Yapping

Question
Hi Karen,  We have a 10 month old female schnoodle. She is great, although she is in a chewing stage,which I believe will pass. She also has this screeching bark when she sees other dogs, or squirrels.  It is almost embarrassing when we walk her. Any suggestions on how to keep her from being so yappy.
Thanks so much!!

Answer
You need to get your puppy into ongoing obedience classes so that she learns to listen to you and you can learn how to train her to behave. Practicing "Nothing in Life is Free" will help also. http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

You could try spraying her in the face with a stream of water from a spray bottle as you tell her to "BE QUIET!" This works for many dogs. Haul it along on your walks. If water doesn't work, you could use Bitter Apple diluted 50/50, but you must be careful to only get this in the dog's mouth and NOT in her eyes. Most dogs DETEST the taste/odor of Bitter Apple, and after they learn what it is, they only need to be shown the spray bottle.

Be sure to praise her when she is quiet.

Karen