bark bark bark

JagerMonster · 09-10-2008, 12:22 PM

I just wondered if anyone had any different techniques I could try with Jager. We live in a pretty secluded area...from day one Jager has seen the deer, turkeys etc in our yard. Its rare but they hang around even when we go outside....well in the last few weeks Jager now barks at them...with no end in stop. Even when they travel back into the woods or heck when you can't even see them ( I know the smell) but he barks non-stop. We have tried redirecting (toys, food, training....he goes right back to the window and barks). We have tried discipline with a long stay away from the window...nope. bark bark bark Moving him to another area of the house he just paces and barks.

I do realize this is fear and so we react to it "oh look" pretty calmly but I have to be honest it is getting very frustrating.

The worst is trying to get him to go potty when we are ready for bed or need to leave for a bit...if there is anything in the yard lost cause!

I am really at a loss how to help Jager accept the animals in the yard and isn't like I can say "hey deer stop there so Jager can sniff you!" so any other way we can socialize him to accept that this is part of his life?

JagerMonster · 09-10-2008, 12:33 PM

OK, read a bit more on-line...anyone done the shake a can of change...when he stops barking give him a treat?

**errica** · 09-10-2008, 12:55 PM

Yup! We have a soda can with 10 pennies in it and we shake it whenever the dogs bark too much. Once they stop, treat and praise. It took about 2 weeks for Athena to stop barking, but she was an adult when we got her. The pup has been doing well, but lately it seems that he forgot everything he ever knew...

JagerMonster · 09-10-2008, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by errica

Yup! We have a soda can with 10 pennies in it and we shake it whenever the dogs bark too much. Once they stop, treat and praise. It took about 2 weeks for Athena to stop barking, but she was an adult when we got her. The pup has been doing well, but lately it seems that he forgot everything he ever knew...

Great...going to give it a go. Now do you say anything like when you shake it? For example, "No bark" so he learns the command no bark????

Jager has been soooo great so I can't complain but ug the barking! It is very loud!!!

**errica** · 09-10-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JagerMonster

Great...going to give it a go. Now do you say anything like when you shake it? For example, "No bark" so he learns the command no bark????

Jager has been soooo great so I can't complain but ug the barking! It is very loud!!!

Yeah, we usually shake it once (it's freaking loud) and then a stern "NO!"

Once they look at us and we have their attention a sweet sounding "Good!" and a treat. The theory (from what I remember) is that they should be looking to you for a command to bark, not barking on their own. So once you have their attention and they aren't barking, you've gotten what you want from them.

Reality is that sometimes I'm in the house and they are in the backyard, or I don't have a treat with me, so I try to use my voice to praise them, give them an ear rub, or treat them if they are close enough and I am armed with goodies!

**Chaz** · 09-10-2008, 11:31 PM

I've had good success using an airhorn to enforce the "ENOUGH" command.

Cabela's -- Eco-Blast Sport Air Horn

Works on the neighbor's dogs, too.

(also good for telemarketers who can't take "don't call me again" for an answer)

**sebsyd** · 09-10-2008, 11:51 PM

It's funny you posted this because just for the past two weeks Sydney has been at it non stop!! We have the wild turkeys and the deer in our yard also. The poor things! All they can do is run when Sydney comes out and chases them back into the woods. My male, Sebastian, will give chase after Sydney but doesn't seem to be as bothered by them as she is. He won't continue to bark. I had purchased an electric collar when they were puppies, but never used it very much. I stuck to the training methods suggested here on DT with better results. I digress, ..... I hauled it out and put it on the lowest buzz, NOT on a correction zap. It did the trick almost instantly! Worked like a charm. Maybe the deer and turkeys will get a little rest now.

JagerMonster · 09-11-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaz

I've had good success using an airhorn to enforce the "ENOUGH" command.

Cabela's -- Eco-Blast Sport Air Horn

Works on the neighbor's dogs, too.

(also good for telemarketers who can't take "don't call me again" for an answer)

ha ha...like the telemarketers suggestion!! My husband must get fifty calls a day...one day the "do not call" list will kick in!

JagerMonster · 09-11-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebsyd

It's funny you posted this because just for the past two weeks Sydney has been at it non stop!! We have the wild turkeys and the deer in our yard also. The poor things! All they can do is run when Sydney comes out and chases them back into the woods. My male, Sebastian, will give chase after Sydney but doesn't seem to be as bothered by them as she is. He won't continue to bark. I had purchased an electric collar when they were puppies, but never used it very much. I stuck to the training methods suggested here on DT with better results. I digress, ..... I hauled it out and put it on the lowest buzz, NOT on a correction zap. It did the trick almost instantly! Worked like a charm. Maybe the deer and turkeys will get a little rest now.

That is how I knew it was fear more than anything because he won't chase them....just barks at them! So loud...the change in a bottle got his attention this morning. He was slightly stunned....I also kicked up his exercise routine. I figured he could handle a bit more now that he is approaching seven months.

dillonsmom · 09-11-2008, 10:52 AM

I wish i could stop Dillon barking, it's not fear with him because he barks when he's happy and he barks at anything!!!!