How to control your dog's barking? - Page 2

If you don't want to try an e-collar for barking, you might want to consider one that corrects the dog with a squirt of citronella. I found it works great for Blitz. He's not in training for anything other than to be a decent pet and good neighbor, so I can't speak to what it would do to your pup's drives. However, I can tell you that he's still the same high energy dog now as before he took a few doses of citronella. In fact, using that collar has calmed him down a good bit. I think he was confused as to when he should bark and when not to. Now he knows for sure LOL. The downside to the citronella collar is that it will freeze in the winter, so won't be of much use for a kennel dog in a cold climate. You last option would be a debarking assuming it's not illegal to enter de-barked dogs in Sch trials. If it's done right, it works for the life of the dog. The dogs can still bark which seems to satisfy their need to do so, but the result will be very hard to hear unless you're standing next to him. Good luck.....

This puppy needs something to do. I would look after keeping it busy as well as controlling the barking. The citronella collar is a very good suggestion. It gives of a bit of a distinct hissing sound when it releases the citronella. Sometimes, after the dog has been conditioned to the collar you don't even need to refill the cartrige, the dog reacts to the squirting sound even if the cartridge is empty. Depends on the model I guess, not sure if all work the same. To occupy the puppy with minimal effort on your side I would suggest that you start "free feeding" the puppy. You need a securely fenced in area for that so that the puppy can do its thing if you are not present, or if you want to spend the time, go out to a field and let the pup do this under your supervision. Instead of feeding the puppy from the food bowl, spread the kibble in a free area like you would chicken feed and let the puppy search for it. It keeps the puppy busy, and it actually has to work, use all its senses while it is doing it. And for the puppy its fun too. You will also love it later because if you do this daily, tracking will become very natural for your pup. It also teaches concentration and focus as a side effect. It may be very frantic at first, but as the pup gets better at it the search will get calmer and usually very consistent. If you have more than one dog and your dogs get along you can have several dogs searching together, that definitely keeps the nose to the ground and the nose on the prize. Puppy puts the nose up in the wind and buddy comes to snatch that morsel away. Works like a charm. Even though the puppy may not be running around and expending a lot of energy that way, just using the nose for 30-40 minutes will tire it out just a little more. Its like school or work. Sitting at a desk the whole day it is still tiring. Spread the food out enough so that puppy needs its time to find it all. If you feed twice a day, you can do it twice a day. If you find it works well for you, you can continue this throught adulthood, for the rest of the life of the pup BTW. I find it keeps the dogs more settled, more balanced. I also find that a larger run 10x20 yards instead of feet often curbs the barking naturally because the dog can run off the furstration that is building. Add some toys to the run, like 1" cotton rope hanging from the top, with a big knot at the end. Or a tire swing it can bite into and toss around a bit. Be sure to use an inner tube only or check the tire regularly, to make sure no metal from the tire becomes exposed, it could damage teeth. Give a fresh knuckle bone once or twice a week. Remove after one day. Just a few examples.

Whoa !! Cybervision - Yo !! WHY are they out all night ??? These are GSD'S we're talking about - not pointers !!! Why does anybody have dogs and not have them live with them !!?? Shall we start a new poll?? Sleep in ?? Sleep ou8t ?? When do they have time with PEOPLE ?!!!

Best Fit Comfort Muzzles from $7.56 Made from a unique, easy-to-clean mesh material. Best fit muzzles are lightweight, breathable and adjustable, providing total comfort for dogs. This is a temporary muzzle to inhibit biting, control while grooming, chewing and barking, while still allowing dogs to pant. Many sizes available. Charlie Ivory How to control your dog's barking? (0 replies) 02 June 2005 - 18:06 Reply Muzzle will keep the dog from biting,it can still bark.........Not to mention,how would you like to have one strapped to your face for 6,8 10hrs or more at a time? This muzzle will control barking!Yes,the dog can bark,softly,but not without putting strain on certain muscle's. Who said anything about how long to leave the muzzle on for?

yeah a muzzle lets them drink and pant and softly bark but its not meant for long term wear only for short term people contact in fact you would be considered abusing the dog in reality to leave a muzzle on them for that purpose not to mention them getting wear marks all over their face like a horse halter does to horses! lets see some folks work the dogs like they were bred for then they wont feel the frustration and need to bark constantly. Another is if you give them any attention when they bark or whine you are giving in to them and encouraging them to repeat this behavior. when they quiet then bring them in or give attention if they are barking wait till stop then instantly go out to them. large indesctructable dog balls and such work short term most dogs ive known not all realy only love to play with toys though when a human is nearby. I find a good excersize in the morning either biking or hiking for 30 mins shes ready for a couple hours of kennel then obedience work in the afternoons. but then again mine is a companion with me off and on during the day depending on what I am doing. She will kennel non barking she knows it wont be for long they were bred to be beside us not locked away all the time.

oh and I am sure the straps to a muzzle in a kennel can get hung up easy and that a dog would injure itself severely if becomes caught on something trying to free itself! I know I wouldnt want to ever be muzzled in a kennel for hours unable to fully use my mouth to relieve heat of the summer or trying to make sure get enough water. They CAN do these things but who says what they get past the muzzle is adequate for their needs in the summer heat?

ok here is my two cents... I have used all the above metioned things on different types of dogs. the citranilla collar was good for some but others that like the water in thier faces thought this was a great toy and would bark until the container was empty... The bark collar (which I do use on and off now) will burn holes into the neck if left on to long or a dog that will test it now and then. my dogs have learned not to bark in them and I will change them out to ones that don't work....they also know when they are on and off so working on schutzhund has not been an issue...as I don't train in the kennel...or do bite/bark work at my house. they never get one on in the car crate or on the field, and I make a big deal aobut taking it off. Muzzle...was recomended by a breeder/trainer that I bought the dog from...she would bark and attack the crate..so she was crated inside(as all my dogs are when I leave the house) in the A/C and we muzzled her and went to a latenight movie...came home and she was almost dead...she had over heated herself with spinning in the crate and trying to bark and had a temp of 107. needless to say we had to put her down...DON'T USE THESE FOR BARKING CONTROLL it is not worth it. hope this helps. Heather

easy Lisa,I was not attacking you.just brought up a point,your right,nobody mentioned a time frame,In most cases,it is the amount of time the dog is left alone,for example going to work (8hrs ) No dog under any circumstances should have a muzzle on for any amount of time unattended,It is just common sense.Anyone who suggests a muzzle to control or stop problem barking has no idea what they are talking about. Pine,as always,good to see you,and good advice Charlie

Johan mentioned in his/her post that the barking was irritating the family...meaning they must be at home!Not at work for 6 or more hrs!!!!! Anyone who suggests a muzzle to control or stop problem barking has no idea what they are talking about. Just your opinion,which everyone is entitled to!

Whatever lisa...lol. glad I'm not your dog But that is just my opinion