* any humane ways to get my amazing dog to STOP barking?

I have two chihuahuas - gosh I love my girls. But, one of them ... is prob. going to get me in major trouble with my neighbors because she barks at every little thing. We leave for work at 6 30 ... so we let the dogs out at 5 45 and Lola barks up a storm. They love being outside so I hate to limit their time out there especially since they are inside throughout the day. But I end up bringing them in after a few minutes because I don't want to wake the neighbors.

What should I do?

Message edited 10/7/2010 9:19:16 PM.

Re: * any humane ways to get my amazing dog to STOP barking?

My puppy barks like a friggin maniac every time we walk in the door. His trainer recommended using a spray bottle and simultaneously spraying him and firmly saying "quiet". So far it's been working, all he has to do is see the bottle now and he stops barking. Hopefully just the word quiet will do eventually

Re: * any humane ways to get my amazing dog to STOP barking?

You could also dedicate some time to training her. Have her on a lead. Walk her out. She barks, she goes back in. Wait a minute and then repeat. She will get the hint that when she does not bark she actually gets to stay out. It is an investment of time on your part, but it could help.

Re: * any humane ways to get my amazing dog to STOP barking?

get a spray bark collar (not the shock ones)! my mom got one for her dog and he doesn't bark anymore!! whenever they bark it senses the noise and vibration and sprays some citronella smelling stuff... harmless for them!

Re: * any humane ways to get my amazing dog to STOP barking?

I would take the dog to obedience class. We did that with all of my dogs (German Shepherds). They all listen, within reason of course, we don't discourage barking entirely because we don't want to discourage barking at strangers, but we have commands that make them stop.