correcting barking behavior

[sblock]

Hi, I'm the owner of the rescue dog who barks at the moon. I've been following Patrica McConnell's method--when he starts barking, I lure him away from the window with a treat, say "enough," tell him to lie down, and then reward him with the treat. This is working pretty well, although when he's really excited, I sometimes have to do it several times. Here's my question, though: will this method eventually teach him not to bark in the first place? I ask this because he started barking at the moon around 1 AM last night (he could see it through the window at the top of the door), resulting in some late-night training sessions. Any advice would be much appreciated!

[Rebecca, Irena Farm]

It's time to up the ante. What I do is allow one bark, then I say, "Thank you." (You'd use the "enough" I guess) At that time, the dog MUST be quiet, on his own, no luring/treating - just the dog making the conscious decision to behave like he knows you exist.

 

Unless the "threat" has changed in some way, I'll then correct any further barking/alerting. Deciding whether a threat is past or not is the privilege of the one in charge, and "crying wolf" after the "all clear" is indicated is a BIG no-no in doggy culture.

 

For the first offence, I just issue a quiet but firm, "eht" or "that's enough!" After that, it's in the crate or out of the room. If you decide to use a time out, I'd suggest using a shortened leash and just leave it, to minimize your interaction as you lead the dog to the crate.

 

For a very stimulated dog, you MUST start this before the barking cycle starts. If he does any vocalization before getting really into it, that's when you start this, not when he's covering the window with flying saliva. Therefore, because he's used to being allowed to pay attention to you when he feels like it, you'll have to be prepared to basically say, "Thank you! - NO!" Then immediately take the leash quietly and calmly and crate him.

 

Then let him out a few minutes later and do it again. Rinse, repeat, until he's at least hesitating after the "all clear."