Constant barking

Teddy28

Hi, a friend has a 3 year old Cavachon.  Lovely character and nature but has started barking at the slightest noise, inside and out.  He can also be quite aggressive to some, but not all, dogs he meets on a walk (mostly big black ones!!). She has tried a collar and water pistol with limited success.  Does anyone have any helpful tips to deal with this as it is beginning to get her down.  Thanks in advance.

donnac2558

take the dog to the vet for a check up if behavour started for no reason.

sheramber

The methods she has tried are not going to change how the dog feels .In fact they are more likely to make him worse as he will associate seeing other dogs as  meaning some thing unpleasant happens.
 The best thing she can do  for her  dog is to consult a qualified behaviourist, but make sure it is someone who uses only reward based methods- not punishment.
In the meantime look up videos by klikopup. Here  is one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp_l9C1yT1g

Adly812

I wouldn’t act aggressively such as use a water pistol or something that could cause fear and more reason to bark or act strangely. Perhaps sweet talk and be really affectionate and kindness in the tone of voice to reassure that barking is not necessary. I talk tommy little dog and try make them understand tones of my voice.they are very intuitive and understand gestures and emotions. Discourage aggression by dissolving the action to lash out with barks etc 

elsien

Once she's ruled out physical causes, there is a FB group called Dog training advice and support that only uses positive methods and will tell you where you need to have the dog seen by a behaviourist. 
There is a lot of reading on there to do to support with the basics, as well as advice.
Although it's not easy (been there) she needs to try to stay calm because the dog will pick up on her body language. 

Claddagh_Noir

Your friend has to train the dog not to bark incessantly.  Does your friend go and see what the dog is actually barking at?  She could make a short, sharp vocal sound when the dog barks for no justifiable reason and do a hand gesture - like crossing the hands together, to show a stopping action. 

 I have a neighbour whose dog just yaps all the time and it is so annoying. It will bark if other neighbours are talking, if anyone walks past the house our is anyone goes to the house,  or making the slightest sound.    When I go for walks I can be yards up the road and I can still hear the thing barking.  It's got to me so much I have screamed many times like I am in a horror film!  The neighbour just lets the thing bark, while they are in the house, they probably think that because it's a dog, it has to vocalise. Sadly, I am used to it now but it can be very frustrating.  Luckily, it is during the day it will yap all the time, not late at the night or very early in the morning.  But it's not the dog's fault, it's poor  and irresponsible dog ownership.
 

Montysmam

My Cav has started barking more during the lockdown period. My dog walker has said this has become quite common with many of her clients dogs because they are feeling an increased protective feeling towards the family and the home with everyone there. As the restrictions have eased, I've been able to walk him more and his behaviour is returning back to his normal docile self. 

Teddy28

Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone. She is not aggressive with him really. We do try distraction but sometimes he just can't help himself!! Interesting about the lockdown observations by your dog walker, Montysmam, I have been thinking that there is going to be lot more separation anxiety to come!!  Thanks again for the support.