Barking Remedy
The following tip is taken from canine behavior expert
William E. Campbell's book, "The New Better Behavior
in Dogs."
Sneak 'n Peek
(This approach can also be adapted for use with dogs
who engaged in destructive behavior such as chewing
furniture when the owner is away from home.)
This correction is called sneak 'n peek. Use the
setups by leaving or coming home earlier than your
usual time on work days as well as on your days off.
Make all your usual preparations for going to work,
then:
1. Sit down quietly for at least five minutes in the
area that you usually leave the dog.
2. Pay no attention to him. Don't even make eye
contact or speak.
3. Get up and leave without a word.
4. Start the car and drive off down the street -- do
whatever makes the dog think you are really gone.
5. Then sneak back to an area adjacent to the dog,
but out of his sight and scenting ability (if outside,
stay downwind). The instant the dog displays any sign
that he may start barking, such as pacing or whining,
or if he does start barking, apply a noise as a
"distracter." The distracter must be some sound other
than your voice. The sounds must be quick -- less than
a second in duration -- in order to be successful. A
single rap on the window, door, fence, etc.,
interrupts the dog's attention from the barking but
avoids revealing where the distracter came from. If
possible, move your observation point behind the dog
when his attention is on his usual target. When the
barking stops, do not praise the dog. Remain silent
and repeat the distracter if the barking starts again
or if you see or hear the dog getting ready to bark.
6. Continue this routine until the dog settles down.
This may take between a few minutes to an hour, but it
must be done.
If you must leave for work before total success is
achieved, don't worry -- complete correction will take
a little longer, but eventually you will win. You
will know you are making headway when the following
happens: A sound occurs that used to cause barking;
the dog alerts to it but settles down or just whines
or sniffs in the direction of the sound.
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