Bark, Bark, Bark: I've found my voice!

[Linda Karell]

Any advice from you more experienced doodle owners? My five-month-old Chervil has just begun barking at many people and most dogs who pass by. It's a pretty loud bark, coupled with plenty of growling--and entirely new this week. I don't leave her in the yard unattended, and this mostly happens when she's outside, so I'm not worried about ongoing barking. But it is embarrassing to have our alley neighbors of ten years (and their sweet dog) get the stink-eye and growls and barks from my puppy. So far, I've started to teach her to "speak" in the hopes I can eventually teach her to "hush." I've just taken Chervil to visit these neighbors, meet their dog (many good liver treats involved), and I'm enlisting them to treat her when they walk by so that she starts to associate good things with them and their dog. It's too soon to see any progress, but I'm open to any other suggestions as well. (One thing I've noticed: she does this when restrained, either on a leash or behind her fence. At the dog park, she's merry-miss-friendly with everyone, and tends to keep politely away from anything big or scary (but no barking)). Anything I'm missing or doing wrong? Any idea why this just started?

[Missi]

I don't, but I can't wait to read everyone else's answers. My Lizzie is 5 1/2 months old and seems to have found her voice too! She likes to use it whenever she can; I call it her "big girl bark." It seemed to start just a couple of weeks ago, so just letting you know I'm in your same boat!

[Sue & Willy Babe]

Yep I am in the same boat too any information would be great I tell him speak and he just looks at me like what are you saying???!!!!

[Yvonne, Riley, Murphy and Luca]

Riley is 5 an dhalf months too and does the same thing. He barks, and barks and barks at anything and everyone. So I am interested to see what others say for advice.

[2m42srv7vi6sq]

It sounds to me as if she is getting rewarded for barking?????

Ours outgrew the "barking at everything" stage, at about 1 year.

[Adina P]

She may be entering her second fear period...and learning the whole idea of territory. Maybe frustration as others say? Sometimes dogs on leashes are a little more tense and aggressive than they are if running free. The thought being that on leash they have to be more protective since they can't get away. So some dogs put on a front on leash.

As you get to know her more...you'll be able to identify her various barks:

----"I'm actually scared, but have to show off" bark
----"Frustrated that I can't participate bark" or "Why am I stuck in here when the fun's out there?" bark
----"Don't mess with me, I'm serious" bark or "Knock it off annoying puppy" bark
----"I need to go potty bark" or "Feed me" bark
----"Pay attention to ME!" bark

Ours sound different depending on the reason for their bark. I can recognize MOST of them.

[Kyoko]

Charlie does the same thing, and barks at people while out walking.
You are probably right about the second fear period thing.
Because if the people approaches her, She seems to want to go to the person, but backs off and hides behind me. I just tell them that she is a puppy ( eventhough she is pretty big ) and she is not certain about meeting new people yet.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Adina you are a natural! In a few months you will be hearing cries and know the meaning of each and every one, Even after 4 kids my dh was amazed at how I could translate every cry/wimper and what it meant.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Uggghhhh! It must be the age! Abby has found her voice now too and barks at things/people she never bothered with before. Yesterday we went for a long walk and passed many people walking...no bark. But the guy not walking - sitiing on the bench, well that was something different him being on his arse as opposed to his feet...very worthy of barking at like a crazy doodle (sigh).

[Linda Karell]

Thank you, everyone! First, it's good to know I'm not alone (and that maybe this is something she'll outgrow as she gets more experience in the big, new world). I'm also working on trying to discern the meaning behind her barks (thanks Adina!) so that I can respond appropriately--give her new, good associations in some cases, and in others not reward her for barking. So much to learn, but so fun!