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Barking dog advice?
We've had our oldest beagle for over 7 years now. She's always been stubborn and strong-willed but her barking has progressively gotten worse in her old age.
She barks all.the.time! Incessantly. She barks at her food. She barks if one of the other dogs is across the room while she's eating. She barks when Anna plays. She barks the entire time while I'm cooking. She's been barking for the last hour at the lasagna coking on the stove. You get the idea. It's not just a couple barks and then silence, its bark bark bark bark all day long.
Obedience school wouldn't work for this problem. She's gone to it before. Yelling at her doesn't work. Positive reinforcement doesn't work. Spray bottles doesn't work. Ultrasonic anti-bark machine didn't work. We even tried a shock collar out of desperation years ago (No flames please-at our old house, the neighbors complained to the police so it was stop the barking or get rid of Abby. Besides, I made DH try it on his neck before I put it on the dog to make sure it didn't hurt) It didn't deter her.
The only thing we haven't tried is the citronella sprayer but I really don't want it spraying in the house around a child. I heard there's an anti-bark surgery but it's probably not for an older dog.
I'm at my wits end with this dog. She's been a part of my family for a long time so I'd never consider getting rid of her. I'm just hoping there's a magic cure for this. Thanks for letting me vent!
Re: Barking dog advice?
I've heard good things about the citronella sprayer. I haven't tried it but my dogs don't bark unless they want to go outside or out of their crates.
I am very wary of any de-bark surgery but here are some things I would consider first...
*A long walk, dog park visit or doggy daycare. Tired dogs are more likely not to be a nuisance
*An animal behaviorist, which may be able to give you some good advice on how to control nuisance barking.
I hope something works for you. Maddy loves beagles maybe she can wear her out?
How is her hearing? I know a lot of dogs that are losing their hearing tend to bark more often.
I would try the citronella collar. It can't hurt.
Check with your Vet - there could be a medical reason for her increasing barking. They might be able to provide medication or advice on what methods might help.
I'd also consider obedience / behavior training. The "Quiet" command has worked wonders with my Beagle.
Oh and I totally agree with Mona...a tired dog is a well behaved dog. Perhaps try tiring her out some?
Good Luck!
I have a citronella collar that we are not using if you want it. Its brand new. I bought it for when our dog goes to doggie daycare and barks non stop. But the one I bought is sensitive to actual balrking in the room, so even if other dogs were barking Otis was getting sprayed
Let me know if you want it. Its from Drs. Foster and Smith.
GL!
I have heard horrible things about the surgery, and I think you are right about it not being for older dogs. I think they actually sever the vocal chords of the dogs and its quite painful for them.
I have heard a dog bark who had the surgery and it was not silent, more like they were being choked and barking at the same time- -honestly a little painful for me to hear. Plus, it doesnt ease the anxiety of the dog.
I think a dog behaviorist is going to be your best bet. What you have described sounds like reactionary barking as a response to noises that your dog may hear. I would speak to your vet about anti-anxiety meds and see if that helps the issue. Good luck!
I'd try the vet first, to rule out any medical issues.
Next step, behaviorist. A behaviorist might be able to get to the bottom of the issue if it's psychological.
As a final step, I'd try an anti-anxiety med. I put my dog on Xanax when he goes to the groomers. I resisted it as long as possible.but it ended up being the only option after we exhausted everything else.
Good luck.