Anti Bark Collar Help Please...

[sam_seed]

Hiya folks, need some help please.. First some info...My special lady friend has two dogs, a three year old lab(cash) and a 4 month jack Russel(Alfie). She has always a bit of trouble with cash barking but, it has gotten a lot worse these days and with two visits from our local council she is now contemplating some drastic action either

a: get a shock collar

b: give him away

She does love cash but he is a crafty big brute and because of his size he can take the complete mick outta her. Barking can sometimes go on relentlessly for hours and it's beginning to take it's strain on her. She came back from the pet shop the other day and told me of a shock collar she had been recommended over the spay version she asked about. Now...that's not something she would normally consider so I know she's at her wits end here. Bottom line is, he's gotta stop barking or he goes.

Has anyone any suggestions on what device would work? The dogs are left on their own in a small garden whilst she is working but will mainly bark when she is in the house. The spray device would seem a better option to me but i don't know how sensitive the microphone is in those things- alfie barking may end up with cash getting sprayed - hardly a fair or effective lesson. The device that emits a noise that both dogs would hear would be a better proposal i think but how effective are they from a distance? and with cash being such a big brute, i'm scared he'd just laugh and drown it out with barks!!!

Anybody help me on this one please before cash gets x volts in the neck!!!

 

[maggiemay2]

QUOTE(sam_seed @ Oct 24 2008, 07:00 PM)
Hiya folks, need some help please..  First some info...My special lady friend has two dogs, a three year old lab(cash) and a 4 month jack Russel(Alfie).  She has always a bit of trouble with cash barking but, it has gotten a lot worse these days and with two visits from our local council she is now contemplating some drastic action either a: get a shock collar

b: give him away

She does love cash but he is a crafty big brute and because of his size he can take the complete mick outta her.  Barking can sometimes go on relentlessly for hours and it's beginning to take it's strain on her.  She came back from the pet shop the other day and told me of a shock collar she had been recommended over the spay version she asked about.  Now...that's not something she would normally consider so I know she's at her wits end here.  Bottom line is, he's gotta stop barking or he goes. 

Has anyone any suggestions on what device would work?  The dogs are left on their own in a small garden whilst she is working but will mainly bark when she is in the house.  The spray device would seem a better option to me but i don't know how sensitive the microphone is in those things- alfie barking may end up with cash getting sprayed - hardly a fair or effective lesson.  The device that emits a noise that both dogs would hear would be a better proposal i think but how effective are they from a distance? and with cash being such a big brute, i'm scared he'd just laugh and drown it out with barks!!! 

Anybody help me on this one please before cash gets x volts in the neck!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

hiya and firstly welcome to k9. Sorry to hear of the problems you been having.

where do your dogs sleep during the nite? do they bark through the nite too?

i had a similar problem with one of my yorkies. i solved his barking with a DAB diffuser plug in, leaving the radio on for them and putting them in their crate which they sleep in on a nite.

good luck with finding a solution :luck: :luck:

 

[bertha]

My greyhound started barking a lot, I got a spray collar, that stopped her. If she starts again, I just put in on switched off, she doesn't realise and stops barking. Money well spent.

 

[TTT]

My dogs were barking while i was not at home and upsetting the neighbours. My only options were to either have my dogs put to sleep - which i would rather do than give them away to unknown futures, or try the anti-barking gadgets. I tried the ultrasonic type which made a distraction noise when the dogs barked - useless. I then tried the citronella spray types - they worked initially but they soon lost respect for them. With a heavy heart i ordered the electronic ones. After a couple of snaps from them the problem was sorted. Now they can wear the collars without them even being switched on and they are still effective, they are very respectful of them. Each collar is only activated by a vibration from the dog which is wearing them, so only the dog who barks gets the correction. They also have a vibrate setting which activates before the electronic correction, so the dog soon learns to stop when he feels the initial vibration.

Don't get me wrong - it was not a short cut or easy decision but after trying training/shouting/spray collars and ultrasound gadgets the electronic collars worked - they saved my dogs from an early end. I am confident that they keep my dogs quiet when i am not at home. I suggest you look at the Dogtra UK website.

 

[sam_seed]

Thanks for the responses guys. just talked to my lady friend and she told me she had a ultrasonic collar but that it was a waste of thirty pounds as Cash went completly nuts when it went off. I have a sneaky feeling that he will show the same contempt for the spray too but i'd rather try it first. Maybe try and find one second hand somewhere. The Dab(i don't think) would not be much use to me as both dogs sleep outside. Alfie in a small kennel and Cash in the shed. They don't normally bark at night however Cash takes notions sometimes when he hears people in the house. It's mainly a problem when she's in the house i'd say however she has heard reports that the dog barks during the day as well. I'll take a look at that website. Thanks a bunch for your help so far :cheers:

 

[FeeFee]

I hate to say it, but if the dogs are shut out at night and are out through the day while she is at work but bark when she's at home and they can hear people in the house, it sounds as though they are bored and lonely and missing human company.

Perhaps the best thing might be to find them a new home where they can live indoors as part of a family?

 

[sam_seed]

I hate to say it, but if the dogs are shut out at night and are out through the day while she is at work but bark when she's at home and they can hear people in the house, it sounds as though they are bored and lonely and missing human company.
Perhaps the best thing might be to find them a new home where they can live indoors as part of a family?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

??????????????????????? Excuse ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These Dogs are Very well looked after, taken for long walks every day, fed well, played with and loved. However - they are dogs and as such, treated like dogs. They are not knitted jumpers or overly spoilt. They don't get inside because they're dogs, and they play and run and roll in muck every single day! It's not always possible or practical to wash and dry them everyday. They're not treated like children because I don't think that's healthy for the dogs or owner. Clearly you have no idea how hard it is to find someone who you can guarantee will love and look after the dogs as much as my lady friend does - so perhaps the best thing would be for you to keep nasty comments like this to yourself.

 

[FeeFee]

I hate to say it, but if the dogs are shut out at night and are out through the day while she is at work but bark when she's at home and they can hear people in the house, it sounds as though they are bored and lonely and missing human company.
Perhaps the best thing might be to find them a new home where they can live indoors as part of a family?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

??????????????????????? Excuse ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These Dogs are Very well looked after, taken for long walks every day, fed well, played with and loved. However - they are dogs and as such, treated like dogs. They are not knitted jumpers or overly spoilt. They don't get inside because they're dogs, and they play and run and roll in muck every single day! It's not always possible or practical to wash and dry them everyday. They're not treated like children because I don't think that's healthy for the dogs or owner. Clearly you have no idea how hard it is to find someone who you can guarantee will love and look after the dogs as much as my lady friend does - so perhaps the best thing would be for you to keep nasty comments like this to yourself.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

I'm sorry, I really didn't mean it as a nasty comment, but there is a problem with the dogs barking when they are shut outside and they hear people in the house. That implies to me that they are not 'happy' being away from human company.

My dogs are dogs too, they don't wear jumpers and they aren't children, but if I shut them outside for long periods they would bark the place down.

 

[Hula]

I hate to say it, but if the dogs are shut out at night and are out through the day while she is at work but bark when she's at home and they can hear people in the house, it sounds as though they are bored and lonely and missing human company.
Perhaps the best thing might be to find them a new home where they can live indoors as part of a family?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

??????????????????????? Excuse ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These Dogs are Very well looked after, taken for long walks every day, fed well, played with and loved. However - they are dogs and as such, treated like dogs. They are not knitted jumpers or overly spoilt. They don't get inside because they're dogs, and they play and run and roll in muck every single day! It's not always possible or practical to wash and dry them everyday. They're not treated like children because I don't think that's healthy for the dogs or owner. Clearly you have no idea how hard it is to find someone who you can guarantee will love and look after the dogs as much as my lady friend does - so perhaps the best thing would be for you to keep nasty comments like this to yourself.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

Does anyone have problem with my 15 year old dog ( who is a real dog too ) wearing a jumper ?

 

[Jaydiiee]

ooooorrrr that piccy is soo cuttee! :wub: :wub:

dogs are all treated differently in different enrivoments as long as they have love and affection and a roof over there heads for frrreeezzinngg weather and to hot or raining.ect. and are fed then they have a loving home&owner.

But you asked for advise and we are all just giving it to you, none of us mean to upset you.

I hope your lady friend finds a solution anyhow...

jade xx

 

[Rae]

Have the dogs ever been allowed inside? Has the routine changed lately? Why has it suddenly got worse? You may be able to stop the dogs barking with some device but it wont get to the bottom of why they are barking in the first place if that makes sense.

They need to be totally ignored while they are barking and only fed/fussed/walked while they are quiet. As they are both young dogs, they need time and effort, I dont think there will be a quick fix for them. Is your OH going out to shout at them while they are barking etc and rewarding them for doing so for example?

You've said if the lab doesnt stop barking then he goes, which leaves a 4 month old pup living outdoors alone most of the time. What then? Leave the pup alone? Get another dog? Perhaps the same will start again if you havent cracked why he is barking in the first place.

 

[sam_seed]

Have the dogs ever been allowed inside?  Has the routine changed lately?  Why has it suddenly got worse?  You may be able to stop the dogs barking with some device but it wont get to the bottom of why they are barking in the first place if that makes sense.
They need to be totally ignored while they are barking and only fed/fussed/walked while they are quiet.  As they are both young dogs, they need time and effort, I dont think there will be a quick fix for them. Is your OH going out to shout at them while they are barking etc and rewarding them for doing so for example?

You've said if the lab doesnt stop barking then he goes, which leaves a 4 month old pup living outdoors alone most of the time.  What then? Leave the pup alone? Get another dog? Perhaps the same will start again if you havent cracked why he is barking in the first place.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

Thank you, that does make sense. However, Cash’s barking still does not. The routine has not changed much apart from Alfie's arrival. The Dogs have never been allowed inside - well Alfie was when he was very small but he now sleeps outside. Their kennels are very warm and more packing is provided during the winter. Cash and Alfie get on but I think now with Alfie's arrival, cash wants attention all the time. This just isn't possible. Both dogs are treated in exactly the same way, they get walked, played with and petted together. It is just not possible for cash to get inside the house anyway as he is just too big and excitable, he would clean wreck the place. I would say that Cash is probably is getting a bit of attention from barking (despite my warnings) but...this is quite hard not to do when you live in a housing estate and the dog's barking will not let up for lengthy periods. Nobody wants to get rid of Cash and she does not want to collect dogs. Alfie was bought as a companion for Cash not just because she wanted a puppy. The problem is neighbours are complaining, the council has already warned her twice and time is not on her side. It can be quite upsetting when your dog will not stop barking no matter how much you play with it, walk it or pet it. She is trying to be fair to the dogs and provide as much consistency as possible but the relentless barking is a real problem. It is with a heavy heart that these options are considered but, they do, and that is why I’m here asking for other options. I'm not here to slag off other dog owners and jumper clad pets. There is a difference between dogs who wear clothes and dogs that don't - some dogs like it and others don't. That was merely the point I was making whilst bringing that subject up. Cash would have that nice knitted jumper ripped off him in less than 10 seconds. My own dog is the same. To be honest though I did find the advice to find them a new owners who will treat them as "part of a family" pretty upsetting. Just because a dog is kept outside does not mean they are not loved as part of a family. Apology accepted though FeeFee. I am very grateful for all advice received as per my previous post. But, just because a dog barks does not mean he is upset. I don't think Cash is - he has no reason to be - and if he does want inside then...tough. He just will not possibly fit inside anyway. That is the bottom line. He has a warm dry place to sleep and a yard to run about in. This is something he will have to get used to. If that makes her a bad owner in some peoples eyes well then, that's an opinion your entitled to but, there's more than one way to skiin a cat and, I don't want to get drawn into a debate on "inside or out". All I need is help getting him to stop barking be it using these devices or some other method. Like I said before I am extremely grateful for any advice relating to this matter. Thank you in advance

 

[Debbie b]

[SIZE=14pt]what about squirting him with water that works on some dogs or throwing keys or stones in a bottle on the floor, just a shock tatic, what about finding your nearest gundog trainer in your area and see what they might suggest as in some point of their dogs lives they must get the same problem, just a few sugesstions hope they help[/SIZE]

 

[sam_seed]

[SIZE=14pt]what about squirting him with water that works on some dogs or throwing keys or stones in a bottle on the floor, just a shock tatic, what about finding your nearest gundog trainer in your area and see what they might suggest as in some point of  their dogs lives they must get the same problem, just a few sugesstions hope they help[/SIZE]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

We did try a plastic drink bottle filled with water - we would squirt him in the face when he barked and then leave it somewhere he could see it. This didn't work. I think that Cash just saw it as a game because we came outside. You could spend 15min trying to catch the bugger when you did go out. I think a method where he doesn't get his way with bringing you outside is the only option. Thanks tho

Sorry meant to say that we had spoke to trainers but they quite rightly told us it could take a lot of time to train him to stop barking. Ideally if she didn't have the neighbours complaining and the council on her back she would opt for that but as mentioned before time is not on her side. Thanks again

 

[Debbie b]

[SIZE=14pt]see what a gundog trainer has to suggest they are pretty knowledgable,[/SIZE]

i would try this avenue before using a collar, although collars do work :luck:

 

[sam_seed]

[SIZE=14pt]see what a gundog trainer has to suggest they are pretty knowledgable,[/SIZE]i would try this avenue before using a collar, although collars do work :luck:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

Sorry Debbie b just eddited my post whilst you were writing this. Thanks again.

 

[Debbie b]

[SIZE=14pt]wouldn't one of them take him away to help, some do that, not sure on how much it would cost, failing that your only opption is to use a collar, hope you get it sorted asap :thumbsup: [/SIZE]

 

[sam_seed]

[SIZE=14pt]wouldn't one of them take him away to help, some do that, not sure on how much it would cost, failing that your only opption is to use a collar, hope you get it sorted asap :thumbsup: [/SIZE]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

yeah i suppose they could. I'll look into that. Depends on cost, methods and results on return but, i will ask. Ta

 

[Rae]

How about getting a trainer / behaviourist to the house? Does he have pet insurance as some of them pay for behaviourists.

It sounds to me that he has been rewarded in the past for barking, even bad attention is attention and is better than none, and he's trying his luck again - I bet she goes out eventually to shut him up, so he wins every time. As you say its hard to ignore him when you know the neighbours will be complaining.

Look at the whole scenario - how much exercise does the lab get? A 3yr old will be hard to get to the bottom of. I'd make sure he has an hours run twice a day, every single day, so he's nice and tired, 2 meals so he's tired with a full tummy and he'll feel more like relaxing , and then give them a bone / kong toy to play with also. Totally ignore the barking only give him attention when he is quiet. Speak to the neighbours and tell the council this is what you are going to do over the next week so they need to bear with you. There should be an improvement in a week if there are no other reasons, ie health or behavioural, that are making a difference to him. Every time he is quiet go out and praise him to begin with, so he'll cotton on that its only quiet behaviour that is going to get him anywhere.

:luck:

 

[sam_seed]

How about getting a trainer / behaviourist to the house?  Does he have pet insurance as some of them pay for behaviourists.
It sounds to me that he has been rewarded in the past for barking, even bad attention is attention and is better than none, and he's trying his luck again - I bet she goes out eventually to shut him up, so he wins every time.  As you say its hard to ignore him when you know the neighbours will be complaining.

Look at the whole scenario - how much exercise does the lab get?  A 3yr old will be hard to get to the bottom of.  I'd make sure he has an hours run twice a day, every single day, so he's nice and tired, 2 meals  so he's tired with a full tummy and he'll feel more like relaxing , and then give them a  bone / kong toy to play with also.  Totally ignore the barking only give him attention when he is quiet.  Speak to the neighbours and tell the council this is what you are going to do over the next week so they need to bear with you.  There should be an improvement in a week if there are no other reasons, ie health or behavioural,  that are making a difference to him.  Every time he is quiet go out and praise him to begin with, so he'll cotton on that its only quiet behaviour that is going to get him anywhere.

:luck:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

To be honest I'm starting to think I’d be better sending both of them (cash and my lady friend) off to the trainer. The neighbours are real pricks but, in fairness, I can understand too, because the length and level of cash's barking is really something to behold. It's a real test of will and you're right most of the time Cash wins. Someone in the house will shout at the dog therefore he's won. I said "most of the time" above - I'm constantly giving out to her for not being consistent with him and ignoring his barks but like I said, he really has an incredible patience and can bark relentlessly for hours. Now simply ignoring that kind of persistence is easier said than done. It's clear that proper training would solve this but a week for cash just is not long enough for it to sink in - two would be simply a hint to him. but try letting that go on for at least two weeks. The neighbours quite rightly would be kicking her door in.