DianeP
Forums Enthusiast
You know, with Mindy, when it comes right down to it, I think us yelling or raising voices makes things worse. She just barks louder, so I really do try to avoid it. Maybe she just thinks we’re joining in on the chaos!
Confession of a secret yeller
- Thread starter DianeP
- Start date
Piper's mom
Moderator
Plus dogs have such sensitive hearing! They say if your dog is say an 8 on scale of 1-10 with their behaviour (barking, excitement etc) you need to be a 2 or 3 (good to remember when doing training). If your just as excited as the dogs it will make them worse. Of course we all have our moments...it's human nature lol.
TheDailyPainter
Forums Enthusiast
I feel in River's case sometimes I have to let him be a sheltie. He loves to alert to any excitement, even on the tv. i could train him to stop with treats and positive reinforcement for being quiet. I could have him march around like a little soldier, but I wonder if it would take an emotional toll on him to have to suppress his natural reactions. It would be like telling a talkative, enthusiastic person to be quiet all the time. I've always allowed my shelties to express themselves within reason. I knew they were barkers, and could be excitable....and I've still taken them on four times now. LOL I do find with River he is solid as a tank, he never is timid even with stern reprimand. He was like that from a puppy. He is not defiant, he just has a strong will. He is not one of those who hesitates to follow a command or is stubborn about it...my three girls were. I don't mind when he dashes at the window after a motorcycle that goes by and woofs once. I encourage him when he does that, hoping that he will learn that it's the hysterical, off the wall barking that I object to. It seems to be working slowly over time.