how do you stop your dog from barking?

[tjumper78]

about a month ago, i got a 1.25 year old ****zu. he is very playful, yet very obedient except in one department.
when someone rings the doorbell or knocks on the door, he starts barking. he only weighs 16 pounds but his bark is as loud as any full-sized dogs'. i've tried yelling at him, tried giving him treats when the doorbell rang to teach him that the doorbell meant treats (suggestion read on internet), etc, but nothing worked.
i finally decided to spend money and got the ultimate dog silencer. i only got it on last thursday, and they said to try it for a week at least. i am willing to give it a try for another few days but honestly, i dont think it works. it looks like the dog is not bothered to the high frequency noise. actually, he shows no reaction to it at all.
please share your experience and give me some pointers/tips. if nothing shows up, i'll have no choice but to go with the electric shock collar. i really dont want to.

thanks in advance.

 

[G-man]

dude, none of the dog silencers work. trust me. you need to rain him properly. do it at a youngish age, and you will reap benefits for many years.

 

[hatethatgiraffe]

i would want my dog to alert me when someone close!!
you might hank him/her for it at 3am when someone breaks into your house and makes off with the pico you spent months waiting to get shipped!!

 

[inthecup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatethatgiraffe /img/forum/go_quote.gif i would want my dog to alert me when someone close!! you might hank him/her for it at 3am when someone breaks into your house and makes off with the pico you spent months waiting to get shipped!!

X2.....I think it's is his job!!!!

 

[Jaska]

Do you live in an apartment where the barking is a problem for neighbors? If not, and the dog is otherwise well behaved, I wouldn't personally go beyond trying to correct the barking by rattling something noisy and annoying, like a tin can full of pennies, at him.

I just hope you don't resort to "de-barking."

 

[tjumper78]

i live in a duplex so there is another family living the next door. they have not complained. yet. the problem is that while i'm at work, my father (works night shifts) sleeps during the day. now theres a problem. =(

 

[Jaska]

I would try this. I think like a dog, and I believe it would work for me.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Buy IEMs and closed headphones for your neighbors.

Not sure what else you could try. I don't have this problem with my cat.

 

[Nick 214]

Trade him for a cat.

 

[epaludo]

That's why i love English Bulldogs so much. They simply don't bark at all ...

 

[thread]

Hey at least you don't have this dog...

Tiny Dog Has Been Barking Nonstop For 6 Years | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

 

[mrdeadfolx]

Throw a milk bone onto the street just as the dog catcher is coming by, voilà problem solved

 

[david21]

Call.... THE DOG WHISPERER

 

[Aimless1]

I have had and have setters. Currently Gordon Setters which is a mid siz dog about 50lbs. My Gordons are "talkers".

Couple of ideas come immediately to mind (not joking):
1. Use a squirt gun to a water cannon to squirt him with water when he barks. The water hitting him will stun him and allow you to administer the appropriate discipline.
2. Use a "no bark" electronic collar. It teaches the dog to not bark by administering an electronic nick. Best described as similar to a mosquito bite. They make sizes appropriate for your dog.

The problem with the water is that it must be available and ready to use by you when the problem manifests itself. The No Bark collar is nice because the dog teaches itself not to bark and does not associate the correction with you.

Good luck!

 

[Happy Camper]

We breed Shih Tzus and I don't think you can keep them quiet. As lovable as they are, they are a strong willed dog. Any noise that is not normal, they bark. I train with positive attention but when it's time to let loose, nothing short of shouting them down does it. I used to have a macaw and when he let loose, everything in a 20 block area shut up. I don't think this is a solution though. All the positive re-enforcement won't do you any good when you leave.

If you keep the dog penned while gone, a bark collar can be dangerous. Getting the shock device caught up in the wiring could chock the dog. If you have to keep it quiet, perhaps finding a sitter to take them to while your gone is the only way.