Dog Barking Information, Tips, Advice, Products

Question: How can i stop my small dog barking uncontrolably at strangers?

(Posted by: Angelgirl0411 on 2010-03-08 12:50:51)

I have a small dog she is only about a foot high. She's a family dog and when she's at home she's loving obedient and and great family pet. This is until someone knocks on the door or walks up the drive!!! She barks aggressively and growls. She doesn't go near them she just runs away. We had her from a puppy and she has always been like this. I have another dog who doesn't bark and is so soppy and i thought she may learn from his behaviour but she is getting worse. I have tried making a loud noise each time she barks, saying No loudly, removing her from the situation and also getting the person to give her a treat but none of this works!!! She takes the treat then starts again!! I must add as soon as the person comes to the house on a few different occasions she seems to get used to them and is no problem!!! Help.

Posted by: Animal Lover on 2010-03-08, 13:05:34

Was she not socialized as a puppy?

Posted by: AngelCat on 2010-03-08, 17:48:37

There's a collar you can buy that squirts the dog with a little nasty smelling liquid (although water works just as well) that activates when the dog barks- my friends Aunt used it with her small dog for the same reason. The collar should only be needed for a short while as a training tool, or you can try a water spray bottle (but you'll need to follow her around while she's barking in that case). They soon learn that a loud bark equals a squirt in the face :)

Posted by: Richard on 2010-03-09, 04:28:07

She's stressed and shouting at her won't help. She feels she has to defend you (as far as she's concerned you're always shouting, so you must need looking after) but doesn't really want the job, so she barks and runs away. The other dog is leaving all the hard work to her. Read "The Dog Listener " by Jan Fennell " and you'll find out what's happening and how you can tackle it effectively, without intimidation, gadgets or force. If you want me to put you in touch with someone who can help, then please email, but it would mean further costs and everything is in Jan's book. You'll just need to be consistent and patient.