Hi. My dog bark excessively. He is 5 months old. Do you think he's too young for a bark e-collar? I have been consistent in stopping the barking but when I leave him alone, he's barking again.

excessive barking is a sign of boredom. your dog needs more activity. if you are short on time to exercise him, you might try interval training. start the dog jogging, for a puppy use a soft surface if possible. jog for a minute or so in a straight line, then dash for 50 yards, then return to jog for a minute or so. repeat this interval for a few times. then rest your puppy. as he gets used to it, you can increase the number of intervals. when running, be sure it is in a straight line. you could use an oval pattern, running on the straight side of the oval. you can accomplish this by running with your dog, using a bike with a connector to hold your dog's leash. for those who can't jog or ride a bike, use a training stick and a car. one person is needed to drive, the other person holds the dog on training stick out the passenger side. for use of car you need a large open area, unused parking lot or dirt field.
on average, large dogs, like GSD's, need two to four interval sessions per week, from ten to twenty minutes, to satisfy their need for exercise. with proper interval training, dog will calm down during off-time and show less boredom behaviors(barking, chewing, digging, jumping and escaping).

Isn't that too much strenuous exercise for a 5 month old? To my understanding, joints are still forming and those exercises might put too much stress on hips and elbows, correct?

I agree though, the dog should be played with before leaving- tired dog = good dog!

THe post above concerning exercise for GSD puppies is DEAD WRONG and BAD INFORMATION

Puppies under 1 year should NEVER GO JOGGING FOR ANY DISTANCE

If YOU WANT A DOG WITH BAD HIPS follow the information in the above post. If you want more information on why this is wrong go and read the article I wrote on correct hip positioning for hip x-rays. I explain the proven things to do that help reduce hip dysplasia - one of which is NOT OVER EXERCISE YOUR PUPPY.

As far as the barking does there is nothing wrong with a no bark collar att hat age http://leerburg.com/815.htm

With this said the dog may be bored and training and walks go a long way towards helping bordom. The dog is old enough for the work in my Basic Dog Obdedience DVD http://leerburg.com/302.htm

for a 5 month old it is important to limit the length of any one session. if you start with two - five minutes on soft surface, and keep dash portion of interval to under 50 yards, exercise is not too strenuous. running is what dogs do most, and best.

Note to the original poster who asked the question:

You may receive advice from various posters on this forum who range in skill level from seasoned professionals to amateur pet owners. Some of the advice that you get will be good, so of it will be out-right wrong.
It will be in your best interest to not take every answer to a question as a correct answer and to research further to prevent possible harm from coming to your dog.

Will Rambeau
Moderator



Thank you to the forum member that alerted me to this post ( you know who you are! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )

my apology for contradicting mr. frawley. this is his web site and he is very experienced. you should defer to his advice.

Sandi - you dont know what you are talking about - read my post - read your PRIVATE MESSAGE!!!!!!!!! I suggest that you not post to this thread. If you have issues about this - send me an email.

no issues. as i said, please defer to mr. frawley. i will be happy to stay out of it.