Barking at every sound

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

We just adopted Buzz and he really is an awesome dog. He has only been with us since Saturday night so I realize everything is new to him but I am hoping this is not his normal behavior. Every time someone comes to the door or even a family member moves throughout the house he goes nuts barking and charges through the house. Almost gave hubby a heart attack last night! How can we stop him from doing this? I am dreading the holiday break when we have 2 college kids coming in at late hours and waking the whole house up. Our other doodle has never done this. Thank you.

[KLN]

Haha, I wish I had better news for you but I don't think this will change fast, sorry! Congrats on the new doodle!!!! Mine does it and you're right, it's startling and so annoying! We are currently working on it with a shake can (a soda can with pennies so it's really loud and startles them back, ha!) and also a leash when people come over (he's learning "down"...I put the leash and corrective collar on him when I know someone's coming over and when he starts to bark and jump, I say down and tug on the leash).

Good luck!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Donna, can you ask his foster mom if he did this at her house, and if so, if it abated once he got used to the new house and the new routine? 

I think he may just be unsure of the new environment and is "on guard" because he's feeling insecure. Once he has a chance to learn the new rules and routine, and see that he's safe and everything is fine, he should start to relax. 

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

This is what we figured and even this morning when he heard us come down he was quiet. I will try the leash...we do this still with Bay when we have company and it is amazing how well it works. Sometimes I leave her Gentle Leader on and it acts like a tranquilizer, lol. Will try with him. Thanks much.

[Shawn,Dana, Guinness and Barney]

This is an easyone but not a quick fix. Your new doodle is trying to prove his worth in his new pack. We had the same issue with Guinness. Once we had it under control with him Sprocket our first doodle decided it was his turn. The solution in both instances was the same you have to be the A dominant in the pack. It's not difficult but it takes consitancy. The best tool we found was a teather leash. It is a simple device most pet stores have them it consists of a belt that you strap around your waste and a leash that has some give in it. When ever you are in the home your new doodle should be put on the leash. He will go where you go. Stop when you stop and when unwanted behavior is happening a gentle hand on his head and a firm but quite "no bark" will steadily change his behavior. It is the physical action of controling his movement that puts you in the dominant place in the pack. As he begins to respond and his barking grows quiter you also should soften your voice he will respond in kind. This takes time but they do catch on. The key is keeping him on teather, even on bathroom breaks for the first while. With Guinness it took almost two weeks, before we started to see consistent change and a good two months for him to now settle with just a "no bark" command. At this point we actually discovered that because my wife was always reinforcing the "no bark" command with a gesture of an open hand closing at the figure tips. She can now simply perform the gesture and Guinness will stop vocalizing. I wish you all the best. Remember a gentle heart and action brings about a well behaved dog.

[KLN]

Thanks for the advice Shawn! I think this is much better direction than my trainer gave me with the shake can. I never thought to just put my hand on Finns head. I've tried everything but maybe a quiet hand on the head will work exponentially better...I can for sure understand the rational! Thanks again!

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

We only use the shake can when they jump up or counter surf. I broke Bay of it very easily. She never surfs. My family absolutely hates when I do it...they jump out of their seats, lol. I have to remember to give them a warning when its coming. The leash does work so well and if the behavior continues with Buzz (i will give him a few more days to adjust) we will use it. Thanks much.

[Shawn,Dana, Guinness and Barney]

No problem

[Shawn,Dana, Guinness and Barney]

This is the leash I was referring to. You can buy one via Amazon through the preferred vendors link on this site.

http://www.amazon.ca/Hands-Free-LSH-HF-BLK-Dog-Leash/dp/B00CDVYQVI/...

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

I am picturing myself being dragged through the kitchen, hurdling over Bay, through a baby gate and greeting my guest with a "hi there, we are trying something new". If behavior continues I will give this some thought. Thank you!