Barking sheltie

Question
We recently adopted a 7yr old sheltie from a rescue agency. He is great in all aspects except that when he is home alone with my wife, he is really barky (at nearly anything) Sometimes we think its cause he's hearing things but other times just because he wants attention. I know that barking shelties are kinda a common thing. Have you found anything that works. He likes water so spraying doesn't help. What do yout think about the Sonic bark collar??

thanks, adam albrecht

Answer
Hi Adam!

Good for you, adopting that sheltie!  I am so glad to hear about that.  Please respond back to me and give me the agency and address you used as I am creating a reference list.

As for the barking, a common problem. We have used the shock collar with great success.  Follow the instructions and get the collar snug, not choking but having the contacts against the skin.

When he barks he'll get a warning followed by a mild static shock.  Unpleasant but not harmful.  Reinforce that with a verbal command of your choice (we say "DON'T BARK") and shortly you'll find less need for the collar.

From time to time you'll have to get the collar out to re-train as shelties tend to be stubborn and go back to their old ways.  

Also give him treats when you see him not bark at things he used to.  Don't forget the positve reinforcements work very well.

Hope that helps!

'sneezes
Dave