Puppy barking phase?

Fi1805 · #1 21-12-11, 03:33 PM

I know these dogs particuarly like the sound of their own bark but I cant work out if Isla is going through a puppy barking phase and she'll just grow out of it or if I should actively be trying to train her out of it?

She seems to be getting worse of late, she is barking at people walking, sometimes she barks at people who she knows too. Not in an unfriendly way, not even in a scared way, I dont understand why she is doing it.

She usually settles down in the park once she has run around with the other local dogs for 10mins or so. It's the barking at people which concerns me a bit.

I have taught her 'quiet' and 'watch me' but she doesnt sustain the quiet and as long as I keep her attention she doesnt bark but if she's off lead and some way off I cant use that command.

She has been getting progressively more barky for the last month or so. And she is teething at the moment. Dont know if that is significant or not.

Weirdly, she doesn't bark at the 'usual' things like the doorbell or telephone or washing machine. In fact, she is quiet as a mouse inside.

Jon · #2 21-12-11, 03:42 PM

Fiona,

I think shes got a great bark!

I think it's normal. Jackson is very barky at others, I think it's a confidence thing... if you can get your friends or others to approach her (whilst she is on the lead) let her bark away as usual and ask your friends walk off with her on the lead and try some heel work.

LOVEGSD · #3 21-12-11, 03:50 PM

I would reward all quiet behaviour....if you can see she's about to bark try and get her attention by making a high pitched noise cos she'll automatically look at you then you can engage her.

If she's off lead then you need to do everything you can to recall her as the barking can scare some people even if she is a puppy.....and you know how some people can be

If she's barking at people you know you can use them as stooges, get them to come round and when she barks say quiet and reward or even remove her if she barks and only bring her back when she's quiet, keep doing this until she realises that actually only being quiet keeps her with everyone.
xx

LindaM · #4 21-12-11, 03:51 PM

I don't know Fiona as Lukey rarely barks - strange - bit if anyone knocks at my door he really kicks off. I think he is unusual though.

I'm sure with some help you'll sort it Fiona. I think it sounds like you are building up a terrific partnership

Fi1805 · #5 21-12-11, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon

Fiona,

I think shes got a great bark!

I think it's normal. Jackson is very barky at others, I think it's a confidence thing... if you can get your friends or others to approach her (whilst she is on the lead) let her bark away as usual and ask your friends walk off with her on the lead and try some heel work.

I don't think I heard Jackson bark at all on Sat! Was he more barky when he was younger?

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOVEGSD

I would reward all quiet behaviour....if you can see she's about to bark try and get her attention by making a high pitched noise cos she'll automatically look at you then you can engage her.

If she's off lead then you need to do everything you can to recall her as the barking can scare some people even if she is a puppy.....and you know how some people can be

Yeah the little kid that she barked at on Sat looked a bit nervous

She's got a fairly good recall at the mo so she usually will come back. I will get treat happy when she is being nice and quiet and see if that helps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LindaM

I don't know Fiona as Lukey rarely barks - strange - bit if anyone knocks at my door he really kicks off. I think he is unusual though.

I'm sure with some help you'll sort it Fiona. I think it sounds like you are building up a terrific partnership

Lukey sounds lovely, I do hope Isla turns out nice. We have got a nice little bond now

Thanks for all your suggestions, this Christmas is Operation Shhhhhhh!

LindaM · #6 21-12-11, 04:35 PM

Fiona you are doing great. When you have time wouldn't mind some more pics please.

Jon · #7 21-12-11, 07:40 PM

Tonight we went to pets at home... He was good for a while until he was scared by cruella du chav then he went mental. Ill keep trying with him though. AND when we are out he will charge up to strangers barking... It was thanks to Ella the retriever he wasn't a gobby idjit...
I think if you take Isla out and about on buses etc... It will do her loads of good... I

BusyBee · #8 21-12-11, 07:55 PM

My Sam doesn't bark in the house either! not a peep

I often wonder if it's the lack of barking at home that encourages them to get it all out when they are out and about!

Sally & Sam

DelsMum · #9 21-12-11, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOVEGSD

If she's off lead then you need to do everything you can to recall her as the barking can scare some people even if she is a puppy.....and you know how some people can be

No kidding. Jack had a bark at a bloke the other day who literally came out of nowhere and made us all jump. Apparently it was "DISGUSTING" but what do you expect from an ignoramus carrying a miniature sausage dog?!

pennys mum · #10 21-12-11, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fi1805

I know these dogs particuarly like the sound of their own bark but I cant work out if Isla is going through a puppy barking phase and she'll just grow out of it or if I should actively be trying to train her out of it?

She seems to be getting worse of late, she is barking at people walking, sometimes she barks at people who she knows too. Not in an unfriendly way, not even in a scared way, I dont understand why she is doing it.

She usually settles down in the park once she has run around with the other local dogs for 10mins or so. It's the barking at people which concerns me a bit.

I have taught her 'quiet' and 'watch me' but she doesnt sustain the quiet and as long as I keep her attention she doesnt bark but if she's off lead and some way off I cant use that command.

She has been getting progressively more barky for the last month or so. And she is teething at the moment. Dont know if that is significant or not.

Weirdly, she doesn't bark at the 'usual' things like the doorbell or telephone or washing machine. In fact, she is quiet as a mouse inside.

we have a similar problem with penny... not aggression but she will also come and bark at you when she wants a pee .so it can get confusing she will bark at the doorbell and when she wants to play tug with her toys she is almost 6 months now and huge, we have taught her no barks and this works some of the time, we are very fortunate with her ,she catches on quite quickly with most things.... to sodding clever by far. shes even figured out how to open the stairgate we have in the hall to stop her going upstairs the little horror.