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Brat Barking

19 17:59:36

Question
QUESTION: I have a golden retriever puppy who is almost 5 months old.  I talked to the trainer in obedience class about this.  I called it "nuisance barking" and she called it "brat barking."  Either way, what's happening is that she continuously barks when she doesn't get  her way.  Example:  You corrected her for trying to chew something that was inappropriate.  Or, she just wants attention and you're busy or not interested and can't give it to her.  We have tried:  settle/release, ignoring and re-directing her attention to something else, such as one of her nylabones.  Nothing is working.  As a last resort, we give her a "time-out" in the crate.  Any other suggestions?  My trainer favors the crate but I certainly don't want to overuse the crate so I'm looking for other options.

Many thanks.

ANSWER: I have never used the spray bottle much, but I have a 10 month Lab that is about the same way.  A little vinegar or lemon juice in the bottle makes it more effective.  Just give her a blast in the face when she barks.  Some people use a squirt gun.

It is best not to use the crate as a jail. We are having to use it that way some too.  This is the 18'th puppy we have raised for a dog guide school, and the worst one of all.  

I hope your instructor is doing a good job of training you to be top dog.  if not, post back.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, we've already tried the squirt gun and spray bottle.  First, we tried with plain water, then with lemon and then with vinegar.  Nothing, except she just revs up.

Anyone out there have any suggestions?

Thanks for your speedy reply and thanks to anyone who can help.

ANSWER: Have you tried ignoring her?  Turn your back, walk out of the room....

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes. As I stated in the first paragraph, we have ignored her and also tried re-directing her interest to a toy.

This is my third dog and the hardest one to deal with.

Answer
The one we are struggling with is the worst of 18.  If you are establishing your position as top dog, it should help.  I don't want to work at cross purposes with the trainer.  While some techniques work better than others, whatever you do needs to be consistent or you confuse the dog.  Take a look at www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

Have you tried shaking a can with pennies in it?  

''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.