Four Legged Scholars LLC – Dog Training – Ravenna and Surrounding Areas
Are your ears hurting because your dog barks so much? Do you wish that your dog would be more quiet? We understand. Let’s get your dog to be more quiet now.
This past Tuesday, I met Lori and her son’s dog, Merle. Merle is a Blue Heeler mix that needed help with dog training. Ravenna is where they live. Merle’s biggest issue is that he barks every time he wants something.
Humans can talk when they want something. Dogs talk by barking. Many times as owners we give our dogs what they want when they bark. As a result, the dogs learn that barking gets them what they want.
This morning my daughter was upset that she dropped her chocolate chip in the car. She was upset and whined for another chip.
I told her she could have one after she calmly said “Can I have another chocolate chip, please.” She resisted and kept whining.
Eventually, she realized that if she changed the way she asked for the chip, she would get it. So she said in calm voice “Mom can I have another chip, please.” Of course, she got it.
Think of this same situation with your dog. He barks for a treat, to be pet, to be fed, to be let outside, to have the ball thrown, etc. Each time he does this if you give him what he wants, he will keep replaying this pattern.
What if you chose to change. As Ghandi said “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” What if you stopped giving your dog what he wanted when he bark, and instead waited until your dog was sitting quietly.
If you did this consistently, your dog would learn that sitting quietly gets him what he wants.
Merle loves to bark to get attention. During our session with dog training, Ravenna rang with loud barking.
Merle wanted to bark and jump for everything. We ignored this behavior and rewarded the quiet sit. The behavior got worse before it started to improve. This may happen to you as well.
Yes it is simple with dog training. Ravenna friends and family will be impressed by your quiet and calm dog.
Your dog maybe determined to try barking for a while, especially if it has worked in the past.
With the new criteria, it will be important that you don’t give into the barking. Be consistent with rewarding a quiet sit.
Johanna Teresi, Ravenna Dog Trainer, Four Legged Scholars LLC, Dog Training, Ravenna
Contact us and tell us about your dog
0 Comments