What is the best way to react when my dog barks for attention in his crate? So far I usually give a firm NO command when he starts and then ignore him until he stops (usually takes 5 or so minutes). I figure ignoring the barking is the best way to teach him that he won't get any attention from it. Is there a better alternative?
We just went through "groundwork" a couple weeks ago. Chief was crated and ignored 24/7 except for bathroom, walks and eating for about 4 days. He never barked to get out. We then started letting him out of the crate on leash for short stints and have increased this time over the last week. The behavior problems we were having before have vanished. However, now when we do put him in the crate while we are home he barks to get out/get attention. Does this mean we have failed to establish ourselves as pack leaders?
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
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Quote: Vanessa Fullerto
What is the best way to react when my dog barks for attention in his crate?
I like earplugs and an I pod. I have also been known to put a sheet over crates for those dogs who just insist upon being turds and I have used a bark collar before.
My normal rules are for crating are don't give prolonged looks, don't talk to the dog, and don't try to correct the dog in the crate. It also helps to crate the dog when you know they're tired.
I would not recommend using a bark collar while crated. I made a disastrous mistake of putting one on my severe separation anxiety case and it provoked her to continue to bark, not to stop....she was hysterical and when I let her out of the crate, she raced through the house barking in pain. Getting it off without being bitten was a real feat! And I had it up way too high.
That was a year ago. Today her separation anxiety has much abated, but she still barks for attention when she can't be with me. I ignore her and resort to the ipod. It's difficult but I agree, going to the dog and even saying 'no' is giving attention.
I would agree with Lynne. It's usually better to ignore entirely, because even that word no can become a reward in-itself because you are giving the dog some sort of attention - even if it is negative.
When he's quiet for 5-15 seconds to start, let him out, and build up the time he needs to remain quiet from there.
I've actually found that some dogs, once they get the taste of freedom, would obviously just rather be out, and it has nothing to do with the program you're going through with him. Also, inadvertently rewarding barking by attention or opening the door just increases the problem.
Good luck with him.
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
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Loc: Idaho
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Quote: dina hitchcock
I would not recommend using a bark collar while crated. I made a disastrous mistake of putting one on my severe separation anxiety case and it provoked her to continue to bark, not to stop....she was hysterical and when I let her out of the crate, she raced through the house barking in pain. Getting it off without being bitten was a real feat! And I had it up way too high.
That was a year ago. Today her separation anxiety has much abated, but she still barks for attention when she can't be with me. I ignore her and resort to the ipod. It's difficult but I agree, going to the dog and even saying 'no' is giving attention.
Dina,
I hate to point out the obvious, but you readily admit that you had that collar "up way too high" - any training tool, used improperly can yield a bad outcome, and that was 100% your own doing.
So to recommend eliminating the use of what is often a valuable training tool just because *you* used it improperly is just silly.
I'm not trying to be mean here, but please look at what you wrote and see what I mean.
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