Cooper has another behavior that is difficult for us to deal with. I'm not sure whether it is an attention bark or a play bark, or both. In one case she will sit on her dog bed, or near us and bark repeatedly with a high pitched bark. It is often not obvious what she wants, but sometimes we tell her to "Get a toy" and she does so and then is quieter. Giving her a chew (bully stick or rawhide, not a nylabone) will usually stop the barking. Asking her to be quiet or telling her NO or UhUh has zero affect on this bark. She also does the same bark when she is wrestling with Tilly. We don't mind the wrestling, since it gives Tilly a workout, but the bark can drive us crazy. Again No or UhUh has no impact. For the most part Cooper does not bark much. She typically does not bark a passers by, even when Tilly does. If she barks at the neighbors dog on the other side of the fence it is only a few times, and in these situations she will quit when we call her or ask her to stop. Also this is her big dog outside voice which is no where near as annoying as her indoor, high pitched, very loud voice. Most of what I read about barking doesn't seem to apply to Cooper's play bark so I'm looking for some suggestions.
The best advice I know of for barking issues is Tugid Rugass's book on Barking (sorry can't remember full title) and available on Amazon. I've not had any barking issues but know several people who gave tried her methods successfully.
Bramble used to do this, bark to play or attention. She only does this now in the mornings when she wants out of her crate, but we are working on this one. When she barked for attention, or play...we just upped sticks and walked out of the room. Quickly and quietly. Took what ever dog she was mithering at, or both. In the kitchen, closed the baby gate so leaving her on her own in another room. It worked very quickly. By disengaging from her completely sent a clear message, this behaviour gets you zilch!
My new puppy does this (or did this, it seems to have worn off very quickly). I did very similar to Kate, turned away, left the room etc. Luckily my older dog thinks barking is outrageous behaviour, and he also stalks off if the puppy barks at him (or jumps at him, or tries to bite him) - he will interact with her only when she is not doing stupid puppy stuff, and he is a much better teacher (much more consistent) than the humans!
Coco does this repeated high pitched bark when he's frustrated - maybe he wants to play and he's being ignored. Also when we're getting ready to go for a walk but it's not happening as fast as he wants. It is a bit annoying, but I have to confess I haven't tried to address it.
Unfortunately Tilly doesn't seem to care much, probably because she is getting pretty hard of hearing. Also Cooper is bigger and faster than she is, so she really can't shut Cooper down. They actually do play well, but when other dogs are here, Tilly is glad to sit on the sidelines and let the other dogs run. We will have to experiment with walking away, but Cooper's play bark is so loud and annoying you really can't get away from it. Also she will often bark when playing with Tilly, even if we are not in the room.
Thanks, I just ordered Barking: The Sound of a Language (Dogwise Training Manual) I'll see if it has some useful suggestions.
@Ski-Patroller There is also some great advice regarding barking in Jean Donaldson's book The Culture Clash (one of the recommended books on my canine behaviour course), unfortunately I can't upload the relevant section to the forum but Turid's approach is very good and very easy for all the family to use. Look forward to hearing how you get on
I just read Turid's book about barking, and it all makes sense, and pretty much fits what I knew about barking. Cooper's high pitched bark sounds like and excitement bark, and it makes sense when she is playing or greeting, but I'm having a hard time relating it to the times when we are sitting watching TV or eating dinner, and she lies on her dog bed and does a continuous series of high pitched barks. I'm guessing that this what Turid calls "Learned Barking" specifically barking for attention. Looks like it will be a challenge to retrain, but we will get started. Fortunately neither of our dogs have any other barking issues. They don't bark much or act aggressive or afraid around other dogs. They pretty much have never met a dog or person they did not like and want to meet. They, especially Tilly, bark when someone comes to the door, but I'm fine with that. I want to know if someone comes up to my house and has not rung the bell. Besides, both of them have deep, slightly intimidating barks, when they are on the other side of a closed door. Even though they are happy to seen anyone, once the door is opened, I often find strangers standing well back from the door, as if they expect to be torn apart by a pack of wild dogs. Regular visitors and the FedX and UPS drivers know they are about to be greeted by happy Labs.
Wow, that's impressive @Ski-Patroller that you've not only received the book but read it as well I'm pleased that it has helped you to identify the barking, as that's the first step to resolving the problem and you will manage that. It may take a few weeks but what's a few weeks in the scheme of things - consistency is your friend. My delivery guys know that the only danger they face is being covered in licks when they come to the door, and luckily for me Juno doesn't bark anyway when someone comes to the door so at leat I don't have to worry about it getting out of hand Good luck with resolving the barking and will look forward go hearing progress reports
Kindle is great. You order and it arrives in seconds. Also it is a short book. I just got the Culture Clash a few minutes ago. Tilly would go out and jump in the UPS truck if she had the chance. We have a friend whose Lab did get in the UPS truck, and the driver did not notice for a mile or so. He had to go back and make another delivery.
@Ski-Patroller I really don't know why I didn't think of Kindle , probably because I buy all my 'doggy' books in paper rather electronic simply because it's easier for me to quickly flick back to bits in numerous books quickly while I'm writing course assignments. The one course book I bought an electronic version of (due to stock availability) I've actually bought in paperback now . Enjoy Jean Donaldson. I think The Culture Clash is one of the books that has had most impact on me that I've read for my course.
Edsel has also paid visits to the UPS, Fed Ex and post a carrier vehicles! He'd go anywhere with anyone!
