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barking rip off

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i have a problem dog, she barks, hates people apart from one she knows, jumps on the furniture, drives me mad!! So got a company out, stupidly hoped they would fix her. Barkbusters, its a francise, and it is a waste of time and money. The lady gave us a few commands, told us we fed her wrong and it was bascially our fault, which some things were, but after taking a nice big cheque for about £200 that was it. We have had her back out but the bloody dog is so scared when she is here she doesnt do anything bad. Please anybody dont go down this route it is a waste of time.

Comments

  • Raksha
    Raksha Posts: 4,570 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I'm really sorry to hear of your experience with Barkbusters. They get all dog trainers and behaviourist a bad name - £200 is a LOT of money to spend out to get a nervous dog.

    Under what sort of circumstances does your dog bark?

    Where abouts in the country are you? I may know another trainer who may be able to advise you over the phone........
    Please forgive me if my comments seem abrupt or my questions have obvious answers, I have a mental health condition which affects my ability to see things as others might.
  • lynsiloo
    lynsiloo Posts: 269 Forumite
    hi, she barks at everything. If somebody walks past the house, she goes mad for the post, other dogs, any noise, she is hard work!!! I expect there are good dog trainers, i just wouldnt trust them again!! i live in glasgow
  • rossy_2
    rossy_2 Posts: 19 Forumite
    I have the same probs with mine only worse as i have TWO german shepards, and they both copy each other. was gonna get one of them guys in too, but couldnt afford for it not to work. FREE advice over the phone would be great, if coming from a true professional
  • Darksun
    Darksun Posts: 1,931 Forumite
    When we first got our dog (from a rescue centre), we had a lot of problems with her barking. My mum got a 'dog psychologist' in, not sure how much she payed but it was probably too much as it really didn't help. In the end she got a few books and read up on the subject herself, and found some good training techniques.
  • rossy_2
    rossy_2 Posts: 19 Forumite
    Tried a few techniques myself, but when theres 2 its double trouble. No CHAOS! Try telling one off and the other thinks its him! Try stopping them from attacking the front door when both are going for it, well thats another story.
  • hollydays
    hollydays Posts: 19,812 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    But you apparently did get some good advice from them cos you say some of what they said was right,if you pay someone to give you advice why not try taking it.What was it that they said about feeding her wrong you didnt like?Could they be right there too?
  • rygon
    rygon Posts: 748 Forumite
    you really have to train them at a young age (but will still work with older dogs) Treat them like a child works well and make sure they have a routine set in place (ie fed at the same time every day walked at the same time) no food from your own plate etc.
    try and get them to do simple things like sit..when they do it right reward them...if they dont do as you say dont reward them, never give in and make sure if they do something wrong you tell them (if they bark or jump up at people take them out the room for 5mins...bring them in, if they do it again take them out etc). after a while it becomes second nature.

    those clickers are a great way of getting there attention as well
    Smile and be happy, things can usually get worse!
  • rossy_2
    rossy_2 Posts: 19 Forumite
    i would say i have done all the above except use the clicker, which i did buy and have forgotten about. Will dig it out.
  • Raksha
    Raksha Posts: 4,570 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Clickers aren't designed as 'attention getters' (although I grant you, they can work) they are much more effective when used as a 'marker' to tell the dog what they just did was good, so good infact look, here comes a treat.

    My own dog kicks off each spring, when she's out in the garden more, and the neighbours dog is on the other side of the fence. By being consistent and calling her to me each time she tries to start barking, making her do a few simple obedience style moves, she forgets that barking is so rewarding. It only normally takes a few days, as she hasn't had the chance to practise the behaviour at all during the winter.......

    Dogs bark for all sorts of reasons - attention from their owners, seeking social interaction with other dogs, frustration, boredom, deafness (they can't hear their own voices). You can't solve the problem until you know the reason for it.
    Please forgive me if my comments seem abrupt or my questions have obvious answers, I have a mental health condition which affects my ability to see things as others might.
  • impy78
    impy78 Posts: 3,157 Forumite
    My mum had problems with the dog getting over excited, and she got a book call ed "The Dog Whisperer".

    It's currently reduced on Amazon:

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1580622038/202-6755152-5094259?v=glance&n=266239&s=gateway&v=glance
    Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam
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