Barking dogs-How to stop

I've a small terrier here that insists every time the door bell goes or a car door closes outside or the phone rings or I call someone and speak on the phone he must make as much noise as possible.

I've been told by neighbours he's fine if I'm out but it is annoying for me talking on the phone so I can only imagine what it's like for my neighbours.

Generally he's a great wee dog and not really aggresive, most of the time he's happy sleeping or playing. He is 13yrs old though and has a problem with his hind hips so more exercise isn't really an option.

Now, other than staying out or getting rid of him, does anyone please have an idea to shut him up please

 

bark with him or dont make any noise. keep him occupied also.

 

I've tried the no noise, but not willing to be barking mad yet

It's an option though thanks sniper.

 

At 13, I'd guess he's pretty set in his ways, but I would attempt to try teaching that old dog a new trick ....... shhhhhhhh ...... some tasty treat that says 'good dog' might make it sink in. If nothing else it might distract him long enough to get a few words in.

 

Dogs are never too old to learn. You need something to get his attention when he barks.

Try this:

get an empy pop can (you might call it a "soda" can) and put several small rocks inside. Tape the opening closed. Now everytime he starts to bark shake the can, to startle him, and firmly say "NO ". You will have to do this everytime he starts to bark when you don't want him to. It may take a week or two but he will decrease his instances of barking.

The loud noise to get his attention is the key. You could even get a small air horn or anything that makes a loud noise.

 

Agreed, but I'm no expert, he was a rescue dog at 2 years but my mother passed away a few years back, I kinda promised her and him he'd have nothing to worry about until it's his time. In the last few years he certainly has picked up a few tricks so although his body's fading the brain is still alert.

Sounds good I'll give it a try

Not quite willing to go that far yet but I know what you're saying.

 

Great guidance from Mitch. You can also get a special collar but I'm not an advocate of that kind of training.

Now, if you are quick enough - A few Saltines and a lot of peanut butter should silence most any canine. (just kidding!)

 

I gotta try that with my pit bull

 

My pit bull mix would continue barking while inhaling the snack. So far the only effective way I can get him to stop is with a spray bottle filled with water. I don't mind if he barks when hearing a noise outside, but when I am on the phone it is irritating.

 

He's on here in the UK, SKY 3 but I've never quite caught an episode that is relevant. The dog doesn't attack other dogs or people, he has good road sense even off the lead and walks to heal all the time on the lead, it's only the barking that's annoying. I'll try the tin can option and see what happens.

Thanks guys.

 

That wouldn't have worked with Dutchess, she likes to chase water. When my wife is out watering her garden Dutchess will sneak outside and chase the water coming out of the hose or she'll jump and bite at the stream coming out of the nozzle.

 

It's the same with Dillon, for him a spray bottle is WATER FIGHT, he tires easily but still enjoys his games so I don't think a spray bottle is and option. The other problem is his misbehaviour only happens indoors and I'm not too keen on spraying water all over the place.

 

Barking dog

You might try a squirt bottle and squirt water in his face everytime he barks. Another thought is the pet stores have remote controlled collars that give him a shock. When he barks you push a button on the remote control and it sends a shock through the collar. The intensity of the shock can be adjusted on some of the collars.

 

As I posted earlier, he'd probably think of that as a game and in any case I'm not too keen spraying water indoors.

For me there's something inhumane about those collars and I wouldn't be happy with myself using one.

The tin can with pebbles appears to be effective though, not %100 but he's getting there.

 

I'm glad the tin can seems to be working. It will take a little while but he'll get the point.

 

Michael, I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one that makes this mistake. The mistake is you sent the reply to me and I didn't post the question. I just tried to helpl out with my thoughts on how to stop the dog from barking.