Help - Barking

[acr]

My dog, Sug' has been barking a lot lately. It's to the point that my next door neighbor is calling to complain. I told her that I understand her concerns and I'm trying to do something about it. Whenever I'm home and hear him barking, I tell him "No!" or bring him inside. I think there are new neighbors directly behind me that he is not used to but my complaining neighbor said she notices nothing going on when she hears him barking. She said that it is driving her crazy and I'm pretty sure she will call an authority if he doesn't stop. I'm gone for 9 to 10 hours a day at work and I don't know what to do while I'm gone if he barks. Please give me advice. Thanks!!!

[frenchie1936]

My dog, Sug' has been barking a lot lately. It's to the point that my next door neighbor is calling to complain. I told her that I understand her concerns and I'm trying to do something about it. Whenever I'm home and hear him barking, I tell him "No!" or bring him inside. I think there are new neighbors directly behind me that he is not used to but my complaining neighbor said she notices nothing going on when she hears him barking. She said that it is driving her crazy and I'm pretty sure she will call an authority if he doesn't stop. I'm gone for 9 to 10 hours a day at work and I don't know what to do while I'm gone if he barks. Please give me advice. Thanks!!!


umm..... dogs bark. tell your neighbor sorry that there is nothing you can do. your reprimand for him barking will likely work while you are present, but when you are gone there isn't much in my experience that works and doesn't restrict the dogs movement and freedom.

[Phebes]

In Va a dog excessively barking will get taken by AC. It is against a noise ordinance. Most people think if a dog is barking during the day nothing can be done but that is not always the case depending on where you live.
Have you thought of bringing in the house and crating him while you are at work?

[SPF]

umm..... dogs bark. tell your neighbor sorry that there is nothing you can do. your reprimand for him barking will likely work while you are present, but when you are gone there isn't much in my experience that works and doesn't restrict the dogs movement and freedom.
If you tell your neighbor what frenchie suggested you will probably have your dog taken by animal control,and if you have any other dogs you are more than likely to get more visits..


If I were you I would invest in a large crate(as long as the dog isnt destructive) or set up a chain spot in your basement for use when your not home..

[acr]

Thanks for all the replies.

I considered crating him, but 9 to 10 hours is too long of a time in my opinion. He is a young male, with lots of energy. I don't have a basement in which to put him. I've spoken with a number of people about this and will speak with more, including a lawyer. The general consensus so far is that my neighbor is being unreasonable. I don't know if my neighbor means to, but she tends to exaggerate her statements. We are all getting a good night's sleep because I'm home in the evenings and keep Sug' from barking a lot then. How she expects me to keep him quiet while I'm away, I don't know. I will not use a shock collar or muzzle as I don't think those devices are humane. My neighbor is a retired, older woman and is evidently home during the day. I want there to be peace but she is making it challenging. My dog is so important to me and I realize that his breed is controversial so I don't want that to become a focus in this situation. I will continue trying to work this out. Please keep the feedback coming. Thanks!

[Marty]

Never tried one but it might work ;)

http://www.buy.com/prod/innotek-automatic-no-bark-collar/q/loc/17250/202064605.html

http://www.e-collars.com/insmardogbc5.html

[Michele]

If you tell your neighbor what frenchie suggested you will probably have your dog taken by animal control,and if you have any other dogs you are more than likely to get more visits..


If I were you I would invest in a large crate(as long as the dog isnt destructive) or set up a chain spot in your basement for use when your not home..
I agree with this and what Phebes said.

Look into the noise law where you live.

[Bullyson]

The shock collars work. It doesnt hurt the dog to the point of whining, its just a quick little shock to let them know to shut up. They even have a warning beep. When the dog barks it will beep to let them know they're about to get popped. After a few times the dog will hear the beep and hush up. They worked for me some of the time. It all depends on how fired up the dog is. Good luck. YIS, DJ.

[CynthiaATL]

Well I have a solution for you. A BB gun worked for me. I was talking shit one night to the guy I am dating and he popped me in the ass with a BB gun shut me up real quick. LOL

No but seriously Shock collars and Citronella Bark Control Collars can be effective.

[simms]

These types of collars should be checked daily.

[acr]

But don't we want our dogs to bark? I mean when I'm home and there's a reason, I think Sug' should bark - to alert me and warn the bad guys. Seems like a shock collar would teach him to never bark which I don't want (plus I don't want him getting shocked).

[Marty]

So your going to take a chance of losing the dog?

[CynthiaATL]

But don't we want our dogs to bark? I mean when I'm home and there's a reason, I think Sug' should bark - to alert me and warn the bad guys. Seems like a shock collar would teach him to never bark which I don't want (plus I don't want him getting shocked).The shock is not that hard. My vet uses a shock collar on his Bull terrier for training. If you do not want him shocked then try the Citronella Bark Control Collars that spray them in the face. You are in a situtation that you need to make a choice. Either cut the barking or like Marty said lose your dog.

[simms]

But don't we want our dogs to bark? I mean when I'm home and there's a reason, I think Sug' should bark - to alert me and warn the bad guys. Seems like a shock collar would teach him to never bark which I don't want (plus I don't want him getting shocked). Then your dog is going to have to learn when to bark and when not to bark. You need proffesional help in this area. Personaly my house dog does not bark to alert me to anything....that's not his job.

[acr]

I do have a hard choice to make. And no, of course I don't want to lose my dog - never! Hopefully, this can be worked out without the need for a shock collar and I'm glad to know about the citronella alternative. I will take the necessary measures to keep my dog safe. For those that have used such devices, does your dog still bark occasionally?

[SPF]

I dont know if I like the shock collar idea..In my opinion that "could" make a dog neurotic..Why dont you invest in a crate?..This is the absolute easiest way to solve your problems without taking extreme measures..If its the confinment that bothers you, get a XXL (great dane sized) one..Most dogs adapt well to being crated,as long as its not for extremly long periods of time..

"But dont we want are dogs to bark?...."
Absolutley not..Barking in my opinion is a threat display,and I personally look at that as a bad sign..I dont like human aggressive dogs,so barking at humans is not tolerated..

[pittychick]

I agree with the crate idea. No, it won't be ideal to have him crated 9-10 hours a day, but it's the best choice in this circumstance. Just be sure to get up a little early if you have to in order to exercise him before you leave, and get him out for a good work out when you get home. I suggest you work him good as soon as you get home to prevent an extreme, perhaps destructive case of the "zoomies"...I learned from experience!!

Generally I have no issue with a shocking bark collar, or a training collar as long as it's used correctly (same with any training device). BUT my concern would be the fact that you are gone 9-10 hours a day, and he will be unsupervised. What happens if the collar becomes defective while nobody's around and he gets injured?? The chances of it happening are extremely thin, but why take a chance?

[Rockstar]

It's not good to tell your dog "no!" or anything else while it's barking. The dog will often, in essence, think that you're actually barking yourself. Inadvertently you are reinforcing the dog's behavior. Ignore him completely. If you continue to bring him inside when he barks, then he'll continue to bark when he wants to be let in. If you continue to scold him while he's barking, he'll bark for that attention.

It's likely the dog is barking out of pure boredom. Give him something else to do besides bark, something that will keep him occupied and stimulated, especially while you're away.

Increase his exercise. He'll be quieter once he's burned off that excess energy.

[simms]

I dont know if I like the shock collar idea..In my opinion that "could" make a dog neurotic..Why dont you invest in a crate?..This is the absolute easiest way to solve your problems without taking extreme measures..If its the confinment that bothers you, get a XXL (great dane sized) one..Most dogs adapt well to being crated,as long as its not for extremly long periods of time..

"But dont we want are dogs to bark?...."
Absolutley not..Barking in my opinion is a threat display,and I personally look at that as a bad sign..I dont like human aggressive dogs,so barking at humans is not tolerated..
Good for you! Not all dogs make good house dogs. I have only had 2 outstanding house dogs in 16 yrs with this breed. Both males and intact. I have had several pass threw the house, however...LOL But it takes an exceptional dog to maintain the title of house dog.
Absolutley not..Barking in my opinion is a threat display,and I personally look at that as a bad sign..I dont like human aggressive dogs,so barking at humans is not tolerated..[/

[SPF]

Good for you! Not all dogs make good house dogs. I have only had 2 outstanding house dogs in 16 yrs with this breed. Both males and intact. I have had several pass threw the house, however...LOL But it takes an exceptional dog to maintain the title of house dog.
What's good for me?...

[simms]

What's good for me?... Ok not what's good for you. i agree with your statement.

[RedPitbullDawg]

There is a little something called a bark collar...

[acr]

Sug' is an intact male and an excellent house dog in my opinion. I truly believe he is barking at the new neighbors behind us. When there is activity in that yard, he barks. He really can't see what's going on over there so that probably adds to his barking. I do think I need to increase his exercise. He tore his right front dew claw a couple of weeks ago and so we slowed down on exercise per his vet's advice.

[1234]

Most likely the new people are bad, any good apbt can tell the diff between good and bad, watch your dog. And for the BB post im gonna go shoot my old lady in the ass and see if it works for me too.

[acr]

Thanks, I totally agree with you, 1234. I've been thinking that all along. My dog is very perceptive about how is a good or bad person. I will watch him closely. And careful with the BB gun. ;)

[Rockstar]

I'm pretty sure that 1234 was only kidding. Just because your dog barks at strange neighbors it doesn't qualify them as bad people, lol. It's common for dogs of almost every breed to bark at strange people, sounds, animals, etc.
It's due to territorial and self-identification instincts.

[acr]

You have a good point, rockstar - thanks.

[1234]

Just going by what ive seen of the breed, they can tell the diff between good and bad. And again watch your dog, it's not a world full of beautiful people.

[SPF]

Ok not what's good for you. i agree with your statement.
Ok..I didnt understant what you meant..lol

[acr]

IMO, you are right, 1234. As I think we all know, there are plenty of bad people in this world. Just because he barks at someone, that doesn't mean they are definitely a bad person, but he has shown good instinct and I will keep a close eye on him.

[Aurora]

I've found the most humane way of quieting an excessive barker is with good ol' H2O . Spray him with the garden hose after giving the quiet command whatever it may be . After 2 or 3 times just open a window or door and give your quiet command and you should hear the chain rattle over the threshold of the doghouse . Very simple , very effective , and humane .


Personally i let my dogs bark through the day unless it comes to a point where they're being obnoxious . At night they know it's time to be quiet . If they fire up at night after being asked to quiet down then i go out to find the cause and usually there is one , a racoon or possum in the garbage is generally the cause .

[acr]

Thanks aurora! The issue with using the hose is that Sug' sees it as a toy. He plays with the hose itself and when I turn the water on, he jumps at and chases the water flow. We'll see...

So far, my stern "No!" command seems to be having an effect. I'm a softy for him though and I don't like having to be so hard with him. I know it's necessary sometimes.

[misterdogman]

Honestly your best bet is to just spend one whole day breaking and making the dog shut up and kinda breaking him thru a day-week of shut up HELL...just go play with him...for a while...then leave... wait for the bark around a blind corner... and walk up to him fast and hard like a badass and grab his collar and put his head to the ground while telling him to shut up...keep doing this process until the time comes along when your dog dont bark when you disappear.... and then come back walking in a slower nicer manner and maybe even with a treat...he will get the point real quick and realize hes happier not barking his fool head off....other than that the collars are humane and work good and after a while you can quit using them generally after the dog trains itself not to bark....

[acr]

Thanks everyone! Sug' seems to be responding to my voice training. No new calls from my neighbor. Yay! Keep your fingers crossed for me.

[frenchie1936]

Thanks everyone! Sug' seems to be responding to my voice training. No new calls from my neighbor. Yay! Keep your fingers crossed for me.


so it seems there is still the problem of when you are away. as i stated, when you are around to be the dominant influence, you no doubt won't have many problems. but have you resolved the issue of him barking in your absence? i can see some members point of view in not causing trouble, but a dog is a dog and they do indeed bark.

[acr]

Well by the lack of a phone call to complain, I believe my influence is having more of an effect on Sug' than just when I am present. That is my belief and hope. If I find out otherwise, I will take further action.

[Suki]

It's not good to tell your dog "no!" or anything else while it's barking. The dog will often, in essence, think that you're actually barking yourself. Inadvertently you are reinforcing the dog's behavior. Ignore him completely. If you continue to bring him inside when he barks, then he'll continue to bark when he wants to be let in. If you continue to scold him while he's barking, he'll bark for that attention.

It's likely the dog is barking out of pure boredom. Give him something else to do besides bark, something that will keep him occupied and stimulated, especially while you're away.

Increase his exercise. He'll be quieter once he's burned off that excess energy.
i agree. sounds like he needs more exercise and stimulation due to being both bored and alone for long stretches, and also i WOULD check out your local ordinances to be certain his barking does NOT fall under any Nusiance Laws. yup, could be grounds for removal, as it is here, where i live.
also, leaving a dog in a crate for that long, is, imo, pretty cruel.
i'd personally try the shock collar if it continues, but run him GOOD both before and after work to help release any pent up energy.

[bdubya]

Thanks for all the replies.

I considered crating him, but 9 to 10 hours is too long of a time in my opinion. He is a young male, with lots of energy. I don't have a basement in which to put him. I've spoken with a number of people about this and will speak with more, including a lawyer. The general consensus so far is that my neighbor is being unreasonable. I don't know if my neighbor means to, but she tends to exaggerate her statements. We are all getting a good night's sleep because I'm home in the evenings and keep Sug' from barking a lot then. How she expects me to keep him quiet while I'm away, I don't know. I will not use a shock collar or muzzle as I don't think those devices are humane. My neighbor is a retired, older woman and is evidently home during the day. I want there to be peace but she is making it challenging. My dog is so important to me and I realize that his breed is controversial so I don't want that to become a focus in this situation. I will continue trying to work this out. Please keep the feedback coming. Thanks!

I can appreciate you not wanting to use a shock collar but they're not inhumane. It does sting the dog for a second (unless you hold the button down), but sometimes it's the only thing that will work.

While these animals are very sociable and loving, they can also be very stubborn. They are also very tough as well.

Consider this; What's more inhumane, a short burst of mild pain, or being locked up in cage all day. It may also be the only way to save your dog. I can tell you from experience that a neighbor who complains enough can have your dog taken away.

If you decide to use the shock collar, get advice from people who have used them. Depending on the dog, it usually doesn't take much before they change their behavior. I had a similar problem and the shock collar stopped the bad behavior after three attempts.

[acr]

As follow-up, Sugar's barking issue has been resolved for awhile now. No more complaining from the neighbor. I'm consistently training him with verbal commands and exercising him (as usual). No bark collar has been used...but I realize that's a viable option for some situations. So cheers and thanks for all the input.

[cain0main]

As follow-up, Sugar's barking issue has been resolved for awhile now. No more complaining from the neighbor. I'm consistently training him with verbal commands and exercising him (as usual). No bark collar has been used...but I realize that's a viable option for some situations. So cheers and thanks for all the input.
I have been reading this to see what I am going to use myself, and I think that I may go with the collar. I am curious how you say that this issue has been resolved already, especially if you are gone for 9 - 10 hrs. It may be that your neighbor is just trying to deal with it for now. With the weather getting nice and more people out, make sure before you find out that complaint calls are still being made and give yourself another option before it is too late.

[acr]

Well I'm pretty certain that Sug' was barking at the new neighbors behind us. Now that he has gotten used to their presence coupled with my training, his barking is only occasional and reasonable.

Also, my neighbor is not one to "deal with it". If there was a problem, she would let me know.

Be assured, I'm still actively working on the situation and realize there may be future issues. For now though, all is well.

[doglady]

I knowticed one thing in your post. You said that when she is barking, you bring her inside. Thats a reward so therefore you are rewarding her undesired behavior. Give her something to do, something to chew on, or exercise her enough so she is so tired that she wont want to bark. I have a bitch that barks a lot. She barks at her water bowl, her dog house, the tree, a leaf blowing by... you name it, she barks at it. So I give her PLENTY to do. She has enough bones to build a T-Rex, a rope tug, a basket ball, and all sorts of toys. It helps. A shock colar is a good tool if used properly. If you are having problems with your dog upseting your neighbors. I suggest that you do something because not only does it make you look like a bad neighbor, it reflects on the breed and in these times thats not a good thing. Don't get a "bark colar", get one with a remote. Some dogs wearing a regular bark colar will yelp after the shock so it just continues the process. As soon as she barks, shock her and give her a firm "NO". Wait and if she barks again, shock her again. Soon, all you will have to do is tell her "NO" and she'll stop.

[chinasmom]

As a lot of you know, I have had a problem with Rebel barking since he came back home. I found this little device that sends out a high frequency when used and it has helped a lot. The other dogs obey it as well.