Marabelle's 1st week

[Rhonda, Marabelle & Jeriki]

Marabelle has started barking at me in the mornings when I don't get her food quick enough.  I have let her know that I do not like this behaviour by practising the whole Ceser Milan thing, getting her to do eye contact and sit nicely for her food. any sugestions on what my responce should be when she barks at me for food? ( I don't want her to do this ). Other than that, what a great week, we've had a few accidents, nothing major though. Marabelle is walking on a leash very well, she sits nicely when cars go by the whole bit.  I think she will be the easiest dog to train.  I just love her.

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

Both of ours tried this at first. I did several things. One was to stop preparing the food and walk away from it and remove them from the room and told them to wait. Also, I would pretend I was eating their food by putting some crackers near the bowl and eating those first. This , I was told showed them that I was the pack leader and I ate first. Both practices worked very well and now they lay down just where I tell them and wait. Bella will break her wait as soon as I put the bowl down, but sits and waits. I'm sure if wanted her to lay andnwaitni could make her, but I'm pleased as long as she stays. Good luck

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

i'm glad it's going so well! the others have given you good advice. I'd only say to make sure you do Not give her food if she barks, or you will reinforce it. I'm sure you knew that but just in case...

[Rhonda, Marabelle & Jeriki]

Ya I like the idea of not letting her in the kitchen until its prepared, that makes sence. She just started the barking thing and its usually to do with her treats, we have a kong puzzle that she has to work at to get her treat, she barks and growls at that a bit. I think she is frustrated like I'm not moving fast enough for her. She is raw fed so I weigh out her food on a scale, then I put it all away wash my hands etc. Now its a battle of wills though, I don't want to move faster just to appease her lol. The border is a good Idea too, as its all open and a little to big for a gate. Thanks for the good ideas.

 

Rhonda & Marabelle

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Not sure about the barking, but when we feed ours, they are on the border of 2 rooms and have to sit behind the line. If anyone moves we stop and say back. They will listen if they want their food. Maybe ignore the bark and praise when she stops??

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm glad things are going so well for you guys!  Have you joined the Puppy Madness Group or the Training Group yet? I would think that members of the Puppy group especially could give you some good ideas about this issue. Tara was not a barker at that age so I don't have much experience with a barking puppy myself. Have you tried turning your back to her or putting her in her "time-out" area if you have one when she starts barking?  It sounds like she is barking while you are preparing the food so perhaps she should not be allowed in the kitchen during food prep time.