Pets Barking

I had a friend use one that would spray her with a little citronella (like the mosquito replant stuff) when she would bark. It stopped it VERY quickly... might try that if the other thing does not work!

I've heard you can have a dog's vocal cords removed. I don't know if you want to go that route, but check with your vet and see what they recommend. It's possible the dog could get trained to not bark so much too.

Good Luck,

MC

As a neighbor that has been bothered by my neighbors dogs barking to the extent that I called the police over 100 times and finally had to take legal action, PLEASE PLEASE get the petsafe ultrasonic outdoor bark control!!!!! It will save a lot of hard feeling with your neighbors. Suggest it to your neighbors with the barking dog too.
Just to clearify up my problem...The family behind me had a dog that barked ALL the time night and day. I sent them a note asking them to deal with the dog and info about the petsafe system. They did nothing. I then started sending the police there several times a week. They wouldn't even answer the door! This went on for 18 months. The police then suggested I press legal charges because the were violating an ordience so I did. When they were served they got rid of the dog. I felt bad but why should I have to listen to that all night?! I couldn't even leave the windows open at night because it barked nonstop. We never were friendly with the neighbors before and still aren't but it's tough now that our kids go to the same school. I have to tell myself a lot that I have nothing to be ashamed of it was all them.
So anyway, to avoid a situation with a neighbor air on the side of caution and keep your dog from barking! I know people that have used it and it works well. Good luck!

Cesar Milan is the Dog Whisperer. He has a book, but you may want to seek a trainer for yourself. I have no idea how they do it, but as an animal lover, I hope you'll try non-invasive ways first. What he does on his show is amazing. It empowers the owners and relaxes the dogs so the proper relationship is in place and everyone is happy. Good luck!

I would like to say thank you first off, I do not have a dog but a neighbor 3 houses down does (4 to be exact) and they drive me CRAZY. They bark at everything, everyone and each other, oh and did I mention one of the dogs gets out all the time. I have called the county animal control so many times on the dog being out I have then on speed dial. Any who I don't know what you can do about your dogs barking but I would like to say thank you that you are being responsible for your animal. I think you taking this step is wonderful and I am not your neighbor but it is appreciated! Thanks again

Hey A.,
Congrats on your Shepard! I have a German Shepard and she is wonderful, 2 years old and still growing! We took her to doggie classes by an incredible trainer in Livonia. His name is Dan Morris and he works wonders. Here is a little tip to try before you go nuts and pay for the classes which are a little expensive. You MUST work with your pet. It will take a few days and alot of attention, but I promise you it will work. Fill 10-12 soda cans with 5 marbles, not pennies, and duct tape the top. Put them around the house. By the doors, windows, maybe one in each room, and some outside if you let the dog out without you. DO NOT let the kids play with the cans. That is very important! When she barks, get up and see what she is barking at, so she knows you are looking. Tell her good girl, then give her a command like, "OUT" or "STOP", and shake the can once or twice. Don't use the word NO because it is used too often in the house and she will get confused if she hears it when she isn't doing anything. All dogs hate the sound of those cans! By barking she is doing exactly what she was bread to do, which is alert you to a stranger or what ever she thinks may be a threat. You need to recognize that, tell her good job then make her stop barking. This trick worked wonders at my house. My Gretchen does not jump on anyone, barks and stops on command and is a perfect watch dog. I feel safe with her in the house and I know that she wont jump on the kids or their friends. Our family isn't complete without her. But I know what a crazy dog is like and it can make you nuts! With a little training you will start to enjoy her! Good Luck! Please feel free to ask questions! L.

Hello A., I swear by bark collars. The batteries will have to be replaced often at first, until the dog learns not to bark, then the batteries will last some time. There are the more expensive rechargable kind also. Don't know what your budget is. This is not abusive, it works on the basis of cause and effect, the same teaching tactics used on children, without the collar of course. Great for indoor and outdoor barking. Good luck.

i wish you were my neighbor... actually trying to do something proactively! dog barking is a huge problem in our neighborhood too. also consider TRAINING your dog... this means being a good/ consistent "pack leader" spending lots of time with the dog to train it NOT to bark at every little thing. Have you watched the Dog Whisperer? there are experts out there if trying techniques from a book don't work. just an alternative to consider if you don't want to get rid of your dog either.

Your dog is still young so that may be part of the problem, but everyone tells me the book THE DOG WHISPERER is great for doggy behavior problems. Shepherds are naturally protective so you don't want to stifle that. I have a Jack Russell mix who gives me a lot of trouble with barking too. I can't leave her outside long unless she's busy sniffing or chasing squirrels.

B uy a mussle but thanthe dog will probably wine. I am not sure.

Hi A.,

We tried the PetSafe collar but it didn't seem to work because it was very inconsistent in its correction. What did work great was the Dogtra collar, which you can buy as a self-correcting collar or a remote system. We use the remote system for our big dogs, all you have to do is put the collar on and the power of suggestion seems to be enough to encourage good behavior. I hate using the collars but you don't want your dog taken away either due to neighbor complaints. If you wanted to try training, I would suggest Bark Busters. Good luck to you!

We have a shephard/huskie mix who had the same problem...she barked at everything. We tried the bark collars (the one that would shock every time she made a noise) and they didn't work so well. We then turned a regular shock collar with a hand held controller, so we could shock her. That worked better since she associated barking with a shock and us telling her no. We used that for about 6 months and now she's a perfectly behaved dog. When she does bark (which isn't often), we can tell her "no" and immediately she is quiet. I would recommend something along those lines. You can pick them up at petco or petsmart.