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Q: Is it possible to train a dog to stop barking on command?

March 14, 2008 | By phyllis k. | 3 answers | Expired: 1881 days ago

Is it possible to train a dog to stop barking on command?

When a herd of 12 deer crossed through the back yard my Sheltie mix went nuts. Running all over the house barking and at 7:30am it's not too appretiated. I tried holding his snout and saying quiet and no, but he just kept on barking. So I put him in his crate till he got quiet and after 3 tries he finally stayed quiet. An hour later, after the deer were long gone, he went to the door, calmly, to go out, so I let him. The first thing he did was run like lightening to where the deer used to be and started barkin' his brains out and running all over. Our last dog would sit on the porch and watch the deer,no barking or running, so i'm hoping we can teach this one to leave them alone. He's only 9 months old, so is it possible or is it the breed? We like to see deer in the yard!

Readers' Answers (3)

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Lisa

Mar 14, 2008

Shelties do have a lot to say. Plus, he probably thought he was warning you of "intruders" into your (and his) territory. When he quieted, did you reward that behavior? The best way to get him to quiet on command is to issue the command in a calm, quiet tone, and once he settles, reward that behavior. It took a while to teach my pack of 5 Lab mixes, but they now know when to settle down. I use the command "enough". I also use Cesar's "ssst" sound as a warning. Being consistent is importnt, as is resisting the urge to yell, since then, as far as the dog is concerned, you are "barking" too.

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TeriWarner

Mar 14, 2008

YES, POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT. HE BARKS ,YOU SAY NO, HE STOPS YOU SAY GOOD BOY AND REWARD HIM WITH A TREAT. IT WON'T HAPPEN IN A DAY BUT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

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