barking

[Connemmara]

Well I have my cross-breed jack russell nearly 8 years - got him from a stray home) and I am going insane with his incessant barking particularly when I have company and on Sundays when my sister visits all day. I give him his dinner and water but he wont stop - I have to stop mid my own dinner several times and give in to him and put him outside at the front (where he likes) but still he is barking. Put him into the car with the windows down he still barks. In the past years 2 dog wardens have come to me re this matter and since I got him my own health has become poor and I know I am not walking him enough. If he was with the right people (ie young persons and he likes other dogs) right dogs he would be very happy. I dont know what next step to take as my nerves on the Sunday become very frayed and I cant cope.

I am also suffering the loss of my brother who died on Good Friday - like I dont think this has anything to do with the barking because he has been barking so frequently before. I may have to give him up but would like him to go to the right people (where do I go from there) I am always on tenterhooks waiting for the dog wardens again.

[tenrec]

My mum's rescue JRT barked, which is how she came by him as the previous people lived in a terraced house and she lives in middle of nowhere. Now over time he has barked less and les and now he is as good as gold. I can't tell you what she did - I think he just got more settled.

[Connemmara]

thanks Tenrec I live in the middle of a neighbourhood and there are also plenty of other dogs in the terrace but his bark for such a tiny wee dog would represent that of a larger dog and more ferocious.

[tinkerbell23]

What about a behaviour expert?
Or those collars that spray citronella when the dog barks?

I know everyone is skint these days but mabye you can get a dog walker? Im
Sorry for your loss aswell. Mabye you would miss your wee dog if you had to give him up? But i understand your intentions.... Best wishes to u! And a big cuddle too xxx

[tenrec]

There maybe little video clips on You tube that show how to train a dog from barking. But I don't know much about that. Good luck.

[flump1]

Hi Connemmara, have you tried any distraction techniques ? I found filling a small plastic bottle with gravel and shaking it in front of the dog when it was in full flow actually worked for one of my dogs. Any jar/ bottle filled with something that makes a noise, enough to stop the dog , will do the trick. Don't aim for the dog's ears, just in front of him. Or a clicker method ? That is the method that rewards good behaviour.

[Connemmara]

thanks flump1 - i do have a clicker thing - but I cant be seen doing this for hours and hours and even then he gets fed up. He is absolutely is fantastic with the football and just wants people to play with him. I am on my own so dont have that time for the football. Bless his wee heart he is a lovely wee thing this is going to break my heart if he goes

[firewatch]

Have you not got a neighbour who can walk him for you when they take theres? Our neighbour walks a jrt with there rotti for a neighbour and have offered to take our puppy too.
You can get symbols which you drop by there feet if they bark, we use the clicker method and the noise distract as Sprite likes to use our toddler as another puppy or steal her toys etc x

[flump1]

It won't do him a lot of good either Connemmara, ! Don't give up yet, try distraction , reward etc and maybe just maybe he may quieten down a bit. I hope so . It sounds like you are having a lot of stress right now and the dog is not helping. Keep your chin up x.

[woofgang]

Please dont use a citronella spray or anything punitive. Can you pay for a dog walker or some behavioural advice?

[jules77]

How long have you had him? It sounds like he is barking due to boredom, or it could be separation anxiety associated from being in kennels when he was a stray. By stopping what you are doing and putting him in the car etc, you are giving him attention and he may see barking as positive behaviour.