April 15, 2011
I have a female Dobie and I am unsure what the best reaction should be when she barks at people or noises. How do I make her stop or let her carry on barking?
Full Question:
Hi Cindy,I want to start off by telling you what a great help you and Ed have been with my training! I love your videos, especially the Training with markers video. My question for you is, I have a female Dobie and I am unsure what the best reaction should be when she barks at people or noises (for example: people walking through the neighborhood at night or noises outside). I want my dog to be naturally protective and watch/alert me when she senses something is not quite right. When she barks, I check out the situation and if I think everything is OK, I will tell her "No" or "Quiet" calmly but firmly. Usually that will stop the barking but sometimes she will get a couple more little barks in under her breath. In that situation, I have to get a little firmer and tell her "No" again or call her over to me and make her lay down. I believe she should listen and respect me when I tell her to stop barking. I worry that telling her "No" may be sending the signal that I don't want her to bark at all when I absolutely would want her to bark, for example, at someone approaching the house late at night. Most of the time she picks up on people or things that I would never even notice so I appreciate that. What is the best way to handle this? Is this a socialization issue or just natural protection tendencies of the breed? Do I make her stop or let her carry on barking?
Thanks!
Amanda
Cindy's Answer:
I would try giving her an alternative behavior to perform when you want her to stop barking (similar to what you are already doing). I've had a lot of Dobermans, and typically you don't need to worry about them NOT barking :)
In other words if she barks and you want her to stop, then I would say Down or Sit or use whatever command you wish and if she persists in barking I would give her a correction of some sort. I would not keep repeating NO or Quiet, but teach her that when you say Sit, it means sit and shut up or when you say Down, it means lay down and be quiet.
I have a Malinois right now that does this, and I always tell her Good Girl for letting me know someone is there but then I shut her down right away with a Down or a Sit. For this particular dog, using the remote collar on a very low setting is the most effective way to reinforce this.
I hope this helps.
Cindy
In other words if she barks and you want her to stop, then I would say Down or Sit or use whatever command you wish and if she persists in barking I would give her a correction of some sort. I would not keep repeating NO or Quiet, but teach her that when you say Sit, it means sit and shut up or when you say Down, it means lay down and be quiet.
I have a Malinois right now that does this, and I always tell her Good Girl for letting me know someone is there but then I shut her down right away with a Down or a Sit. For this particular dog, using the remote collar on a very low setting is the most effective way to reinforce this.
I hope this helps.
Cindy
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