We have a barker on our hands

[Hellas]

Mine bark when someone is at the door, and as my doorbell is a bit capricious it can be quite useful.

I usually let them bark a couple of times and then say "Thank you". Sometimes I have to go and pretend to investigate whatever they are barking at and that usually quietens them. Unless it is a bird in Snifter's airspace. Then all bets are off.

That made me laugh! Mine are the same when they hear geese flying above. I never hear the end of it!

[MrsGreene]

Sometimes, we inadvertantly teach dogs to bark. My trainer told me that if we yell at a barking dog, they think we are joining in on the barking fest with them, and they get even more enthusiastic. As frustrating as it can be, it is important to use a calm, even voice when reprimanding a dog for barking. I use the command "quiet" rather than "no" since no is such a general command. Then, when they are quiet for a moment, I say "good quiet!" Squirt bottles and noisemakers are very useful tools for dogs who find them uncomfortable. Our chi tends to do what chis are best at--barking at EVERYTHING. Often, he is barking at cars that drive by that he can't even see, or people in the park across the street. Very annoying. And he has one of those shrill loud annoying barks. Our pug, on the other hand, has a very amusing "baf, baf, baf" kind of bark that I find hilarious. It is very easy to fall into the trap of reprimanding the annoying one and not the cute one, so I have to really watch myself.

[pppuggrammie]

Chester joined our family about 4 months ago. He is much more vocal than Spike. Lately he has started barking at me while I'm working at my desk. I make sure his needs have been met and I make sure he has a toy. Sometimes this is not enough, however, and the barking continues. I've got a can loaded with change, thanks to this post, and that startles him pretty well. I've got 'SPRAY BOTTLE' on my grocery list, and if that doesn't work, I'll be back here for more suggestions!

I understand barking at the window; when they do that, I acknowledge them for being good guard dogs, and tell them to be quiet. That's working pretty well. Chester grumbles when we eat, expressing his disapproval that he doesn't get to eat, too. Ignoring the behavior works pretty well for that; if he starts barking, we remove him from the room. But the barking for attention, while I'm working at my desk or cooking, is a much greater challenge for me.