Solution to Barking? HELP!!!

[Tara aka Harry & Wally's Mom]

My puppy barks to get my attention, and he wont stop until he does. He barks constantly at me until he gets what he wants. I have tried the mist (he likes it). I have tried the can with the coins in it (makes him bark more) I have tried ignoring him (doesnt work) I feel like i have tried all my options and all the tips everyone has given me, and nothing has worked....Anyone else have this problem with there pup and find a way to resolve it?

I actually got a complaint letter from my neighbor the other day about the barking. I asked her to just bear with me while i try and train him but i feel bad that he is now disturbing other people besides myself.

[Tara aka Harry & Wally's Mom]

so we decided to try some advice i had found on here - using the bitter apple spray. We got home tonight and were sitting on the couch relaxing and of course Harry tried jumping on the couch, barking and nipping at us like he usually does. So i took the bitter apple spray, said no bite and sprayed it in his mouth. He did not like it at all. it stopped him for a few minutes and then i had to do it again. i made sure to praise him in between and give him treats of praise when he was not barking or nipping.

the real test will be tonight when we try and sleep and see if he will bark or let us sleep!!

will update all tomorrow!!

[Kyoko]

:-(

May be he can learn by receiving treats and praise without a squart of Bitter Apple in his mouth?

[Tara aka Harry & Wally's Mom]

We tried that. As I said before we exhausted all options before trying the bitter apple sprays and it didn't work.

[Lynne B]

you could ignore him (refuse to even acknowledge his presence) until he stops barking, in order to do that you might need to tether him so that you can leave the area without him following you - but it will work.

I am worried about this 'bitter apple' idea. You might want to consider the long term implications of what might result from this. What happens when the vet (or you) need to examine his mouth? Do you think he will readily allow anyone near his open mouth when he has had bitter apple sprayed in it?

[Kyoko]

I just re- read your original post. Just so you know, I am no pro at this. My puppy is now 6 months, becoming verbal due to her developmental phase - secound fear phase - She was not a barker as a little puppy....
You stated that he will continue to bark until he gets what he wants. How about teach him the word "Hush" right before you give him whatever that is he is wanting. Meaning, attend to his needs, but don't give it to him until he is quiet. Give it to him immideately after he is quiet with lots of praise.
I am more focused on positive reinforcement conditioning. My trainer said that it takes 500 reinforcement for the behavior to start to stick. So, it will be a long process.....Don't give up! He is just a little puppy. He will soon learn.....

[Jeannine]

Sorry... I just can't accept this. I raise few puppy and the positive way is always the best one. When you get a puppy you should know that that baby will cry for his mom and sibling. Bitter apple spray is NOT a positive way.
You should maybe consider rehoming your puppy, I do not think you are ready for it.

[Tara aka Harry & Wally's Mom]

Everyone has different techniques to help raise there puppy. I'm sorry you do not like mine, but just because you do not like my techniques that I am trying does not mean I am not ready for a puppy. You know nothing about me or the way I am raising my dog and have no right to criticize me. Thank you for your concern, I will go on raising my dog the way I want and u can continue to do your your way!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Tara -

Jeanine is expressing her opinion and concern for the welfare of the puppy and offering you an alternative if you are overwelmed with the responsability of caring for Harry. There is obvious concern as expressed by Lynne B. and Kyoko. You are free to raise your puppy anyway you want to but before you continue with the "Bitter Apple" treatment please call your vet and ask for an opinion.

Everyone on this forum is concerned for the welfare of both our canine and human friends, so please take this post in the spirit it is meant.

[Debra Ference-Luongo]

Edgar, now 7 months, has also discovered his voice. While I don't like it, I understand barking at the doorbell and at people passing by the windows. We're working on that and are starting to see less of this behavior so are efforts there are paying off. What I am struggling with is that Edgar has started to bark in his obedience and agility classes. He did this a bit during the early stages of puppy kindergarten many moons ago but seemed to grow out of it fairly quickly. It's like he is reverting back to babyhood! Much harder to know what to do in the middle of class. It's also rather embarrassing:0)~ IDEAS ANYONE?

[BetteB]

This is a challenge. Have you asked the obedience teacher/coach for suggestions? He/She may have some ideas.

A dog in our puppy class barked quite a bit. Redirection was the recommendation from the trainer. Basically, distract the dog with basic commands... sit, stay, down, wait... The minute the dog stopped barking, the trainer said to give him/her a treat/praise. By the last class, the dog was awesome (no or very little barking)!

I think that the stage is very normal, and with some guidance it should pass. Hang in there!

[Tara aka Harry & Wally's Mom]

Thank you all for your suggestions and comments. Everything is still a work in progress but we are confident that lil Harry will break out of this habit soon!

[edie and charlie]

tara...i admire your persistence in finding the right solution for sweet harry. it is not
always easy being a doodle mommy but
it is all worth it :O)