How to prevent bad influence of yappy dog!

[ailsa]

My mum is coming to stay in a few weeks. She'll be bringing her miniature schnauzer, Lottie, with her. I absolutely adore Lottie - she's such a character - but she has one ear-splitting bad habit: she barks like a banshee at the postman, people walking past the window etc.

It wouldn't have occurred to me that this might be a problem if it hadn't been for this past weekend, when we looked after Tippy, a friend's dog. She had the same habit, and within a couple of incidences, our lovely silent Archie was copying her! Fortunately, as soon as Tippy left, he stopped doing it, but I'm worried that, with Lottie staying a whole week, that the bad habit will become embedded and we'll end up with a dog that barks at anything that moves.

Does anyone have any advice they can offer to stop it before it starts? Other than tying Lottie's gob shut?

Here's a gratuitous pic of Lottie, just because I luvs her...



Incidentally, when Archie first arrived I was really concerned that Lottie might prove a bit too much of a temptation for him. After all, she doesn't half look like a rabbit when she runs! However, he's proven so far to be an absolute gent with dogs of all sizes. He even met a (revolting) chihuahua/poodle cross a few days ago and no matter how much the little rat leapt around him like a mad thing, he didn't bat an eyelid. Also, Lottie's such a little madam, she would know exactly how to keep him in his place!

[vickyb]

We've got this problem with our 12 yr old small fluffy girl and recently tried Pet Corrector spray (£4.99 P@H) , using it as soon as she starts barking and she is BAD, so noisy if she sees anyone come near the house, us included! It's working wonders, stops her in mid bark and now as soon as we go for the can she glares at us but shuts up. We've used it in the car as she does it at lorries and motor bikes and it works there too. She's a stroppy madam who rules the roost and the hounds and I really thought she was too old but to change but it has done a great job. We tried a water pistol and all that happened was everywhere got wet and she barked even more, thinking it was a great game to bite the water and shout at it
Its not smelly, it's the noise it makes that deters them, apparently to them its like a snake or goose. Worth a try for £4.99, good luck

[just jackie]

I have seen the Pet Corrector Spray in use and can confirm that it does work. It's actually an inert gas like fresh air that it fires, and the sound acts to distract the dog from the unwanted behaviour.

The only comment I would make about using this or anything similar is that you need to get the timing spot on.

Vet UK sell it by the way, and by ordering from them you will help to raise funds for Gap.

www.vetuk.co.uk/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=205

Jackie
x

[vickyb]

May 28, 2008 9:21:46 GMT -5 just jackie said:

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Vet UK sell it by the way, and by ordering from them you will help to raise funds for Gap.

www.vetuk.co.uk/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=205

And its cheaper than P@H!

[elmuervo]

Everybody told us that greyhounds were silent giants, but within a couple of days of living with us - and, more importantly, little territorial barky whippet x border collie Ellie - newly retired Barney had well and truly found his voice. And he's never lost it. He sounds like a canine Lee Marvin, which is very funny.

Girls are a very bad influence indeed . . .

That's not very reassuring at all, is it? Sorry . . . I'll go now . . .