Can't stop my dog from barking/ half growling!!

[jackie_g]

I have a 6 year old Pomeranian Maltese mix. She is a great dog but... she does not know when to stop barking when some one is at the door or when she thinks someone might be at the door. I do have a shocking bark collar but I do not like to use it plus I don't think it works on her because she doesn't stop barking and I'm not willing to cut her hair around her neck just to give her a shock. Barking is not the problem, I'm okay with having her let me know that someone is at the door or even in the driveway. The problem is that even long after she gets her barking out she continues to growl, it's very annoying. I know she doing it because she is nervous and agitated but this goes on sometimes an hour after the person has left. I've tried everything. I try talking to her in a soothing calming voice, (it's okay no one is here) I tried giving her negative reinforcement, I've read books and tried to look up solutions on line. I'm at my wits end with this, please help!

 

[lizzybeth727]

My dog barks when someone's at the door, too, which I'm grateful for. But I do agree, sometimes they can go a bit long and you need a way to tell them to be quiet. Here's a recent thread about how to teach your dog "hush" on cue (post #7):
http://www.chazhound.com/forums/t111014/

 

[jackie_g]

Thanks lizzybeth but she already knows the hush comman,maybe I just need to practice it more. But when the behivior goes on for as long as an hour, and/or she hiding under the bed while doing it its impossible. So u think I should consider doggy downers?

 

[lizzybeth727]

I think drugs are a LAST resort. I'd definately work on "hush" more, and if that doesn't work I'd consult with a trainer/behviorist before resorting to medications.

 

[Maura]

Poms are very barky, so getting her to hush after a few barks is the best you'll do. But she's a guard dog, right? When you hush her give her a small glob of peanut butter then go about your business. The idea is to distract her. If this works, you can give her a reward of something that will keep her mouth busy, a bone or something. You can also tell her to hush, she hushes, then you go into some obedience or trick routine. Again, to distract her.

 

[kenbig]

Try This Option It will Work !!!!!!!

Hi, it's unfortunate that your 6 years old dog is still behaving this way.
Barking is part of the duties of a dog but should not be reckless. I think she is
nervous but if she is nursing puppies these can be expected from her because she may be scaring visitors from coming close to her babies. But if she is not,
the behavior is abnormal and should be corrected. I am very sure that there is no bad behavior of any dog that does not have a solution. You said that you have read some e-books but could not find a lasting solution to her problem.
my candid advice is click on the link below
Dog Training Masters Home Study Course
I am sure you will find a lasting solution to her barking problem because when my Jackie was behaving abnormally, the e-book i bought from this sit
solved his problem within few weeks.
Good luck,
Kenbig.

 

[Dekka]

FYI never correct growling and would avoid that site.

 

[jackie_g]

thanks

The act of distracting her when she barks works very well, even if I don't have a treat handy she just does her tricks to please me and forgets. And another thread said that if she's nursing she could become extra nervous.well I got a pair of kittens about 3 months ago and for about the 1st month and a half she nursed them, such a strange sight. Maybe that's a reason why she always seems so nervous?