Question on Vacuums, Sweeping, Raking, etc.
- Thread starter PamC
- Start date
Thank goodness she doesn't go crazy over the iron board - that would be the end. MeandAmber - I am going to try it your way. Giving her an ah-ah and trying to catch that moment when she stops (if it happens) and treating her. She is highly motivated (like most Shelties) by treats, so maybe that will work. Thanks so much! Will let you all know and if some other miraculous solution appears to you all, let me know!
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
Caro
Moderator
Welcome to the world of crazy shelties!
Some dogs are definately worse than others. With Tully I can get her off easily, with a very stern 'no' and treat for backing off. Deska goes absolutely crazy though. The vet behaviourist taught me a method of getting him to wait while I sweep or vacuum and then giving him the okay to attack or bark when I finish. It builds up his excitement and he loves it - just makes a low growl while I tell him to wait and then either bites the object or does a spinning bark when I say ok (altho sometimes he will end up leaving the room with the vacuum as he really hates the sound). Its a bit harder to enforce with 2 dogs though.
I taught him to wait by doing it in short bursts and building up the time - no need to treat because the reward is being allowed to bark or attack at the end. As Deska loves barking at almost every electrical appliance, and anything that makes a sweeping motion this approach has been a sanity saver.
Some dogs are definately worse than others. With Tully I can get her off easily, with a very stern 'no' and treat for backing off. Deska goes absolutely crazy though. The vet behaviourist taught me a method of getting him to wait while I sweep or vacuum and then giving him the okay to attack or bark when I finish. It builds up his excitement and he loves it - just makes a low growl while I tell him to wait and then either bites the object or does a spinning bark when I say ok (altho sometimes he will end up leaving the room with the vacuum as he really hates the sound). Its a bit harder to enforce with 2 dogs though.
I taught him to wait by doing it in short bursts and building up the time - no need to treat because the reward is being allowed to bark or attack at the end. As Deska loves barking at almost every electrical appliance, and anything that makes a sweeping motion this approach has been a sanity saver.
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
Vacuums, brooms, rakes, leaf blowers, hair dryers, door bells, and yes, even the sound of a kleenex being pulled out of the box, makes my boys crazy!
I've tried just about everything. The only thing that works is locking them away.
Good luck to you! If anybody has any other suggestions, I'll be watching this thread closely!
I've tried just about everything. The only thing that works is locking them away.
Good luck to you! If anybody has any other suggestions, I'll be watching this thread closely!
Yep. Can't use the dust mop, broom, vacuum, snow shovel, etc. without an insane dog acting like an idiot. Can't rip a piece of foil off the roll if he's anywhere nearby. Can't sneeze although I am allowed to cough.
It did not occur to me it could be related to that herding instinct. And if that is true, why the reaction to sneezing and ripping off a piece of foil?
Love this post.
Everett use to chase the Vacuum, broom, shovel, but slowly on his own has quit, except the shovel. As we don't get much snow, and landscaping is minimal we just enjoy it and shovel real slow. he sometimes bites the end of the shovel and gets a nice mouthful of dirt.
He use to help with the garbage, run in circles around the trash can as we moved it to the bottom of the hill, but we quit having our trash picked up so that game is gone. He still likes to "check the mail" and barks at your feet. If this is bad then he is a terrible boy.
Everett use to chase the Vacuum, broom, shovel, but slowly on his own has quit, except the shovel. As we don't get much snow, and landscaping is minimal we just enjoy it and shovel real slow. he sometimes bites the end of the shovel and gets a nice mouthful of dirt.
He use to help with the garbage, run in circles around the trash can as we moved it to the bottom of the hill, but we quit having our trash picked up so that game is gone. He still likes to "check the mail" and barks at your feet. If this is bad then he is a terrible boy.
Cindy
Premium Member
puppy training
when gavin was a pup, anytime I vacuumed I held him.
Now, if I vacuum he just avoids the vacuum cleaner. No barking!
Don't have any ides for older shelties, though
when gavin was a pup, anytime I vacuumed I held him.
Now, if I vacuum he just avoids the vacuum cleaner. No barking!
Don't have any ides for older shelties, though
Caro
Moderator
I was told its because herding dogs need to react to unusual sounds to protect the flock - so they tend to be a bit more sensitive and reactive to sound.
Besides, mine just think its hilarious fun, when does a sheltie need an excuse to bark at something
labgirl
Forums Sage
Wheelbarrows, leaf rakes, trowels, shovels, vacuum, broom... Ok, Cadbury must be a Sheltie in labrador clothing because he did all that!
I worked on putting him in a sit wait, then using the broom (for example), for a few sweeps and if he was good, praise and treat. If he moved or tried to chase he got 'no!'
Also working on the leave it command helped tremendously. And worse come to worse, I did always have a squirty bottle of water to hand.
During training I would work with Cadbury while mum swept or vacuumed, but now you can bung him in a sit wait and he will remain there until you are done.
Now the lawnmower is another matter. He has to make sure that thing knows its place
I worked on putting him in a sit wait, then using the broom (for example), for a few sweeps and if he was good, praise and treat. If he moved or tried to chase he got 'no!'
Also working on the leave it command helped tremendously. And worse come to worse, I did always have a squirty bottle of water to hand.
During training I would work with Cadbury while mum swept or vacuumed, but now you can bung him in a sit wait and he will remain there until you are done.
Now the lawnmower is another matter. He has to make sure that thing knows its place