Raising Puppies

Barking at People or Other Dogs

If your puppy barks or growls at other people or dogs when you're out for a walk, she may be trying to tell you that she's afraid of them. You may notice that her ears are down, her tail tucked, and that she is trying to hide behind you. Some puppies, especially those who don't usually get to see or play with other puppies or people outside your family, may get overly excited when they see people or other dogs. They may bark, growl, and lunge on the leash toward them.

If your puppy does this, contact a professional, reward-based dog trainer to assist you. It also may be a good idea to put your puppy in kindergarten or a manners class to get her more socialized. Depending on the severity of the behavior, it may be better to start with private lessons. Never force a puppy to confront something she fears, because this can make the fear much worse. And if your puppy is acting aggressively, don't let her go up to the other dog to "let her see that everything's okay." The other dog may not appreciate your puppy's behavior and may react accordingly.

Barking to Get Something

You may have accidentally taught your puppy that, if she barks, she gets something. For example, she barks at you constantly while you're preparing her dinner. When you give her the food bowl, she gets quiet to eat. You've just rewarded her barking. Here's another example: She drops a toy in your lap and barks at you to throw it. If you throw it, you've paid her for barking. You have to change your habits before you can change your puppy's habits. First, stop giving any kind of attention or reward for barking.

The next time that your puppy barks to get something, give your quiet cue and freeze. Do absolutely nothing. She will become confused and may start barking more. Still freeze. Don't repeat the quiet cue over and over, don't lecture her, don't look her in the eyes (that's attention), and don't say anything. She will eventually stop. The second she does, mark "Yes" and continue what you were originally doing. She'll bark again. Repeat. If you are very clear you move when she's quiet and not when she's barkingshe'll learn that being quiet gets her closer to what she wants.

For example, let's say that she's brought you a ball to fetch, and she starts to bark. Tell her "Hush" (or whatever cue you've chosen) and freeze. The second she stops, mark "Yes!" and start to reach for the ball. She'll likely bark. Tell her "Hush" and freeze again. Only move toward throwing the ball for her when she's quiet. She really wants you to throw that ball. So, if you're clear in your communication, she will learn that her talking gets no action.