Two weeks ago I talked about a new helpline that was being introduced by The American Kennel Club called the AKC GoodDog! HelplineSM. In that post I introduced you to the new service and explained what it was all about and I even mentioned how I was looking to use the helpline for some issues that I was concerned about with Leroy. You can refresh your memory here if you would like.
Since that post I’ve spent some quality time with Leroy and I realize that there is another issue that needs attention before any other issue.
This issue I speak of is barking.
We’ve talked about it before.
Leroy is a big barker and it drives me nuts.
He barks mostly when he’s outside in the backyard and the barking is at its peak when I or someone else from my family is outside with him.
I shot a little video of it the other day, just to give you an idea of how it goes.
This wasn’t a bad episode and he actually responded to me calling him better than he normally does. (excuse the mushy talk I was having with Sherman, I didn’t know I was going to be using this video here on the blog, and I had no idea I really talked that mushy-gross) but as you might be able to tell from the video Sherman was relaxed and not barking, he wasn’t even turning his head in response to a sound and believe me, if there would of been someone or something near by that he was concerned about he would of been barking or making an issue out of it.
So for me it seems like Leroy is barking just to bark. I’m sure he hears something, I mean were outside, but it’s unnecessary barking to me. He doesn’t bark like that when he’s outside by himself, maybe once or twice, but noy fifty times.
So here are some things that I’ve tried in the past that didn’t work:
- Redirect his attention.
- Put him inside.
- Use words such as No, Quiet, Shhhh and Shut Your Face. (I realize shut your face isn’t a known command, but come on over and sit on my back patio one night and see what happens when you’re trying to have a conversation and Leroy keeps barking.)
- Spay him with a water bottle or hose, which doesn’t work at all because he thinks we are providing him with a drink of water.
- One of those cans that sprays air and lets off a calming scent. Didn’t even phase him.
None of those worked. Well, the redirecting the attention worked for a bit, but then he just started ignoring me.
So this would be an issue that I would like to use the AKC GoodDog! HelplineSM and see if they can offer me any further tools or suggestions to keep Leroy from barking so much by just calling and speaking to one of their certified dog trainers on the phone when I’m trying to hang out in the backyard and spend some quality and peaceful time with the family without Leroy barking.
Here are the answers to questions that some of you had on the last post regarding the AKC GoodDog! HelplineSM:
- Is there a trial period? Not at this time
- Is it positive based training? From what I have seen, yes.
**Disclosure-I am blogging on behalf of BlogPaws Pet Blogger Network and the AKC. I received compensation for my time from the AKC for sharing my views in this post, but the views expressed here are solely mine.
Milestone! First of my own YouTube video of the dogs that I have EVER posted on the blog! Woo-hoo!
Kimberly Gauthier
Saturday 28th of September 2013
Looking forward to hearing what you learned. Our dog responded well to Time Out and even today, he knows what time out means.
Flea
Thursday 26th of September 2013
I didn't realize your boys had such beautiful, fluffy tails!
My dogs do this in the house, but only if I'm home. It's like they're communicating something to ME. Driving me insane is more like it. Then running to the back door to be let out. I've been working on come and down when they do this, not giving them what they want (to be let out). It's crazy. I can't wait to hear what your helpline people say.
Nichole
Wednesday 25th of September 2013
Glad you got this campaign - I'm enjoying reading what you learn!
Dawn
Wednesday 25th of September 2013
No worries. Your mushy talk wasn't over-the-top. :) Let us know what you learn for the barking issue. Pierson is big barker too, indoors and out. Redirecting works a little but I don't have the opportunity to use it consistently. None of the other stuff has worked.
Alfie |Alfie's Blog
Wednesday 25th of September 2013
Roooo I love Leroy's barking - he's one pawsome dude and I bet he's got the whole neighbourhood under control with his deep voice. I love to bark at everything that moves around my house too, and sometimes you just have to make sure that everyone remembers that you're the boss and bark whether anyone is there to listen or not! *waggy tail*