Big barking success

[EJHUNTL]

I can only speak from my very limited experience with 2 fairly quiet shelties. Right from the get go I do not reinforce ( either negatively or positively) barking. If my shelties bark they get ignored until they are quiet and then the play or whatever resumes.

Yesterday I had Hanna at my father in law's apartment and my sister in law started playing with her and Hanna started to bark - I told her to please stop the game and just ignore her. Her response was she's only play barking, and while that's true I don't want to encourage any barking. She did stop but I could tell that she thinks I am being too strict. At the same time she yells at her shared dog to get it to behave and I don't find that is very effective, but I'm not going to interfere with how she handles her summer pet.

Hanna is my dog and I happen to have very little desire to hear barking. I also don't believe in punishment, so we reward the stuff we like ( quiet) and ignore what we don't like ( barking). Works for us..so far.

 

[Internette]

Thanks I dont know why I never thought to maybe use the treats when he stops barking. I think this might help, as he loves food and he is certainly food motivated. I will have to work out a plan to try and make sure everyone is on board. Thank you.
Oh I forgot he doesn't bark when he is on a leash. I can be outside people ride their bikes, they stop and talk and other dogs bark and he doesn't bark during all this, but I noticed he is on a leash. The barking is 95% inside the house when the doorbell rings or a big loud truck outside. I was surprised he barked at the groomers when he saw me but he does bark whenever I leave and come home. Richard says he sits by the front door the whole time I am gone waiting for my return and he knows when it is my car that pulls in as he only barks when it is my car.