Barking - intercom, knocking, people coming in

Caroline_a

The first time I used it it made Oakley jump because he wasn't expecting it. It's just basically a loud sharp hissing noise! If you sort of know she's going to do it you could work on it - get a friend to help.

So - 'ring' 'psst' before or just as she starts to bark. The psst is the sound it makes by the way!

gettingready

Thanks Caroline but TBH (and you know that) the volume of a GS bark.. would she even hear it?

She loves cheese and boiled chicken but tottaly ignores it when in her barking mode.

Just thought of something, she also barks when we are out and she drops her ball for me to kick it for her... hmmmm That never bothered me as we are way out of anyone's (apart from other dog walkers) sight/hearing but it is barking - perhaps I should try to adress this situation first ? If I can make her shut up outside - perhaps inside will be easier? Hmmmmmm

Just thinking alloud to myself...

Caroline_a

Remember Oakley probably has a bigger bark as he's a boy! However, they have amazing hearing, and she'll hear it! You have to do it as soon as they start to bark - I found with Oakley it was almost as if he wasn't sure where the noise was coming from, it's just a very quick squirt. Stopped him in his tracks anyway, and, believe me, that takes a LOT! He's the most laid back dog ever, so when he gets a bee in his bonnet he's focussed! (I know that sounds a bit contradictory, but maybe you know what I mean!)

gettingready

Will look into that Caroline, thanks.... after all your Oakley is Zara's almost twin brother... LOL

krlyr

Personally I wouldn't use a Pet Corrector except in extreme circumstances, e.g. splitting up a dog fight. You'll run the risk of turning "happy" barking into fearful barking, which will just give you another problem to solve (and one that result in slightly less predictable behaviour, e.g. biting from fear)

I think the point of the link I posted (had a brief read) is that you need to create a response that's so automatic, the dog barely even thinks about it - so even when they're really focused on something, the response to your command is so automatic they do it no matter what. Like reaching in your handbag and rifling for your housekeys, you can do it while you're mid-conversation or with a handful of groceries to juggle because you do it daily. Or when you dial a relative's number without even stopping to think of it, checking your phone when you hear a vibration even if it's not your phone, etc - these little actions you do so often that you develop a muscle memory as such.

Caroline_a

Pet corrector didn't frighten Oakley, just made him take notice. Never had any luck with clickers, preferred to use my voice for training ('good') but the corrector was just a different sound that wasnt my voice that took his attention. It made him immediately stop whatever he was doing, when I could then correct with 'good'.

Mupette

I've got a barker...

the door bell thing has eased off a bit, i found that playing lots of door bells (you tube) and lots of door bells

Perry used to bark at doorbells on the tv too.. he got overloaded with too many doorbells.

he still launches at the door (and i mean launch) which isnt a bad thing, everyone thinks i have a huge dog, less chances of a burglar wanting to try his/her luck.

visitors are given a dog chew ( not for them i am not that tight) and they give perry a treat as long as he sit's and paw.

gettingready

Zara does not react to "bells" on TV, Music etc... at all.

Youdontseeme

It might do your head in for a bit (and your neighbours) but could you try ringing the buzzer constantly until she got bored of barking?

Dont know if this would work at all, but she cant bark forever............ or can she? lol

YDSM

gettingready

She can bark for hours non stop - unfortunately.

And our intercoms alone has no volume control and from my flat I can hear everyone else's they are so loud. There is no option to turn it low, only on or off (silent) grrrrrrr

It is very very loud the intercom alone grrr