Barking...to be bad!

It is very encouraging to hear that this is a phase...she knows the come command and she always used to obey but now while I can see she is standing there and thinking about it she decides to disobey. I guess you are right about the leash, chasing her around and reprimanding her is probably just becoming a game to her... does anyone know how long it would take of me being out there with her for this to sink in? Right now it seems that nothing will penetrate that thick head of hers, she seems oblivious to anything I do. Outside she's just a barking idiot and inside she is fixated on our cat (who takes it all good humoredly but I'm sure is tired of being body slammed by now). She also used to be my sweet, obedient little shadow...she's 9-10 months right now, anyone know the age they snap out of this???
 
These Shelties are very smart! I always felt mine could out-think me some days. When I did the leash thing with my dogs (around the same age as Pidge, I recall!) it really didn't take long at all. It seemed once they realized that they were snagged and the game was over they give in and will come again on command. You may have to reinforce it every now and then, but don't get discouraged! It does work and this does pass. Then you can work on the barking. But trying to correct too many behaviors at once just doesn't seem to work on any, I found.

Good luck!
 
Good advice! One last question...

Great advice about working on one thing at a time, Pidge has really gotten back into the habit of coming when called, of course we will still work with her. My only question now is: among other options and training advice etc. (which we are definitely going to try!) I've been considering either a citronella or shock collar for Pidge especially for when she is outside when we are not home to try to curb the barking when we can't be training her. Now please don't jump at me! I don't want Pidge hurt and if either is truly inhumane then I certainly won't use it on her! I have heard that shock collars don't actually hurt (just like a static zap) they just surprise them, however I'm concerned that Pidge would panic and not understand. Has anyone had any good results with either one of these on their shelties???
 
I used a shock collar on Deska when he chased cars (and I'm not a fan of e-collars). It didnt work. I had a long talk with a vet behaviourist about it. When Deska's adrenalin pumped up (ie when he was excited) the shock did not register, even on the highest setting. The behaviourist did say the collars need to be high to have a real aversion capacity, not just the small 'electric shock' type shock (i tried it on myself, its like hitting a nerve) - otherwise a citronella collar is more effective.

Also, the collars are better used for real aversion - something they should never do like chasing things (farmers often use them for dogs chasing livestock or tractors) rather than vocalising too much. Scaring the crap out of them when they do something like vocalising is not useful because it becomes a bit confusing. At any rate e-collars should not be used for young dogs - never under 6mths and preferably not under 1yr.

The other problem is it is recommended that correction collars and muzzles should not be left on dogs unsupervised. Have you also looked at hushers? They are a muzzle. I kept Tully muzzled at one point to reduce her barking. They can bark a little but it gets tiring to bark so they give up.


Until she is out of her adolescent crazy phase I would be reducing her freedom. Treat her as if she is a puppy again. Keep her confined at home but give her plenty of exercise (chasing balls or running alongside a bike tires them out). Can you confine her in the backyard (esp when you are not home). They dont run around yards by themselves anyway, so you could make a little dog run with some wire fencing and put her in there until she settles down (the vet behaviourist suggested this to me as well).

The really bad crazy phase probably only lasts a few months, altho they can be a bit silly up to 18mths.
 
Caro, thank you for sharing your experience...Pidge is a strangely stubborn yet sensitive sheltie and I do not know how she would react to a shock collar...I don't think I would have the heart to make it any higher than its lowest setting... I had never considered a muzzle...would she still be able to pant? Is this dangerous if it's hot outside?
 
Hi

Is there a reason why you must keep her outside when you are not at home? Maybe that's part of her anxiety? Maybe she would do better in a sheltered corner of the house, where she feels safe?

I certainly would not muzzle her while you are away, especially outside. She needs access to water (I'm guessing that you live in a hotter climate since you asked about panting).

Just a thought.
 
The husher does let them pant and drink. Although I wouldn't leave the muzzle on if the she was alone. Here is a link to their website
http://www.husher.com.au/default.aspx?department=Products&section=Fitting

I agree with Barb - she might be better inside the house when you are gone. Even if its the laundry or bathroom (or garage - my dogs have access to kitty litter in the garage if I lock them in all day). Deska was so much better when I started giving him access to the lounge room. I think he felt safer being in our little pack's 'den'. Dogs sleep for about 5hrs during the day and she might sleep sounder if she was inside.
 
I COMPLETELY agree with the long lead, it REALLY pays off, it's the best help to 'enforce' a command, I find it gives you control to redirect the focus, and they don't get into the play-running away from you game... .. that way you don't end up giving a command that is more like the hopeful question 'Please Come?' lol

I use 'stay close' as a command.. or a 'let's go' command or a certain whistle.. which means to just sort of 'come over here', so he knows I am changing directions on my walk... etc... because I only say 'Come' I REALLY mean it, and I never call him unless he's usually already running towards me or I KNOW he'll 'obey'...

I NEVER call him over or use the COME command to give him a 'time out' 'put him in crate', 'a brushing' or to put him on lead (i use 'leash on' as a command, lol)... My 'come' command is ALWAYS being treated very well (cheese is his thing) and/or generally I make a big fuss for listening...

With this simple method I found I had the most positive response in a dog ever, as Toffee comes running, even while chasing the 18 wheeler along the dog-park fence.. he turns on a dime when I call/whistle him back!! I seriously think that the long lead I used and the continued positive reenforcement is what made this difference and what worked better for me than anything else I had used on my previous dogs...

A sheltie who comes willingly and runs full tilt at you (bullet style) just because you called him is just the best reward EVER :)
So keep working on it as you are and the terrible teenage years will go by eventually, too :)

PS: I also agree with putting her in a crate, if not TOO long, or a smaller space, with no outside stimulation/windows etc to curb the barking when you are gone...
 
Last edited:
Hmm, I do sometimes keep her in our sunroom (the same room as her crate) when we are gone, I just thought that she preferred being outside! I will definitely try the long leash and maybe restrict her freedom outside a little bit. I thank everybody for their advice...I will keep working with her and be sure to reward her whenever she is good, I had never thought of cheese for a treat, I bet she would love that! I think some of the training may be working. When we play inside or outside now, I stop playing immediately when she barks along with "quiet Pidge" and will start again when she is quiet. I think it may be veeeeeerrry slowly sinking in...yay!
 
oh SO good to hear!! As they say.. it works when you work it!!
Keep us posted on her progress, she sounds like a peach of a Sheltie.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top