Hello Everyone!
Ok, I'm going to admit it here and now, this little dog named Mia is absolutely the cutest! She reminds me of my Gidget. Just look at this face! Below is an email I received from her "mom" and I have some tips that may prove helpful to this issue:
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Good morning!
I just came across your site and I was so happy. I was wondering if you could tell me why my Mia barks so much. There won't be anything around and she barks. Every little noise... even if she sees the leaves falling she barks. Also, my doll, fell on her once when she was sniffing at her and ever since she comes into the room where the doll is and barks at it. I even changed the dolls clothes and she still barked at it.
Otherwise she is a very happy little girl who loves her toys and is very crazy about her Dad. Thanks for your time and your gift. Sherry
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MAMA MIA!
There are multiple reasons why a dog barks: attention, boredom, frustration, hunger, happiness, breed genetics or simply we have allowed it to happen and not put a stop to it. There are a couple of methods dealing with positive re-enforcement to modify and change your dogs behavior. But,no matter what you do, you and your entire family must be consistent with these methods or all your work is for naught.
1. Pick a code word to use to change the behavior. Victoria Stilwell of 'It's Me Or The Dog' uses 'Stop'. Find a food based treat that your dog loves. Three times a day do the following exercise, you may want to keep a plastic bag filled with treats or belted treat/training bag (available at pet stores) with you:
Bring the dog next to you. Say the word you choose and give the dog a small treat. Do this 5 or 6 times. Make sure your dog equates the word with the treat. After a couple of days, when your dog barks, say the word, when he stops barking, give him a treat. Do this every time he barks around you. You are teaching your dog that when you say the word and he changes his behavior by not barking, he gets his favorite treat. As he gets better and better with this, introduce new triggers, like a doorbell ringing, someone walking by the house, a friend coming into the house. Keep the treats with you to help with your code word and expected non-barking response. Eventually, you can start to take the treats away and replace it with another positive response on your part like a belly rub, scratch behind the ears, etc.
2. Never respond to the barking. If your dog barks and you respond by yelling, he is getting your attention. Try standing quietly if he barks. Be calm and patient. When your dog stops barking, reward him with a treat, a 'Good Dog!' or give the dog her favorite toy. Pick a toy that is only used for this exercise. When he/she has received it as his treat, played with it for a bit and moved onto something else take the toy away.
The key to either method is consistency from the entire family. You must all do it. Once your family and your dog are all on the same wavelength, quiet will reign supreme.
Good luck and God bless!
