She a Maltese and almost 2 years old. She barks non-stop, even while doing her business. She also doesn't come when called when shes having these barking fits, which are every night. Any Suggestions?
2007-09-24 14:51:34 · 7 answers · asked by reetsie 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Petsmart sells a bottle called "apple bitter". Everytime your dog barks tell her to quiet and spray her in the mouth with it. She will quickly learn to stop. They hate the taste of this stuff. I saw the Petsmart trainer do it to another dog that was in class & he quickly stopped barking. Also, everytime your dog comes to you when called upon, quickly reward her with a treat. This way, she will associate treats with coming to you upon called.
2007-09-24 15:04:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Have you had her since puppyhood? If not, something may have happened when she was 2-6 months old, at night, which is triggering this barking. You may not see anything, but she might, or she may hear or sense something you cannot.
In any event, teach the dog a word such as No Bark or Quiet. With the dog on leash, each time she barks, let her bark 2 or 3 barks, then give the command at the same time as a small quick "pop" on the leash. As soon as she is quiety, give her lots of praise. If the leash pop does not have any affect, carry a small water pistol with you. After you give the command, if she does not respond, give her a quick squirt of water. It won't hurt her, but it will startle her. Typically, the dog will stop barking to where you can praise her for being quiet. As you praise her, use the words "that a good quiet", as this will teach her the word quiet, and reinforce that it's good.
One very important thing = if you use the water pistol, don't let her know you have it. The water just comes out of nowhere. You don't want to create a distrust between you and her.
as for coming when called, always have a leash on her, and when you call her, give her a tug on the leash, and if she doesn't react, literally reel her in - you need to establish yourself as the leader of the pack, and she needs to respond to every command you give.
Check with your local shelter, park district, kennel, or community college for basic obedience classes. These will help with barking, recall, and other basic commands.
2007-09-24 22:03:24 · answer #2 · answered by rjn529 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hm. This is a tough one - but I think the strongest and clearest message would be given by planning things carefully. Have a crate and a blanket available right by where you are walking. (I know, it's going to be a circular walk!) But from your description it sounds like she starts barking the second she steps out the door. Fine. She opens her mouth to bark and you say, "Whoops!" and pop her into her crate and cover that crate with a blanket. Wait for quiet and then uncover her and try again. Any barking at all? "Whoops." and into the crate and cover it up. Wait for quiet and try again.
You definitely want to do this when you are feeling very Zen. Don't be upset - you are showing your dog that there are consequences for her undesired barking. So a positive, yet neutral frame of mind is important! If you feel yourself getting upset, just stop. Remember too that dogs learn by repetition and it will take several rounds of this to stop her.
A dog who's having a fit for any reason can't follow cues. In such a mental state a dog can't follow directions!
Good luck!
2007-09-24 22:05:39 · answer #3 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try obedience training - it should help you build a rapport with her so she'll learn that no matter what, you mean fun things will happen and she'll come. Training will also give you contact with a professional trainer about this issue. One thing that I've had some success with is looking for what my dog is barking at or asking "what's that?" - the dog is barking to alert you to something. Teaching your dog "quiet" or "enough" will also help.
Good luck!
2007-09-24 21:56:09 · answer #4 · answered by a gal and her dog 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All dogs need obedience training, even small ones.
Bring her in at night, and take her out with a leash on.
2007-09-24 22:01:02 · answer #5 · answered by Bindi *dogtrainingbyjess.com* 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
my dogs do the same.i just let them finish there business and bring them in.they do hear other dogs and birds or bats.even the rustle of a tree.just allow the time for toileting and walk near her if its too much,its just natuaral.And i do say stop that,etc.most times they do,depends on which dog is out.
2007-09-24 21:58:08 · answer #6 · answered by shrebee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look around this site... there is a ton of great information...
2007-09-24 21:59:53 · answer #7 · answered by Jen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋