Can you help? We are having a problem with Sammy, our rescue dog. We live on a fairly busy street, with lots of walk by traffic. Sammy is running to the window and barking at everyone who passes by...it can go on for a bit, but I really need your help. I called another dog trainer who told me to throw a can of pennies at him and one who said to use a water bottle and spray him. I tried both and he is getting worse. My vet said to call you. Hoping for any advise you can give.
Rachael and Sammy in Fairhaven
Dear Rachael and Sammy,
Yes, we are happy to help.
What you are describing is Alert Barking. You can tell this type of barking from other types as he is looking at the thing he is trying to alert you to. This is a normal and natural behavior in dogs. Sammy sees the passer-byer's as a threat. Please note, this is a situation your dog views as a threat, not necessarily something you see as a threat. Maybe its a neighbor dog, maybe a mail carrier person or maybe a family member on a dimly lit porch. He is doing his job, to alert you to the dangers in the world, as he sees it. When you reprimand and scold a dog for a normal and natural behavior they often hear "you suck at your job, do it better" so the behavior can get worse. Sammy only wants to the right thing, he is just trying to succeed at his job. To extinguish the behavior we are going to thank him, appreciate him and reward him for a job well done.
First, I want you to arm your home with several small closed containers of super yummy treats. Keep them nearby, so you never have to go far to get some. High value stuff here (dehydrated fish, cheese, hot dog etc.) or better yet, get a treat pouch and keep it on you at all times. When Sammy barks at a trigger, I want you to get up quickly and go to him fast, tell him "THANK YOU"(light, happy-smiling voice) and give him the treat. Then quickly begin to back up and call him away "COME AWAY" and give him another treat. He may see the trigger again, and bark again, but just keep repeating the above.
WHAT? did I just tell you to reward your dog for barking????
No... here's why. You thanked your dog for a job well done. By getting up and going to him, you have acknowledged what he needed- for you to be made aware of the threat. By giving him the treat, you are rewarding for the very last thing he did - focusing on you and not barking! Then by calling him away and rewarding him again, you let him know what you want him to do after alerting you to the problem.
Remember, its not that we don't want Sammy to bark, ever... Believe me if someone was breaking in to your house, you want to know. We just want him to understand that one or two barks is enough, his job is done and he can settle, as you have it covered.
Now, after working this for a few days, I want you to really pay attention to his body language BEFORE he alert barks. The barks is probably the 3rd or 4th physical manifestation of the alert. He probably 1) goes to the window 2) tail goes up 3) ears go up 4) he alert barks.
I want you to now start thanking him and calling him away (remember, still rewarding twice) for the non verbal alerts. Let him know he does not need to bark in order to do his job, often he only needs to alert with his tail or ears. Just like you, dogs want to expel the least amount of energy to get the job done.
Yes, this means more work on your part. You need to be diligent and observe your dog. Pay attention, be mindful of his environment.
You will notice, over time, his need to alert to you will gradually fade off. Once he knows you are a team, working together.
All the best,
Angi, Tails-A-Wagging
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