[sallyhoneypot]

Daisy, now 9 1/2 weeks, has suddenly found her voice and has started to bark when ever she does not get her own way. She barks when she wants to come on the sofa, when we won't let her bite us (which is never by the way!), when her favourite toy of the moment is frustrating her. The cats same to control her much better than we do, we are ignoring the barking, is this the right thing to do or should be distract her?

 

[jaimebpa1]

Ignoring Olive has never worked to get rid of any behaviour, but i know a lot of people suggest it. I've always had to take an assertive stance with her though. Now I say "hey" in a stern voice when i want a behaviour to stop. She has learned that "hey" means she is doing something wrong. Ignoring is one way to get rid of unwanted behaviours though so you could keep trying that.

 

[Jedicrazy]

I have used the ignoring technique and a firm 'No' for various unwanted behaviours and can't really tell which works best :decision: . I think it depends on the situation and the dog. Try ignoring first and if that doesn't work try the firm voice with whatever command you think works best. If you use the voice/command then be consistent with the tone and the word you use. Good luck.

 

[Pollypiglet]

For really serious persistant barking I use Pet Corrector basically compressed air in a can the hiss it produces is often enough to distract the dog long enough to give a treat and praise the ceasation of barking. I only use it if my other distraction methods fail! Works for me.