Barking Doodles

[LeAnn & Loki Doodle]

What can I do so Loki doesnt bark at people when in public? Any tips? He is 8 months old. If I would take him to a park or some where there are people often, would this help?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

How much training have you done with Loki so far...and how do you "correct" him when his behavior isn't acceptable?  I really think if Loki understands some basic commands you can ask him to do something (like heel or sit) which usually goes a long way in preventing the barking.  I do think that giving him an opportunity to be around people and "practice" his obedience commands is great, but just bringing him around people and giving him to opportunity to misbehave will work against you.

[Rita and Fazzy]

We have the same thing from time to time....not very often tho and alot of the time we are in the car and Fazz barks at the car next to us.  I can't really make him sit, etc at that point so not sure how to handle it myself.  It's rare that he'll bark at a person "in person"...but occasionally...and not sure what brings it on.  I do have a bit of a hard time getting his attention when Fazz decides he needs to bark at someone/something - he gets fairly focused.  I do think redirecting to a sit/lay is a good idea if I can get his attn....

Looking forward to all responses to this.  Good input Jane!!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Yes, I agree with Jane. We have Murphy's barking under control now. I rewarded for NOT barking and using the "sssshhh" sound. I often have to tell him "I've got it, you don't need to protect me" . When he'd bark I would get his attention, tell him sssshhhh and put finger to my lips like when you are telling someone to be quiet, and then treat. And repeat several times while the distraction was still there. I am working on just using the finger to lips signal. But the "sssshhhhh" would work in the car, if you can get his attention that is. It really didn't take long at all to teach him this once I figured it out. Ha, probably read it here on DK.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

We just distract Luna from the barking.  She has a "watch" command where she looks us in the eyes - it tends to distract her (at least temporarily) from almost anything.

She is rewarded from turning her attention away from the barking stimulus and re-focusing on us.  

[LeAnn & Loki Doodle]

Thanks to all of you that commented...very helful hints!