So sometimes when I leave her in her crate or den, and I go upstairs to study, Unagi would bark and whine. I would ignore her until she calms down and then I would come down. This time, she was constantly barking. After a long while, I came down, and she barked at me constantly! Do Shelties get mad? Now she barks here and there, but before she didn't. She would bark at random things now. I did teach her to 'shh' and 'speak', but any tips on how to not have her bark as often?
she barks because she's angry?
- Thread starter judicious
- Start date
Caro
Moderator
At that age its a combination of having just found her voice and wanting attention. I would keep ignoring her barking - any attention gets her what she wants, even to tell her shh or quiet still means she has your attention. Wait it out they get the idea fairly quickly.
Also, if she is beng quiet try to avoid going and checking on her for now as its likely to just unsettle her. I know with Deska he will settle once he knows he doesnt have my attention and the worse thing I can do is let him see me.
Also, if she is beng quiet try to avoid going and checking on her for now as its likely to just unsettle her. I know with Deska he will settle once he knows he doesnt have my attention and the worse thing I can do is let him see me.
labgirl
Forums Sage
When you put a pup in their crate its natural for them to bark as they have been separated from the 'pack' (you). If you return to them when they are barking that reinforces the behaviour, so they will do it for even longer next time.
I doubt she was angry, more she wanted you back and she figured the barking worked so she kept barking until you had got her out.
There are a few types of barks with dogs, but largely with pups it is attention-seeking or excitement. Excitement barking can be tricky to control as it is almost involuntary, just a reaction to the situation. Attention-seeking barking, however, can be dealt with by ignoring it and only returning to the pup when it is quiet. You can also use the tactic of walking away or turning your back when he starts to bark, so the barking has the opposite effect.
ie. if he barks at you to play with him, walk away and ignore him. They very quickly pick up that barking = you leaving.
I doubt she was angry, more she wanted you back and she figured the barking worked so she kept barking until you had got her out.
There are a few types of barks with dogs, but largely with pups it is attention-seeking or excitement. Excitement barking can be tricky to control as it is almost involuntary, just a reaction to the situation. Attention-seeking barking, however, can be dealt with by ignoring it and only returning to the pup when it is quiet. You can also use the tactic of walking away or turning your back when he starts to bark, so the barking has the opposite effect.
ie. if he barks at you to play with him, walk away and ignore him. They very quickly pick up that barking = you leaving.
In agreement with the last two posts.It sounds as though your pup is testing you.Knowing fully well,you will come & check in,or even possibly taking out of the crate,you are only enforcing the behavior.
If you know,for sure the pup has pottied,and there is no other possible reason they are barking,I would let the pup be.Even checking in to see what the pup is doing,will only get the barking started all over again.
I suspect she is also testing out her new thing of barking,and has learned quickly it gets your attention.
If you know,for sure the pup has pottied,and there is no other possible reason they are barking,I would let the pup be.Even checking in to see what the pup is doing,will only get the barking started all over again.
I suspect she is also testing out her new thing of barking,and has learned quickly it gets your attention.
danisgoat
Moderator
My goodness....these teenagers are giving us all a run for our money.
I agree with everything that the others have said. Your pup is definitely testing you.
I agree with everything that the others have said. Your pup is definitely testing you.