I recently received a request from someone regarding their dog and a barking problem. Here is their question: I have a male Springer spaniel named dusty and he barks at everything but when my dad is home he doesn't bark, when my dad leaves for work no one can make him stop barking.
Please help,
randomperson, age 12
Dear Randomperson, age 12:
Dogs bark for various reasons, communication, boredom, separation anxiety, and to alert you about something to name a few. From what you have told me, I am assuming that Dusty maybe experiencing separation anxiety from your Dad. Here are a few tools to help you and Dusty get started making life a little quieter.
First and foremost you must be patient with Dusty. You have to regard him as a perpetual 2 year old that's not getting his way. As you remain calm Dusty will get calm. If Dusty knows basic sit, stay, and lay, commands those will come in handy. It's easy to get caught up in yelling, as you want to be heard over a barking dog, but that will only encourage him to bark more. When Dad leaves have Dusty lay, give him a treat, praise him, and then give him a new chew toy at this time. This toy will be his “when Dad leaves toy”. This will be the only time he will be allowed to chew this toy. His comfort toy as it were. If he is laying down playing and chewing, he doesn't have time to bark. At least that's our plan.
A “Kong” is great for this. You can put some peanut butter and a dog biscuit up inside it for him to work getting at. (Be sure to buy the “Kong” size that fits your breed) If time permits, toss it a couple of times let him retrieve it for you, before letting him settle down to conquering the treats hidden inside. This accomplishes two things. It distracts him while Dad leaves and it helps tire him out so he wants to lie down and chew for awhile vs. barking. Dad doesn't need to be the one to give him this toy, nor does he need to make a big deal of his return. This only increases notice of the separation anxiety. If Dad is allowed to leave and return virtually unnoticed this will show Dusty that it's okay, and not a big deal, with the rest of the pack; whereas if everyone is swarming around him as he comes and goes so will Dusty. It comes with the pack mentality.
Be sure to use one word cues with Dusty when teaching him to be quiet. Everyone should agree on the word, and should use the same basic tone with a snap, but not scream or yell. Basically, say “Quiet”, and a snap of your fingers will usually suffice. If Dusty responds, give him a treat. I often find that using finger cues along with my words seems to work a little better, and it usually ends up I just have to use finger cues in the future to get the desired result. Sort of doggie sign language as it were. Practice this in very short intervals. You don't want him to associate treats with barking to the point he barks to get a treat. Remember: Say what you mean, and mean what you say.
If this advice doesn't help there are lots of great books at your local library and bookstore that can help you, not to mention various websites I am sure that you can choose from. This is based on my personal experience. Let me know what works for you!
Happy tails from my pack to yours!
