able to train to 'bark' and then 'quiet' on cue. But with two it doubles your difficulty as when one starts the other(s) are going to start up too but you can try.

My dog trainer recommended to ignore it, if you react to it in any way ie. getting up, shouting at them, paying them any attention they take that as a type of bark and it is reinforcement to be excited. If they still don't stop you need to pretend to check out what they are barking at then come back and yawn as if it is not anything to get worked up over, if they still don't stop they should be put in a quiet room with doors closed until they calm down.

Third option that definately isn't the best way is a "band aid" fix and that is to get a citronella collar. However, when the collar comes off or it runs out they will know it and it wont fix the problem.

Answer 3

This is where training becomes nessacary. First, teach your dog to bark on command. This is easy by saying 'bark' when you know he's about to bark, and reward him for doing so. Eventually, he'll bark when you tell him too. Then, you need to teach him to shut up on command. When he starts barking, say 'quiet' over and over, and the moment he stops for even a second, even if it's just to get some breath, reward him. Eventually, he'll be quiet the moment you say so. The reason for teaching him to bark on command is teaching him 'quiet' is faster, as the trick 'quiet' requires getting your dog to start barking in the first place. Teaching him to bark isn't nessacary, just makes teaching the quiet trick easier.

Answer 4

You didn't say what breed they are and that's an important piece of information. Some breeds are guardians and bark to ward off predators.

If they are not neutered, get them neutered. This will help.

Since you have to feed them separately so one gets food as the other steals food, you have a dominance problem.

You need to take them to obedience training and tell the trainer the problem you which you have a strong need to be trained on how to deal with.

Answer 5

I found a great product that uses Citronella spray. There's a little gizmo on a collar. Every time the dog barks, it sprays in his face.

My young Golden likes to tease the old guy who barks. Thus, she gets the effect of the spray, too, when she annoys him.

I don't use it all the time, after only two weeks, because they know what it means when the collar goes on!

Actually I like the aroma!

Answer 6

This sounds like territorial barking. If they aren't spayed/neutered it might be best to do that.

One very effective method of training dogs to stop barking is to make a distraction. The exact moment they bark, try shaking a tin can filled with small, solid objects like beans or marbles. Then, after they stop, praise them/give them treats/pet them/play with them.

Answer 7

I have found a squirt gun with water to be a helpful tool, but needs to be administered immediately when the barking begins. But Caesar Way is wonderful for new incites on how to handle 'out of control' animals.

Answer 8

Watch the Dog Whisperer on National Geographic Channel, "Exercise, Discipline, Affection"

Answer 9

I'm going with Bright O, shoot them.

Answer 10

Muzzle them as you please. That keep them shut.