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missfabulous
#mommyneedswine
Member since 6/09 10031 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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breaking bad habits
Does anyone have any tips on how to break your puppy of bad habits? Cosmo has recently discovered his voice and loves to bark.
The problem is when he takes walks- he barks at other dogs, he barks at bunnies and birds, and kids playing ball. I feel bad because he sounds so vicious (even though he's the sweetest dog). When he sees other dogs or kids playing basket ball he goes crazy and starts barking.
It's gotten to the point where he remembers what houses have the dogs and barks before he even sees them (even if they are not out!)
Any tips on how to get him to stop?
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Posted 8/14/12 12:35 PM  |
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MandJZ
Time for Baby #2!
Member since 8/10 4194 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: breaking bad habits
I recently learned that this behavior (at least in Ozzie) is the result of lax leash rules. If you don't already, try being very structured with walks. Keep the leash short (literally - but not tight). Make him stay on one side of you, make him sit before you leave the house and make sure you are out the door first. Small things like these help establish discipline on walks. Also, correct when he barks. A short pull on the leash and a "SH!" or "NO!" Wait until he has relaxed (in a sit, ears back, turns his head away from the distraction), then praise and keep walking. It takes work and repetition and consistency but it is REALLY working well with Ozzie.
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| Posted 8/14/12 1:33 PM |
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danielle3203
LIF Adult
Member since 8/10 1446 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: breaking bad habits
Posted by MandJZ
I recently learned that this behavior (at least in Ozzie) is the result of lax leash rules. If you don't already, try being very structured with walks. Keep the leash short (literally - but not tight). Make him stay on one side of you, make him sit before you leave the house and make sure you are out the door first. Small things like these help establish discipline on walks. Also, correct when he barks. A short pull on the leash and a "SH!" or "NO!" Wait until he has relaxed (in a sit, ears back, turns his head away from the distraction), then praise and keep walking. It takes work and repetition and consistency but it is REALLY working well with Ozzie.
also bring some of his treats (i use dog food) with you on the walk and when he does not bark and listen to you, then reward him.
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| Posted 8/14/12 1:39 PM |
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missfabulous
#mommyneedswine
Member since 6/09 10031 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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Re: breaking bad habits
Posted by danielle3203
Posted by MandJZ
I recently learned that this behavior (at least in Ozzie) is the result of lax leash rules. If you don't already, try being very structured with walks. Keep the leash short (literally - but not tight). Make him stay on one side of you, make him sit before you leave the house and make sure you are out the door first. Small things like these help establish discipline on walks. Also, correct when he barks. A short pull on the leash and a "SH!" or "NO!" Wait until he has relaxed (in a sit, ears back, turns his head away from the distraction), then praise and keep walking. It takes work and repetition and consistency but it is REALLY working well with Ozzie.
also bring some of his treats (i use dog food) with you on the walk and when he does not bark and listen to you, then reward him.
Thank you both for the ideas. Cosmo's leash rules are ok, I probably do need to be more structured. He has a harness which helps alot and walks only on one side of me.
I will definitely try the treats as well.
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| Posted 8/14/12 2:34 PM |
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Re: breaking bad habits
i dont know if this is bad advice or not but it stopped my dog from barking.. i downloaded a dog whistle app on my phone and whenever he goes into a barking fit i sound the whistle and say NO BARK. eventually i just had to say NO BARK without the whistle. he is definitely NOT a barker anymore. good luck!
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| Posted 8/14/12 3:46 PM |
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dctead
It's 5 o'clock somewhere!
Member since 11/10 2139 total posts
Name:
Emily
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Re: breaking bad habits
Posted by whateverLOLAwants
i dont know if this is bad advice or not but it stopped my dog from barking.. i downloaded a dog whistle app on my phone and whenever he goes into a barking fit i sound the whistle and say NO BARK. eventually i just had to say NO BARK without the whistle. he is definitely NOT a barker anymore. good luck!
I have to try this with my Sam in the car (the only time he barks)... he gets so excited he turns into a loud monster!
I've tried water in a spray bottle (which worked for Lilah) but he likes water and just gets mad that he's wet and barks more! 
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| Posted 8/14/12 4:12 PM |
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missfabulous
#mommyneedswine
Member since 6/09 10031 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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Re: breaking bad habits
Posted by whateverLOLAwants
i dont know if this is bad advice or not but it stopped my dog from barking.. i downloaded a dog whistle app on my phone and whenever he goes into a barking fit i sound the whistle and say NO BARK. eventually i just had to say NO BARK without the whistle. he is definitely NOT a barker anymore. good luck!
whats the name of the app you used?
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| Posted 8/14/12 8:15 PM |
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Re: breaking bad habits
Posted by missfabulous
Posted by whateverLOLAwants
i dont know if this is bad advice or not but it stopped my dog from barking.. i downloaded a dog whistle app on my phone and whenever he goes into a barking fit i sound the whistle and say NO BARK. eventually i just had to say NO BARK without the whistle. he is definitely NOT a barker anymore. good luck!
whats the name of the app you used?
dog whistler
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| Posted 8/14/12 8:31 PM |
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