For the last month or so I’ve been talking about Leroy’s barking issue that we have when he’s out in the backyard and a few weeks ago I made my first call to the AKC GoodDog! HelplineSM to see if one of their professional dog trainers could give us some help because the barking had gotten quite annoying.
Since that call I’ve been using the advice that the trainer gave us and rewarding Leroy’s good behavior when we are outside with special treats.
If Leroy’s not barking he gets rewarded.
Leroy caught onto this pretty quickly, which was surprising to me because he has never been very food or treat motivated.
As I talked about in our last post about the AKC GoodDog! HelplineSM, this new found motivation kind of created another problem, which was Leroy following me around the yard for a treat.
That issue worked itself out after about a week as I weaned away the treats and used more affection as a reward. A good chest and head rub works just as well as treats for Leroy.
And everything is going good with the barking.
The barking hasn’t completely stopped but it is much, much, much less.
So much less that last week, when my neighbor was having a new roof put on her house, Leroy only barked a handful of times at them, and that was good because they were there for the whole week. And they were making tons of noise and walking back and forth all day long.
I was proud of him and overall, I was happy with the service that I received from the trainer from the AKC GoodDog! HelplineSM. When I made my first call in I was greeted kindly and I felt like the trainer had all the time in the world to talk with me about Leroy’s barking issue. Some of the techniques that she gave me at first, were ones that I had already tried but she had a list of other techniques and was very knowledgeable when explaining them to me.
I wouldn’t hesitate to call in again, if and when other issues arise.
Now for some super good news for you!
For a limited time the AKC will offer readers of this blog a special promotion price of $29.99 (normally $79.99) for the AKC GoodDog! HelplineSM Service. This service is good for the whole life of your dog! Puppyhood, adulthood and senior years! You get unlimited access to an AKC trainer as often as you may need it for your dog.
If you’re interested in signing up for the service for $29.99 for a limited time please go here. The $29.99 special price will appear on the 2nd page of the enrollment process.
**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.
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MelF
Wednesday 30th of October 2013
Great to hear that you have reduced Leroy's barking. I actually was thinking I needed to try that but then I remembered that Jasper doesn't care about treats and doesn't even hear me when he sees a jogger or biker go by. I may have to call that line. Hmmm....
rubytheairedale
Tuesday 29th of October 2013
Yea Leroy!!! Way to go dude! Yeah, roof peeps can be annoyin', butts sounds like you handled it great!! Treaties are a FABulous motivator indeed!! BOL Kisses, Ruby ♥
Oz the Terrier
Tuesday 29th of October 2013
Bravo, Leroy! Ma wishes I wouldn't bark so much either...now I fear I will be receiving some training. BOL
Kimberly Gauthier
Monday 28th of October 2013
That is so fantastic! We've been having barking issues too as we adjust. I put Rodrigo in time out and he gladly went and then barked there. It actually made me laugh and I shouldn't have rewarded him for this behavior, but I was thankful for the smiles and we played after that. No barking since.
Sand Spring Chesapeakes
Monday 28th of October 2013
Way to go, glad to hear the tips are working.