How can I get my 7-month-old, Alpha-acting mini Labradoodle to stop barking when he plays, there is a knock at the door etc.? I am trying to train him but feel overwhelmed at the task with all the other dogs. I just combined families and now have 5 dogs ranging from two at 11 hours old and a 6-year-old and two under a year.
Dear Lisa,
Sounds like you have your hands way more full than most. In order to end a barking habit, you have to be near the dog in case you have to perform a body tap and be so consistent.
Dogs tend to bark out of fear, aggression and playfulness. In your puppy’s case it seems as if your dog is thinking he is the boss which generally let,s me know that his training is not as consistent and clear it needs to be. Although I have never used a citronella spray collar before, I am going to suggest it in this case to see if your Labradoodle responds favorably. It will be a guaranteed way to ensure consistency.
Please know that this is a band-aid type of treatment and is not to replace clear, consistent, proper training on a daily basis to help your dog learn what you require of him. So I would use it in conjunction with a solid training routine to remind him that he needs to express himself in a different manner and that you are his leader, he is not yours.
Paws Up! Alecia
Alecia Evans is the inventor of The Walk In Sync™ Humane Dog Walking and Training System with her exclusive 5 Minute Manners Makeovers using the Walk In Sync™ Harness and Accu-Grip Leash, along with her Walk In Sync™ 3 Easy Steps to teach any human/dog duos to Walk In Sync in just minutes.
The former host of the award-winning GrassRoots Aspen TV Series, The Whole Animal-An Alternative Approach to Animal Care, Alecia takes a natural approach to dog training and health care. Her work has been featured on Fox and Friends, The Sandra Glosser Show, NY 1, and in Aspen Magazine, DogTipper.com, The New York Daily News and Woof Report.
- Sighthound Day - September 27, 2024
- Cottage Cheese Ice Cream for Dogs Recipe - July 29, 2024
- New Dog Treat Cookbooks! - June 17, 2024