Barking

[italianna82]

Gucci has never been a big barker, but now she's starting.
When I take her out to potty, if someone walks by, especially with a dog, she barks at them. Last night, the neighbor was across the street, in his garage, and she was growling at him.
She will hear a noise outside and bark/growl.
Yesterday, I was in a store, with her in her bag, where she NEVER barks, and she was growling in there.
How do I control this??? I've tried saying "no", I've tried to rub her throat area when she starts growling and saying "Be nice" softly, but nothing.
I don't want her to be the dog that barks at everyone. What do I do??

[Grace'sMom]

I teach mine "speak" and then "quiet"

[hoaloha]

What you are describing goes along with a puppy's development- As they grow, they become more assertive, independent, and territorial. Because she is still young, it is super important to shape those behaviors appropriately. If you can teach her speak and quiet- it is very helpful as Tori mentioned. I would always carry around treats and give her treats so that she has positive association with all different environmental situations. This is a type of classical conditioning. you can also give her a treat if you teach he quiet and she follows the command. Make sure you use a high-value treat if she is not responsive to regular treats. I think you will see great improvement since she is young. The older they are, the harder it is to break behaviors (although not impossible).

[italianna82]

Originally Posted by hoaloha

What you are describing goes along with a puppy's development- As they grow, they become more assertive, independent, and territorial. Because she is still young, it is super important to shape those behaviors appropriately. If you can teach her speak and quiet- it is very helpful as Tori mentioned. I would always carry around treats and give her treats so that she has positive association with all different environmental situations. This is a type of classical conditioning. you can also give her a treat if you teach he quiet and she follows the command. Make sure you use a high-value treat if she is not responsive to regular treats. I think you will see great improvement since she is young. The older they are, the harder it is to break behaviors (although not impossible).

So, when a person walks by and she starts barking, do I give her the treat when she stops??? That's the problem I am facing. She is SO involved in barking and so aggressive about it that she ignores me.

[eiksaa]

Give her a treat before she can bark? Gustave barks if he hears someone outside the door. I try to catch it before he has even started and distract him with treats. He still keeps looking at the door but stays quiet.


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