Dear Old Trainer: My fiancé and I have a wonderful dog we rescued. Our dog gets excited when the neighbor's dog barks and then she barks uncontrollably.
We tried a couple of anti-bark devices that worked for a while, but then she started barking again. She's strong-willed and won't respond if we tell her to stop.
What should we do?
Scott, Merced
A: Show her your will is stronger than hers.
Barking is a habit she enjoys. She won't stop until she is forced to.
She showed that she will break the habit by stopping for awhile when you used the devices, so you know it can be done.
Your goal is not a dog that never barks -- it's a dog that barks when there's a reason, then stops on command. Allow her only one bark.
After that, look her in the eye and tell her "no" and mean it when you say it. You don't yell, you just say "no" in a normal voice. Grasp her muzzle softly in your hand and give the command again.
The other dog triggers her barking, so you know when she will start.
Be ready for the training the instant you hear the dog bark. Stopping it just as it begins will make the training easier and more effective.
If she refrains for even a few seconds, pet her and praise her because she has shown that she understands the concept.
Be patient and allow her time to think through the command, but immediately grasp her muzzle and say "no" each time she barks more than once.
Pet and praise her each time she refrains.
If she doesn't respond after a few sessions of training, add a rolled-up newspaper to the exercise and slap it against your thigh, making as much noise as possible, then repeat the exercise.
If she still refuses to stop barking, tap her on the muzzle with the paper, then repeat the exercise. You must be relentless with the training, repeating the exercise every single time she starts the barking.
It won't take long if you convince her you're serious.
If she still doesn't respond, it's either because she didn't understand the rule or doubts that you will enforce it.
Go back and start again.
And remember, the most important part is not the command -- it's the affection and love you show her after she obeys the command.
Dear Old Trainer: I read your article on National Spay and Neuter Month last week in the Merced Sun-Star.
I recently rescued a female mini dachshund, Cher.
Can you tell me where I can find a low-cost spay program near Atwater?
Cynthia, Atwater
A: I found two organizations that can help you or any other pet owners in the Merced area.
Call Sue at (209) 769-6502 or (209) 388-1864 or Sharon at (209) 769-2122.
Dog show alert: Yes! It's that time again. The New York AKC dog show begins Monday on USA Channel.
The dog "handlers" will once again be doing the unique "Riverdance" run, in which the lower body runs while the upper body remains rigid.
The Hefty Ladies in their rhinestone dresses, size XL, and sensible shoes, will be barking orders. The Lightfoot Lads have purchased every can of hair spray in Manhattan and will float through the arena like tango dancers.
And the dogs will steal the show with ease. (Watch for a review of the show in this column next week!)
Send questions for The Old Trainer to: theoldtrainer711@yahoo.com.
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