Non-stop Barking

[Cara Sandler]

I really hope that it's my bad english that makes me believe you recommend using anti-throat collars - you want to punish a Sheltie because it does what it's created to, exactly to keep other animals away from the pack.
You punish without the dog knowing why, and it will make it even more uncertain.

I agree! I never understand why people who get shelties turn around and complain about them barking. It's a common trait in shelties. If you have a problem with it, don't get a sheltie.

 

[Daisy's Mom]

The collar does not shock the dog or hurt it. It just vibrates and you can set the level of vibration. It's better than surgery to debark in my opinion (which has been advocated on SN forums), and if you have neighbors who will complain, a good option to consider. As I stated earlier, my dog still barks when she uses it, she's just more aware of her barking and does not bark as vigorously. It does not work at all on my other dog, who just ignores it. As I also stated, I am working on treat training as well, but there is no reason to accept barking without trying to do something to lessen it.

 

[Pam]

I agree! I never understand why people who get shelties turn around and complain about them barking. It's a common trait in shelties. If you have a problem with it, don't get a sheltie.

I think it depends on the barking. Loud and often is not a problem; barking and lunging or chasing uncontrollably is. The latter is a problem we were having with Beau at some things, most notably small wildlife, cars, and the doorbell. He has improved drastically with lots and lots of positive training. The doorbell is still somewhat problematic but we are working on it. From what I have read some shelties have a natural proclivity to keep people from moving around the house, bark/lunge at reflections or specific noises. So it could be the barking is not a problem but situational barking is. But luckily shelties take really really well to training.

 

[Cara Sandler]

I think it depends on the barking. Loud and often is not a problem; barking and lunging or chasing uncontrollably is. The latter is a problem we were having with Beau at some things, most notably small wildlife, cars, and the doorbell. He has improved drastically with lots and lots of positive training. The doorbell is still somewhat problematic but we are working on it. From what I have read some shelties have a natural proclivity to keep people from moving around the house, bark/lunge at reflections or specific noises. So it could be the barking is not a problem but situational barking is. But luckily shelties take really really well to training.

Yes, I 100% agree! Barking is one thing - lunging and chasing another thing entirely! And mine do try to "herd" me - and for that matter, anything that moves, but they've been trained that I am not a sheep and I am off limits for herding

 

[Hanne]

Why does anyone choose a very barking race - which at the same time is very sensitive
- when we do not agree to live with this

or at least teach the dog to master it in an educational way, so that it receives reward for the right behavior

Such an outside influence is not educational
- it punishes for the dog is barking - no matter what triggers this barking

A completely random punishment.
Thus, we are punishing a completely natural behavior for Shelties.

To get a Sheltie to develop into the happy, trustworthy and loving dog that we all love and as it naturally has facilities to become, is not achieved by punishment

Can at worst, develop the dog to become suspicious, insecure and sad

so sorry for my useless English - but such a subject really hurts my heart !!

 

[Piper's mom]

Words to live by Hanne and I couldn't agree more. I couldn't have achieved so much with Piper if I used punishment as a method of training. I'm afraid to say that I haven't been able to quiet him down when he's outside or hears a noise in the house but thankfully I have great neighbors (and he's never outside alone) but I figure he's a Sheltie and he barks (the more you have the more they bark too lol).