I finally broke my dog's habit of barking
By dragon54u
@dragon54u (31634)
United States
May 3, 2008 2:44pm CST
at anything that moved. In Arizona, everyone had big block fences and she couldn't see anything so she didn't bark too much. Here in Ohio, everyone has chainlink fences and she sees everything, so much to bark at!
But we've been here nearly a year and she was still barking up a storm--at other dogs, at people walking by, at children! So yesterday I got a coffee can and put about six pennies in it and when she'd tear outside through the doggie door and start barking, I'd rattle the can.
Poor Cookie! She was so shocked and upset at that darn can! I hate to do that to her but my neighbors have been very patient and I can't let her disrupt the entire block 24/7.
So, she's cured. It only took twice with the can, she's pretty smart. I hope she cheers up soon, I've been playing with her a lot more now that she's not outside barking all the time!
1 person likes this
4 responses
@goergineo (1498)
• Jordan
3 May 08
well, good done. that is really a good news and you have my best wishes.
2 people like this
@redbutterfly20 (111)
•
2 Jul 08
Well at least you didn't Debark her. Cudos for that, some people are so cruel. Rather than trying different techniques to help with the problem they go and do something so heartless. Good for you for having so much patience.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
2 Jul 08
OMG, I could never do that to my wonderful dog!! It should be illegal! If I can't handle my dog and train her, I don't deserve to have her.
Thanks for the reply! 
@oneinchsidehop (39)
• United States
3 May 08
My Ex just got another dog (she used to hate dogs, now she's great with them, I'm almost starting to like... nah) anyhow, a redcoon hound, 7 mo puppy. He barks, he pees, he dumps in her new kitchen, I love this dog.
But both of her dogs have trouble with barking when their scared. Maybe the coffee can is a good way of dealing with it. I'll pass this one on.
Thanks!
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
3 May 08
You mean a redbone hound? Gad, those are gorgeous!! We have one that is walked down our street every day that's just magnificent.
Isn't it kind of great when an ex gets a taste of trouble? 
I know it's juvenile, but it's kind of fun to see them all discombobulated.
If they're barking when they're scared, the can won't help. They need some therapy. Like if they're scared of thunder, she has to make sure she's there when it's thundering and play with them or something else pleasant that they like. Then they'll associate the thunder with good stuff. That worked on all my dogs--except Gus, he's such a dim bulb sometimes that he's barely a night light!
I know it's juvenile, but it's kind of fun to see them all discombobulated.
If they're barking when they're scared, the can won't help. They need some therapy. Like if they're scared of thunder, she has to make sure she's there when it's thundering and play with them or something else pleasant that they like. Then they'll associate the thunder with good stuff. That worked on all my dogs--except Gus, he's such a dim bulb sometimes that he's barely a night light!
