Discussion of the week #2 - How's training going? Or if your labradoodle is already perfectly behaved tell us your secrets!

[Margo]

For this discussion, tell us your training stories... perhaps a recent issue you need help with, or a successful effort that you would like to share!

[Margo]

One of the things we are working on this week is barking! AS in Lily has quite a bit to say to us... She's very vocal in general, not just with barking. She has a huge vocabulary! Can sound like a whole barnyard. I've heard that you are supposed to teach them to "speak" first (say speak, give treat) and then teach "quiet". I keep forgetting to do the "speak" part when she's already barking. Has anyone had success with this? Any other ideas? Did some of you with older dogs have this when he/she was younger? I think it was Diana who told me that she's been working on this with Tahoe, and that between training and just her pup getting a little older that the barking has gotten better.

[Paige]

Margo, it has been our experience that paying any attention to the barking as a puppy makes it worse. Such as eye contact or repeated scolding or any engagement at all, since a lot of times it is to play and get attention and then if it does, it works! We have always managed to nip it in the bud by saying one firm "Hush" with a glare, and then ignoring the dog completely turning our backs. It makes barking pointless and so they stop. Good luck!

[Leslie Walder]

Margo,
My husband used to train dogs, and we too have a doodle named Dawn that we got through Carol at Southern Charm.
We have taught her to "speak", and it too was by repetition and treats. Dawn is very treat motivated! Jason, my husband said that when training and giving treats as rewards try and give small pieces of treats to keep their attention span instead of just throwing them a bone so to speak. Also, he said to HELP keep your dog from speaking to everyone all the time you should only train her or him to "speak" while in the sitting position, and after they bark hold your hand up so they know to stop.
Hope this helps, and good luck!